Housing Initiatives and Programs Specialist

Housing Initiatives and Programs Specialist

Exciting News -  The City of Fitchburg is seeking a Housing Initiatives and Programs Specialist to provide support for the city’s ongoing work in the development of housing for all and wealth generation including implementation of the 

2019 Fitchburg Housing plan!

About the Team:
About the Role:
This professional position involves an understanding of local and regional housing markets and trends, the assessment of housing trends in the region, and the creation of strategies, initiatives, and programs to support the City’s ongoing work in the development of housing for all.  The work involves communicating, implementing, and assisting planning activities with organizations that participate in the finance, construction, and operation of non-profit and private sector housing within the region and researching housing initiatives in other regions. The incumbent will serve as a resource to multiple committees and stakeholders regarding housing infrastructure, development, redevelopment, and funding programs related to housing, including affordable housing. There is frequent interaction with the community, elected officials, local and regional planning partners, and staff.   About the Rewards: 
The City of Fitchburg is a great place to work! We offer an amazing benefits package that includes excellent health insurance, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, paid parental leave, bilingual incentive, public student loan forgiveness, and an employee assistance program that offers a variety of programs and tools designed to help promote an employee's health and wellness!

Responsibilities:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee implementation of the Fitchburg Housing Plan goals and recommendations, track housing data and statistics to provide progress reports, and coordinate regular updates to the plan as needed. 
• Serve as a resource to the Community and Economic Development Authority (CEDA), Housing Advisory Committee (HAC), Planning Department, Council and other stakeholders regarding housing infrastructure, development, redevelopment, and funding programs related to housing, including affordable housing.
• Prepare and present information on housing as requested by CEDA, HAC, Plan Commission, Common Council, other City Departments, and outside organizations.
• Represent the City, as directed, to elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with City departments and outside agencies and organizations (i.e. WHEDA, HUD, Dane County, Habitat for Humanity, Workforce Housing Fund) as it relates to housing matters.
• Prepare marketing materials for City housing programs.
• Maintain current understanding of housing market and conditions in the City and region.
• Meet with and/or provide detailed information, research, and technical assistance to representatives of businesses, community groups, neighborhood associations, financial institutions, developers, realtors, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, construction firms and other relevant parties; and to identify community development and housing needs, set priorities, develop strategies, and design programs.
• Explore federal, state, regional, county, and philanthropic funds, and resources to provide flexible, sustainable support for current and new housing initiatives and programing.
• Administer the City’s Affordable Housing program and other related housing programs.
• Develop and issue Requests for Proposals to select consultants and grantees; evaluate proposals for financial suitability and capacity; and the ability to meet statutory and regulatory requirements. consistent with city goals. Assist in establishing measurable program outcomes and oversee the development of continuous improvement and quality assurance metrics.
• Serve as the Fitchburg liaison on housing initiatives, programs and projects with program. administrators, realtors, developers, contractors, property management companies, private sector and not for profit partners.
• Serves as a project lead on the development and implementation of housing related initiatives, programs, and projects.
• Lead community engagement and education efforts related to housing. This includes formal efforts associated with City projects as well as responding to and working with developers, neighborhood groups, advocacy organizations, and regional partners.
• Initiate, design, develop and implement project and records management systems to ensure program continuity and fiscal integrity, and to meet or facilitate grant reporting requirements.
• Conduct monitoring audits and on-site inspections of recipient and project development activities to provide on-going assistance, establish systems for review and evaluation, to ensure compliance with regulations and contract agreements, and to initiate corrective action, when necessary.
• Identify and act on opportunities to advance racial equity and inclusivity. 
• Provide support and serve as the city’s contact in working with the Dane County Housing Initiative and Dane County Housing Authority.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide assistance to the Economic Development Department as directed by the Economic Development Director.

Supervisory Requirements:

• None

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Urban Studies, Economic Development, Urban and Regional Planning, Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, or a related field. 
• Four years of directly related professional experience in the finance or development of housing in a governmental agency, private sector, or non-profit organization. 
• Experience with affordable housing initiatives preferred.

Certifications:

• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License.

Necessary Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of federal, state and local housing programs, policies and initiatives that support housing for all. 
• Advanced knowledge of real estate, finance, development and property management, including HUD, WHEDA, CDBG, HOME and other housing programs and financing, TIF financing and real estate project pro formas.  
• Advanced knowledge of strategies for maintaining and increasing affordable housing in the City of Fitchburg and the region. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• Working knowledge and ability to use computer software including the use Microsoft Office Outlook, Word and Excel. 
• Ability to use publication and presentation software. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with organizations active in the housing market and in particular with organizations active in the affordable housing market.
• Ability to collaborate with all City Departments. 
• Ability to work with culturally diverse individuals and groups. 
• Ability to create and deliver presentations to large groups of people. 
• Ability to deal with complex information, to identify problems, and to conduct relevant research and analysis and prepare narrative and statistical reports. 
• Ability to gather, compile, analyze, and interpret housing-related data.  
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in completing independent projects.  
• Ability to assist in policy and ordinance development. 
• Ability to attend meetings during the evening. 
• Ability to maintain adequate attendance.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the City may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties of this position.