Consultant Housing Program Subject Matter Expert (SME)

As a Program Subject Matter Expert (SME), you are an all-star, bringing mastery of affordable housing programs and applying them to deliver measurable results. This role blends assessment, advisory, and execution: evaluating operations, improving organizational performance, and transferring knowledge through high-impact training.

The Program SME ensures clients achieve compliance, meet performance targets, and build sustainable capacity - contributing directly to AMA’s mission of creating a better way to advance people and performance.

Success in this role is defined by:

• Adoption of recommendations that improve operations.


• Achievement of client performance goals across programs.


• Effective training and knowledge transfer that equips the industry to sustain success.

The position is Hybrid (Must reside in AL, AZ, IL, FL, MD, MT, NC, NJ, NY, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA).

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

• Lead operational assessments that result in the adoption of recommendations and measurable improvements in program performance.


• Design and implement solutions that help clients achieve their compliance and performance goals.


• Deliver training, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer that build staff capacity with high satisfaction and impact.


• Stay current on federal, state, and local regulations governing HCV (including MTW), LIHTC, Public Housing, and related programs.


• Conduct program audits and risk assessments, identifying issues and recommending corrective actions.


• Collaborate with AMA leadership to refine program policies, procedures, and best practices.


• Advise clients on regulatory changes, compliance requirements, and ethical considerations.


• Contribute expert recommendations to proposals and thought leadership initiatives.


• Prepare clear, outcomes-driven project reports and deliverables.


• Travel on-site for program reviews, training, and client engagement as needed.


• Serve as a role model for AMA’s values of Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability, and Resiliency.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Business, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.


• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in affordable housing program management and regulatory compliance.


• Proven track record of:
  
  
  
  • Leading assessments that resulted in client adoption of recommendations.
  
  
  • Driving organizational improvements that enable clients to meet or exceed program targets.
  
  
  • Delivering training and technical assistance that builds lasting capacity.
  
  
  
  


• Prior consulting or technical assistance experience with Public Housing Authorities, state agencies, or nonprofit housing organizations strongly preferred.


• Experience presenting to boards, executives, and regulators, with demonstrated ability to influence decision-making.

Certifications:

• HCV Program Management Certificate


• Tax Credit Management Certificate


• Public Housing Management Certificate


• Fair Housing & Reasonable Accommodation Certificate

Core Skills and Competencies:

• Expert-level knowledge of federal, state, and local affordable housing regulations.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.


• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation abilities.


• Skilled in training, coaching, and transferring knowledge to diverse audiences.


• Ability to work independently with a team-first mindset.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and housing software platforms.


• Bilingual preferred but not required.

Travel Requirement:

• Up to 80% nationwide travel for program reviews, client engagement, and training delivery.