Director, Project Based Vouchers (PBV) and Special Programs

The Director of Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) and Special Programs provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and regulatory direction for the Housing Authority’s Project Based Voucher Program and assigned HUD Special Programs. The Director is responsible for advancing affordable housing initiatives, maximizing program performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering partnerships that expand housing opportunities and promote resident self-sufficiency. This position provides executive oversight of Project-Based Voucher operations, Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), and other HUD-funded special programs while serving as a key advisor to executive leadership on housing policy, program development, regulatory compliance, and strategic initiatives. The Director develops innovative solutions that improve housing stability, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance resident outcomes while ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Program Development Develop and implement strategic initiatives that expand affordable housing opportunities Evaluate emerging housing needs and recommend innovative program enhancements aligned with the Authority’s Strategic Plan. Identify opportunities to expand housing inventory through Project-Based Voucher developments and strategic community partnerships. Recommend policy, operational, and program improvements that enhance customer service, operational efficiency, and housing outcomes. Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership regarding affordable housing initiatives, HUD regulations, and special program development. Lead organizational change initiatives affecting PBV and Special Programs. Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Administration Direct all operational aspects of the Project-Based Voucher Program. Oversee competitive selection processes for PBV developments in accordance with HUD regulations and agency policies. Monitor execution and administration of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contracts. Ensure timely lease-up of PBV units and maximize voucher utilization. Oversee owner relations, contract compliance, and program performance. Coordinate PBV development activities with internal departments, developers, and external stakeholders. Monitor occupancy rates, vacancy trends, and portfolio performance. Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) & Special Programs Provide strategic oversight of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program and assigned HUD Special Programs. Monitor participant outcomes, escrow account growth, employment outcomes, graduation rates, and performance measures. Develop partnerships with workforce development agencies, educational institutions, financial literacy providers, employers, and community organizations to improve resident self-sufficiency. Evaluate program effectiveness using performance metrics and continuous improvement strategies. Ensure assigned Special Programs operate in compliance with HUD regulations while supporting resident independence and economic mobility. Oversee implementation of future HUD Special Programs and demonstration initiatives as assigned. Affordable Housing Development & Community Partnerships Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with developers, property owners, management companies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, service providers, and community stakeholders. Collaborate with internal departments on new affordable housing development opportunities. Participate in project planning, environmental review coordination, lease-up planning, and implementation activities. Represent the Housing Authority before governmental agencies, industry organizations, and community partners. Identify partnership opportunities that expand affordable housing resources and supportive services. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all applicable HUD regulations, federal statutes, state laws, agency policies, and Administrative Plan requirements. Oversee compliance related to: Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reasonable Accommodations Environmental Review requirements Uniform Relocation requirements (when applicable) Coordinate HUD monitoring reviews, audits, and corrective action plans. Interpret regulatory guidance and implement operational changes as required. Develop internal policies and procedures that promote regulatory compliance and operational consistency. Financial & Performance Management Monitor program budgets, Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), grant expenditures, and Develop forecasting models and recommend resource allocation strategies. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for PBV and Special Programs. Analyze utilization rates, leasing performance, vacancy trends, participant outcomes, financial performance, and operational metrics. Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership, HUD, and the Board of Recommend operational improvements based on performance data and industry best practices. Leadership & Organizational Excellence Direct, supervise, coach, and evaluate assigned management and professional staff. Establish departmental goals, objectives, and performance expectations. Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement. Foster employee engagement and professional development. Lead cross-functional teams in support of strategic organizational initiatives. Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Procurement, Asset Management, Resident Services, Inspections, Compliance, and Housing Choice Voucher Operations to achieve organizational goals. Minimum Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Housing Administration, Human Services, Finance, or a closely related field. Experience Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience administering federally assisted housing programs, affordable housing initiatives, or related public sector programs. Minimum of three (3) years of management or supervisory experience. Experience administering Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Programs required. Experience overseeing HUD-funded Special Programs preferred. Experience working with developers, community organizations, and governmental agencies preferred. Experience interpreting HUD regulations and managing compliance reviews. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Thorough knowledge of: HUD regulations Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Federal housing legislation Program compliance Public sector budgeting Community partnership development Ability to: Build strategic partnerships. Lead organizational and operational change. Analyze program performance and financial data. Develop policies and operational procedures. Resolve complex operational and regulatory issues. Effectively communicate with executive leadership, HUD representatives, developers, elected officials, and community stakeholders. Lead and develop high-performing teams. Manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. Preferred Certifications Certified Public Housing Manager (CPHM) Housing Choice Voucher Specialist Certification National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Certifications The salary range is $110,000 - $115,000.

BENEFITS

Healthcare flexible spending account Dependent Care flexible spending account Commuter flexible spending account Paid time off including 14 Holidays 401(k) - Employer contribution of 6% This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. The qualifications listed above are guidelines, other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered #J-18808-Ljbffr Housing Authority of Cook County