Housing Director*

General Description

Orange County has an opening for the Housing Director. The work involves the responsibility for overseeing the management and operations of the Orange County Housing Department.

The Department administers programs related to housing rehabilitation, homelessness, the federal HOME Program, Legal Servies, Emergency Housing Assistance, and Housing Choice Vouchers. The Department uses a racial equity lens to connect people and partners with housing resources and programs. The Housing Director is integrally involved in the administration of affordable housing funding and services, serves as a liaison to several advisory boards, and through the County Manager, advises the Board of County Commissioners about affordable housing needs and opportunities.

The Housing Department currently consists of 16 full-time equivalent employees and operates with a $2.8 million annual budget. The County also has an affordable housing fund through which $5 million is available in some years to financially support affordable housing projects within the County.

The department has responsibility for the outreach, service connections, and housing solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, provides information and referrals to community resources, and oversees the administration of the HOME Program, Housing Choice Vouchers, and home repair and rehabilitation programs. The Department actively collaborates with other local government housing programs and community partners in administering these programs.

The Housing Director works under the general direction of the County Manager with considerable flexibility to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work. Supervision over others is required of this position. Position does related work as required.

• Background Check is required.

Examples of Essential Functions

Examples of Essential Functions

The following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

Administers and provides oversight to federal, state, and local housing programs.

Prepares the Annual Action Plan and Annual Performance Report as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in collaboration with participating jurisdictions; facilitates the preparation of the five-year Consolidated Plan as required by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Works with key parties to ensure consolidated plans and annual action plans are reviewed, and/or updated in a manner most beneficial and effective for the residents of Orange County; including partnering on surveying residents needs on how funding should be allocated.

Engages and actively participates with key stakeholders within the organization and other agencies in support of affordable housing and ensures the department is collaborative and engaging to maximize efforts in providing affordable housing.

Informs staff of organizational or departmental initiatives to provide an environment conducive to collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Provides administrative oversight to all Housing divisions, including the management of personnel and financial resources.

Supervises staff as it relates to all personnel matters, including such areas as hiring, training, performance evaluation, and disciplinary matters.

Supervises and coordinates all programs, ensuring that the work assigned is carried out effectively, and in accordance with all program and funding standards.

Prepares annual department budget, monitors budget expenditures throughout the year, identifies funding opportunities and prepares grant applications for housing initiatives.

Provides staff support for grant sub-recipients, monitors contract performance, and provides technical assistance to area non-profit agencies acting as grant sub-recipients.

Conducts research, collects, analyzes, and interprets complex data to make evidence-based recommendations on housing programs and services.

Prepares reports as requested by the County Manager's Office and the Board of County Commissioners, and prepares agenda abstracts and delivers presentations to the Board of County Commissioners.

Prepares reports and delivers presentations to non-profit organizations, and other community partner groups upon request.

Serves as the primary contact for housing related issues, coordinates housing activities with the incorporated Towns in the County.

Conducts hearings regarding housing code violations and Section 8 Program violations.

Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as Federal and State regulations, program guidelines, administrative orders, local housing needs surveys/studies, program handbooks, professional journals, newsletters, etc.

Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as annual and quarterly performance reports, annual housing plans, letters and memorandums, and performance evaluations.

Uses a variety of computer applications as communication, organization, research, analysis, and reporting tools.

Adheres to the department's safety rules and regulations.

Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

FULL PERFORMANCE, KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge ofbest practices and applicable legislation in housing programs and funding requirements.

Thorough knowledge of management and supervisory principles and practices.

Thorough knowledge of administrative practices and techniques.

Thorough knowledge of grant funding and federal, state and local funding reporting responsibilities.

Good knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Skill in being customer-focused, adept at problem solving and working collaboratively with others.

Skill in planning, organizing and prioritizing work, and the ability to perform a large volume of detailed work with a high degree of accuracy.

Strong analytical ability to interpret complex data, conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses, and develop evidence-based recommendations.

Skill in communication, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

Ability to plan, direct and supervise the work of others, prioritize work projects taking available resources into consideration and delegate responsibility and to exercise control.

Ability to manage multiple complex tasks and priorities through an engaged and competent staff.

Ability to demonstrate strong leadership and management practices with an active, visible presence in the County and Department.

Ability to create and maintain a workplace environment conducive to employee development, engagement, and collaboration.

Ability to effectively delegate authority and responsibility while maintaining appropriate levels of accountability and operational control; and

Ability to establish strong relationships with regional partners and key community stakeholders.

Ability to demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, creativity, and problem-solving capability.

Ability to interpret and apply county, state and federal regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to collect, analyze and compare data; ability to enter and retrieve data using relevant programs and systems and skill in conducting research.

Ability to maintain records, prepare reports, and complete assignments accurately and timely.

Ability to plan and carry out program studies; ability to design effective questionnaires, reporting procedures, and statistical tables.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the general public.

Ability to effectively use a variety of computer applications as communication, organization, research, analysis, and reporting tools.

Ability to demonstrate sound judgment; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or a closely related field AND six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in managing housing programs including federal, state and local funding reporting and budgeting ANDthree (3) years of work experience serving as an administrative head or deputy/assistant of a similar department with responsibility of direct supervision of others, OR

An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience.

Must have the following characteristics:

A compassionate and collaborative professional leader who can develop and mentor a capable and professional staff and is comfortable with delegating tasks, sharing information, trusting staff to perform the work, and managing multiple projects concurrently.

A leader with attention to detail and commitment to accountability.

Committed to serving as an integral part of the County's management team and being approachable and open.

A professional with the appropriate analytical skills and ability to provide objective recommendations and analysis relating to housing challenges and opportunities andwho can manage the work of the Department as requirements change.

Cognizant of growth trends and issues and who will provide the necessary support to the County Board of Commissioners and other community organizations as they review both challenges and opportunities in the county and tits communities.

A strong communicator with a record in developing as well as supporting the needs of a professional team and Department.

A seasoned professional leader who can "hit the ground running".

A person of the highest integrity both personally and professionally.

Committed to providing exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS

Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.

Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects including the human body.

Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform accounting and extensive reading, and perform work on a computer and operate equipment.

Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer