Chief Housing Officer

Job Description

Position Summary: The YWCA Brooklyn seeks a Chief Housing Officer to oversee property management, operations, administration, and programs for three hundred units of permanent affordable housing located in its historic downtown Brooklyn building. The YWCA Brooklyn is committed to supporting NYC’s most vulnerable citizens through its housing program and services which offer a nurturing environment that promotes dignity, economic stability and independence. The organization serves formerly homeless, low-income adults, most of whom have been impacted by domestic abuse and gender-based violence. The scope of this position is multidisciplinary and includes supervision of senior leadership in the areas of housing, operations, facilities, administration, IT and program services. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of strong leadership in high level positions and extensive experience with property management and affordable housing. The Chief Housing Officer must have exceptional problem-solving skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and experience working with diverse populations. They should be results oriented with strong organizational, administrative, supervisory and management skills, as well as an ability to foster a professional environment committed to excellence, productivity, and accountability.

Responsibilities:

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• Work closely with the CEO, finance team and senior leadership to successfully implement the organization’s mission, strategic goals and objectives.
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• Manage high level operations, administration, and internal affairs for optimal efficiency and efficacy. 
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• Supervise senior team of directors and managers overseeing property management (housing, operations, administration, facilities, IT and programs).
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• Foster and maintain professional relationships with government agencies, regulatory entities, funders and stakeholders.
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• Oversee compliance with all regulatory agreements, fair housing law, subsidy programs and rent stabilization guidelines.
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• Stay abreast of policy changes impacting affordable housing, homelessness prevention, subsidies, and other related areas.
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• Manage audits and reporting to confirm accuracy and on time submission.
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• Supervise the Housing Department to ensure the organization operates effectively in the areas of leasing, invoicing and rent collection, subsidies, reporting, audits and legal cases. Monitor and address arrears to optimize rental income, ensure subsidies and leases are renewed on time, and that vacant units are leased expediently to maintain low vacancy.
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• Oversee the Resident Services Department to ensure tenants have access to the resources and support they need to live independently and remain stably housed.
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• Supervise the Administration and Operations Department to ensure facilities management continues to meet standards and that operations support all other functions, including mechanical systems, maintenance, repairs, security, life safety systems, and building code compliance. 
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• Oversee annual building maintenance calendar to ensure that all systems are well managed.  
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• Manage facilities team to ensure building is well maintained and continues to meet all life safety codes/requirements. Ensure violations are addressed expediently and, if needed, corrective work is completed and certificates are filed in a timely manner, fines are paid and staff attend hearings (if relevant). 
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• Monitor security protocols and practices to ensure the building is safe and secure at all times. Address security breaches immediately should they arise.
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• Manage legal cases in coordination with the CEO and attorneys. Act as liaison for the organization with the legal team.
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• Supervise Information Technology Manager to ensure systems, including property management software and CRMs, fully support the organization’s operational, compliance, program, and reporting requirements. Upgrade technology systems as needed and implement measures to protect against cybersecurity threats. Ensure staff are properly trained to maximize utility.
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• Negotiate, hire, and manage vendor/consultant contracts including facilities, security, maintenance, programs, construction, project managers, etc. Monitor contracts and insurance certificates to ensure they are renewed before expiration. Track work to ensure terms of contracts are completed in a timely manner, within budget and meet quality standards.
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• Work with Insurance Broker to negotiate and renew annual policies, manage claims, and represent the organization with attorneys as needed.
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• Oversee Project Manager for building upgrades and minor construction.
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• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders, community leaders, funders, and oversight entities. Represent the YWCA through participation in professional networks, conferences, and events.
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• Foster a professional environment that is highly organized and results driven. Provide leadership that promotes excellence, diligence and accountability. 
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• Perform other duties, as assigned.
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Qualifications:

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• Minimum ten years’ experience working in affordable housing, property management, or real estate 
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• Five years’ experience in high level leadership position
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• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Real Estate, Business, Nonprofit Management, or relevant equivalent
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• Proven ability to develop and manage a high performing, multi-disciplinary, collaborative professional team 
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• Extensive experience with all aspects of property management in a community-based setting
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• Knowledge of affordable housing regulatory compliance, fair housing law, rent stabilization guidelines and subsidy programs
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• Experience developing and managing budgets, as well as analyzing financial data to inform strategy, planning and resource allocation
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• Experience working directly with NYC and NYS governmental agencies
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• Construction management experience
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• Outstanding written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills
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• Highly organized with a capacity to prioritize, multi-task and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment
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• Strong technological proficiency particularly in Microsoft Office, property management software, and CRMs
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Mission:  YWCA Brooklyn’s mission is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The organization is the borough’s largest and oldest nonprofit serving women and girls. YWCA Brooklyn furthers its mission by providing over 300 safe, affordable homes for low-income women, most of whom are survivors of gender-based violence, and college access and leadership for youth from poverty impacted neighborhoods.

Benefits:

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• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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• Flexible Spending Account
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• Life Insurance
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• Supplemental short- and long-term disability insurance
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• Retirement plan - 403(b) and pension
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• Paid time off
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• Parental leave
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