Program Manager - Community Investments Initiative

Title: Program Manager - Community Investment Initiatives

Organization: MassHousing

Location: One Beacon Street, Boston, MA02108

Posting Closes: Close of Business on 11/21/2024

Website: https://www.masshousing.com

MassHousing recently affirmed its longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion in its 5-year Strategic Goals, see https://www.masshousing.com/-/media/Files/Corporate/MH-5yr-Strategic-Business-Goals.ashx.

THE ORGANIZATION:

MassHousing will confront the housing challenges facing the Commonwealth to improve the lives of its people. A bold mission for an innovative agency. Since its inception in 1966, MassHousing has provided more than $27.5 billion for more than 125,000 apartments and more than 105,000 home mortgage loans. Beyond lending, we also work to promote economic growth and empowerment for families, individuals, and businesses; help communities increase their housing stock; provide hope and homes for vulnerable populations, and look for new, cost-effective ways to provide equitable housing opportunities. We have a relentless determination to confront the Commonwealth's housing challenges and improve lives.

As an employee of MassHousing you are offered a great career opportunity which is more than a paycheck. MassHousing’ s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including but not limited to:

• Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per calendar year
• A 35-hour work week and a hybrid work schedule
• Back up Child/Elder Care
• Retirement Savings including a pension and a deferred compensation plan (with a match)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision plans
• 12 paid Holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal time
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Central Boston office location, convenient to public transportation and amenities on site

If you’re ready to join our dynamic team of mission driven professionals, this might be the job for you! Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and a resume to MassHousing by logging in to https://prd01-hcm01.prd.mykronos.com/ta/6003873.careers?CareersSearch

Position Summary:

The CII Program Manager provides strategic and operational oversight of a key program within the Community Investment Initiatives (CII) unit of the Equitable Business Development division, which is focused on expanding access to affordable housing while advancing racial and economic equity. The CII programs drive moderate-size housing production and preservation through soft debt subsidies supporting homeownership, small-scale rental renovations, and sober housing capital improvement grants. These programs are administered to provide funding for smaller-scale projects that yield significant social and economic benefits.

The CommonWealth Builder (CWB) Program, a flagship initiative, works to reduce racial homeownership gaps by financing the development of affordable homeownership units, particularly in communities of color.

The CII Program Manager oversees all aspects of the CWB program, from initial inquiries to deal management and compliance, ensuring alignment with statutory requirements, program policies, and the broader goals of promoting equitable housing solutions. This role involves close coordination with municipalities, developers, sponsors, and funders to ensure that projects are completed on time, on budget, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Reporting directly to the Senior Program Manager of CII, this position collaborates closely with other members of the Equitable Business Development Division and works alongside municipalities, developers, sponsors, and financial partners to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and Development:

• Manage strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that program progress efficiently and align with overall organizational goals. Develop and maintain relationships with municipalities, developers, community organizations, and other partners critical to project success.
• Conduct comprehensive research and data analysis, leveraging insights from both internal and external sources to inform decision-making. Monitor market trends, developer feedback, and program data to continually refine and improve program policies and operations.
• Develop high-quality written, visual, and digital materials to support program initiatives. These materials will be used to increase awareness of the program, highlight key success stories, and engage both internal and external stakeholders.
• Present research findings, progress updates, and strategic recommendations to internal teams, external partners, and leadership. Ensure clear communication of program developments, performance metrics, and any necessary course corrections.
• Delegate project tasks and responsibilities to team members, including the Program Associates and interns. Provide clear guidance, support, and regular feedback to promote professional growth and enhance team performance.

Program Management:

• Oversee deal flow management by actively managing the pipeline of prospective project leads. Ensure efficient tracking of all inquiries, guiding projects from initial interest through to closing. This includes maintaining clear communication with developers throughout the process.
• Manage the pre-screening process by conducting thorough assessments of potential projects. Engage developers in discussions to clarify project goals and expectations, ensuring they understand program guidelines and requirements.
• Guide projects through the under-review process, collaborating with internal underwriting, legal, and compliance teams. Ensure timely feedback is provided to developers, addressing any questions or concerns that arise during the evaluation phase.
• Lead the transition of projects into the committed phase, ensuring that all necessary documentation is completed, and compliance requirements are met. Monitor the progression of deals from commitment to closing, providing support and direction as needed.
• Coordinate the closing process, ensuring that all necessary steps are completed for project funding and implementation. Work closely with developers and internal teams to ensure smooth transitions and timely project launches.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success of programs and ensure continuous improvement. Prepare and submit regular financial and program activity reports to MassHousing and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), maintaining transparency and accountability.

Other Responsibilities:

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the department and its programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Expertise in Affordable Housing: Comprehensive understanding of affordable housing development, finance, subsidy programs, and real estate risk fundamentals.
• Financial Acumen: Strong analytical skills with a solid grasp of financial concepts, enabling informed decision-making and risk assessment.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational capabilities to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Interpersonal Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas cross-culturally and build consensus among diverse interest groups.
• Presentation Skills: The ability to present information using various formats (written, visual, and oral) to effectively communicate complex concepts.
• Program Management Experience: Previous experience in program planning, operations, and evaluations, along with strong project management and relationship-building skills.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Understanding of DEI principles and their implementation within organizational practices.
• Innovative Mindset: An entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and cultivating partnerships for program collaboration.
• Personnel Management: Capable of effectively managing personnel and promoting team development.

Minimum Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the social sciences, urban planning, public policy, public administration, or real estate finance.
• 3 years of either managing affordable housing grant funding programs; underwriting real estate projects; developing affordable housing policy; or managing a grant funding program.
• At least 3 years as a supervisor/manager.

Salary Range: $103,312.74 - $134,306.46

All positions at MassHousing require a customer service mindset, in accordance with our values:Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect, Accountability and Service. Inherent in these values is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.

This position has been designated as “Flex” under MassHousing’s Alternative Work Schedule (AWS)-hybrid work model. However, during the first 90 days, the employee may be expected in the office more frequently for training and onboarding.

MassHousing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, MassHousing will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk and sit for extended periods of time.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.