Manager, Originations

Possible Hybrid Workplace Opportunity

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.

A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) is one of several HCR agencies. SONYMA’s programs provide mortgage financing to assist low- to moderate-income, first-time homebuyers in the purchase of one-to-four-unit residences that are required to meet eligibility criteria established by the Agency and by applicable Federal law. This position will report to the Single-Family Programs unit of SONYMA. The Single-Family unit reports to HCR’s Homeownership and Community Development.

Job Summary: 

Employee will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the SONYMA Originations Unit from loan registration through approval to purchase.  Maintaining business relationships between SONYMA and its participating lenders, as well as indirect business partners such as builders, affordable housing non-profit organizations, and others. 

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervise a staff of loan analysts and team leaders in day-to-day functions.


• Coach and support Team Leaders in handling escalations, pipeline management, and associate development ensuring alignment with SONYMA’s mission, values, and compliance obligations.


• Conduct lender training on use and navigation of SONYMA systems.  Communicate system outages, changes and enhancements verbally and in writing with internal staff, and lenders.


• Provide lender assistance and training on SONYMA mortgage products, process, policies, procedures, and systems.  Conduct routine subject matter review.


• Identify internal staff and external partners knowledge gaps and error trends.


• Ensure that closed loan documents and files submitted by lenders are reviewed promptly, comply with IRS and Agency requirements under the terms approved by SONYMA and such lenders receive timely and accurate responses from the department personnel.


• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of compliance income calculations under tax exempt bond program.


• Monitor Agency pipeline and follow-up with lenders to ascertain loan status on aged reservations and commitments.


• Supervise handling of all rate lock-in extension requests; generate and provide lenders with pipeline management reports, as needed.


• Oversee loan reservations; ensure data integrity, timely submission, and reporting produced promptly and accurately.


• Review, approve or escalate, as needed, policy exception requests related to property condition, household income calculation, and SONYMA document requirements.


• Provide oversight of the Community Land Trusts, Project Set-Asides, and Manufactured Home Community approval processes.


• Work closely with the Senior Vice President, Vice President, Business Development Officers and other Unit Managers of the Single-Family Division to resolve issues and to effectively communicate program announcements, etc.


• Maintain proficiency in SONYMA mortgage processes, policies, and procedures, as well as the requirements and policies of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, private mortgage insurers and other relevant mortgage and secondary market products and programs.


• Conduct Internal Control processes for the Originations Unit. Submit procedures and reporting to Internal Audit annually.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field is preferred. In lieu of a degree, candidates may qualify with equivalent professional experience, including relevant professional training and certification programs.


• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the mortgage lending industry is required, preferably with experience in mortgage underwriting, processing, and general operations.


• The candidate must possess a high degree of knowledge of SONYMA mortgage products.


• The candidate must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare written materials, speak publicly when required, and present information in a clear and professional manner.


• The successful candidate must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrate initiative and a strong work ethic, and effectively organize time and workload to meet established goals and productivity expectations.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

What we offer: 

• Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.


• Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals


• Work life balance benefits including a 37.5-hour work week and paid time off benefits including vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays


• Opportunity for compressed scheduling


• Paid Family Leave


• Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling


• As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer.

Additional SONYMA/HFA/AHC Benefits: 

• Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals. 


• Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job-related courses 


• Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange)


• Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more! 


• Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to next year for a maximum of $1300.

About New York State Homes and Community Renewal: 

Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low and moderate income families. Our mission is far reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders. 

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction, finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies.