Senior Community Planner

New York City Housing Authority's Real Estate Development Department (REDD) is responsible for reinvesting in, restoring, and rebuilding publicly controlled affordable housing. REDD delivers on its mission by securing capital sources and operational expertise through innovative public-private partnerships that center resident voices. REDD's work is critical to achieving NYCHA's overall mission to provide quality housing for New Yorkers that is sustainable, inclusive, and safe, while fostering opportunities for economic mobility.

REDD oversees the implementation of the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, which leverages the federal Project-Based Section 8 program to generate significant funding to modernize NYCHA communities, while preserving residents' rights and enhancing their quality of life. In addition to the rehabilitation of existing buildings, REDD is also using PACT to undertake the complete rebuilding of public housing developments and create new mixed-income housing, community and commercial uses, public spaces, and other community assets. REDD's PACT program has delivered $5.8 billion to over 20,000 homes and will address an additional $8 billion in capital needs for over 17,000 homes by 2025.

In addition to the PACT program, other development opportunities supported by REDD have included the transfer of development rights and the creation of thousands of affordable apartments, public and charter schools, and supportive housing.

REDD is seeking a passionate and dedicated Senior Community Planner to join our team and contribute to the success of the PACT program and other REDD initiatives. Under the direction of the Director of Community Planning, the Senior Community Planner will play a vital role facilitating community engagement processes, working with residents and developers to advocate for community needs and priorities, and shape plans for NYCHA neighborhoods.

Key responsibilities:

1.Community Planning and Engagement: Work independently to develop and implement comprehensive community engagement strategies to involve residents, community organizations, and stakeholders in the planning and decision-making processes related to the PACT program. Build relationships with and provide resources to resident leaders to ensure they are empowered to effectively advocate for their communities.

2.Stakeholder Collaboration: Design and lead community engagement processes to build and maintain effective partnerships with local government agencies, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to leverage resources, share information, and coordinate efforts to support REDD initiatives.

3.Needs Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of community needs, demographics, and resources to inform the development of housing and community development plans that address the unique challenges and opportunities within each NYCHA development.

4.Planning and Design: Lead teams that include development partners, architects, urban planners, and other professionals to create innovative and sustainable housing designs, neighborhood plans, and public space improvements that enhance the quality of life for NYCHA residents.

5.Policy Analysis: Stay informed about relevant local, state, and federal policies, regulations, and funding opportunities related to affordable housing and community development; and provide recommendations for policy advocacy and programmatic enhancements.

6.Data Analysis: Collect, analyze, and interpret data on housing trends, market conditions, and socio-economic indicators to support evidence-based decision-making of PACT program initiatives.

7.Communication and Outreach: Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and other communications materials to convey complex planning concepts and project updates to diverse audiences, including residents, elected officials, and the general public.

8.Program Evaluation: Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of PACT program activities and outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and recommend adjustments to strategies, policies, and procedures as needed.

NOTE: The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) administered a civil service exam for the Associate Housing Development Specialist title on 03/06/24. Therefore, applicants (candidates) that did not take and pass the exam will potentially not be considered, likewise applicants not reachable on the established civil service list will potentially be in jeopardy of being replaced with an eligible civil service candidate.

NOTE: IF THIS APPOINTMENT IS MADE ON A PROVISIONAL BASIS PURSUANT TO 65 OF THE NYS CIVIL SERVICE LAW, NO TENURE OR PERMANENCE ACCRUES TO AN INCUMBENT IN THIS POSITION BY VIRTUE OF SUCH APPOINTMENT.

NOTE: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program.

Please indicate in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please click on the link below:

https://bit.ly/55aProgram

Additional Information

1.NYCHA employees applying for promotional, title or level change opportunities must have served a period of one year at current location and in current title and level (if applicable).

2.Candidates passionate about creating equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities are encouraged you to apply.

3.NYCHA residents are encouraged to apply.

Please read this posting carefully to make certain you meet the qualification requirements before applying to this position.

Minimum Qualifications

1.A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and three years of full-time satisfactory professional experience in the development, appraisal, financing, negotiation, or disposition of real estate, or in real estate law, or in urban planning or analytical or coordination work related to housing programs; or

2.A four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and seven years of full-time satisfactory experience as described in "1" above; or

3.A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. Graduate study in the field of urban studies, city planning, business or public administration, finance, architecture, engineering or other related fields may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience on the basis of 30 credits equaling one year of experience.

Graduation from an accredited law school may be substituted for one year of the required experience. However, all candidates must have at least two years of experience as described above.

Preferred Skills

1.Knowledge of New York City neighborhood development, land use, and housing issues. 2. Experience with community-based planning and neighborhood development issues. 3.

Successful experience working with civic associations and neighborhood groups. 4. Experience conducting studies, writing reports, and facilitating meetings with community and inter-agency partners. 5. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively with others. 6.

Excellent research, analytical, writing, and public speaking skills. 7. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects in a timely manner. 8. Experience with GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint, required. 9. Background in urban design or architecture a plus but not required.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program.

Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

NYCHA has no residency requirements.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.