Housing Development Officer

Job Description

Housing Development Officer (749)

(Unclassified)

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, or an approved related field; and
At least five (5) years of progressively responsible public or private experience in urban planning, business administration, public administration, housing finance and development, or redevelopment; with some supervisory experience.
A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the above fields may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Familiarity with computer software programs commonly used by the City, such as Windows Office.
Experience working in the Housing Division of a public sector Planning and Inspection Department is desirable.

License

Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license is required at the time of application and for the duration of employment.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a managerial position in the Unclassified Service responsible for developing and implementing effective public/private partnerships designed to stimulate the development of affordable housing, as well as those services needed to support such developments. The incumbent manages complex development projects and programs in one or more of the following areas; housing, mixed-use housing, real estate development, neighborhood development, or downtown development, and is involved in ongoing project and contract management in coordination with City staff, non-profit organizations and contractors.

As a member of the City’s unclassified service, this is an "at-will" position. The incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. The incumbent in this classification demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City’s Code of Ethics and Values.

Typical Duties

This description may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Under general direction:

Manages housing programs and projects including change orders, project budgets and leading the marketing, promotion and outreach activities;
Plans, organizes, and implements the City’s efforts to develop new affordable housing and related community services in the City;
Meets and negotiates with housing developers, investors and business people to determine project scope and provide technical assistance, as well as promote development in the City;
Develop an awareness of current trends in housing financing methods and seek out financing sources and public/private partnerships for the construction of affordable housing;
Coordinates affordable housing projects with the Planning Division Staff;
Works with governmental and private agencies at all levels to secure funding for development programs;
Manages the plan approval process for City housing development projects;
Maintains effective working relationship with public and private lending sources and prepare loan applications when appropriate;
Advises the Housing and Community Services Manager on necessary actions, problems or requirements;
Reviews and prepare draft comments on proposed Federal, State and local regulations and their prospective impact on department programs. Suggest alternative courses of actions as applicable;
Maintains monitoring and reporting systems to ensure the adequacy, quality and timeliness of program work;
Prepares reports involving research, analysis, writing, and presentations;
Prepares and negotiates contracts and participates in making recommendations for the use of Redevelopment Agency housing funds;
Represents the Department at various meetings and negotiations;
Manages, trains, and schedules the work of staff;
May attend meetings and make presentations to City staff, administrators and various private and community organizations to discuss project status;
Uses computer applications, prepares memos and procedural documentation; and
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices and methods as applied to city planning, economic development and redevelopment;
Federal, State and local regulations dealing with land use, economic development and redevelopment;
Real estate financing, development, marketing and administration of affordable housing;
Research methods and statistical analysis;
Negotiation techniques and strategies;
Problem solving and conflict resolution practices and techniques;
Project and workload planning;
Principals and practices of management including fundamentals of budgeting and accounting systems;
Principals, practices and methods of grant administration, federal grant entitlement programs, housing, redevelopment programs and rehabilitation programs;
Environmental and safety principles, practices, procedures and standards; and
Office safety practices, procedures and standards.

Ability to:

Use spreadsheets to track project expenditures;
Interpret and evaluate research and statistical data;
Conduct independent analyses and make recommendations on difficult issues;
Make presentations before commissions and committees;
Negotiate agreements with developers and consultants;
Draw conclusions and project consequences of decisions and recommendations;
Exercise independent judgment and initiative with minimal supervision;
Identify policy issues and work with staff to develop options and recommend solutions;
Review housing development and redevelopment proposal;
Read building plans;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including staff, developers and consultants;
Work effectively as a member of the department’s management team to achieve common goals and be able to deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external City clients;
Identify, research and gather relevant information and statistical data from variety of sources;
Research and prepare information on the need to build affordable housing;
Prepare and present clear, concise and complex written and oral reports;
Communicate logically and clearly, both orally and in writing;
Work effectively in time-sensitive situations and meet deadlines;
Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously;
Develop creative and practical solutions to complex and difficult problems; and
Bend, stoop, reach, carry, crawl, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties.

Supervision Received

Works in the Housing and Community Services Division under the general direction of the Housing and Community Services Manager, or other manager as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

Manages City staff and contractors engaged in the Department of Planning and Inspection as assigned.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job assignment.

Conflict of Interest

Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Approved, March 2008