Architect 1

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (“CHFA”) is a self-funded, quasi-public organization. Its mission is to alleviate the shortage of housing for low-to moderate-income families and persons in the state of Connecticut (“State”) and, when appropriate, to promote or maintain the economic development of the State through employer-assisted housing efforts.
CHFA is a mission-driven leader in creating #affordablehousing opportunities for families and individuals in Connecticut. We believe in the power of the diverse and inclusive communities we serve. We provide a challenging, progressive and supportive environment that encourages and promotes employee development.
We offer competitive salaries; tuition reimbursement; 457 deferred compensation, state sponsored pension plan, comprehensive health, dental, life, and disability plan, paid vacation, sick, and holidays, hybrid work schedule, ongoing training, career development and if qualified employee may be eligible for student loan forgiveness under Federal Loan assistance program

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and the ability to qualify to take the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) for licensure in the State of Connecticut as a licensed architect is preferred. A minimum of three years’ experience in architectural design and construction and the completion or near-completion of the Intern Development Program (IDP) required through NCARB as part of the ARE requirements is preferred. Experience in lieu of education will be considered

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Professional knowledge of issues such as, but not limited to federal, state and local building and fire codes; including Americans with Disabilities (ADA), building and site design, roadway access, drainage, sewer, water, parking and landscaping, structural mechanical and electrical systems, environmental issues, and energy conservation measures, material construction methods, general code requirements and contract administration is recommended and preferred. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word™, Excel™ and PowerPoint™ software is required. Strong written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills is needed, with the ability to adapt to quickly changing priories and work assignments. Excellent customer service skills, and demonstrated good judgment and a high degree of professionalism needed to effectively handle challenging situations involving both internal and external customers. Knowledge and experience with sustainable design and energy efficient measures and initiatives including but not limited to Passive House, Zero Energy Ready Home, Living Building Challenge, National Green Building Standards is also preferred. Prior experience and involvement in construction cost estimating and hard cost budget development also beneficial.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The position is responsible to assist the Multifamily Department by serving as a part of the Technical Services team in the review of funding and LIHTC applications with a focus on the review of construction costs, environmental reports, capital needs assessments, threshold requirements such as planning and zoning approvals, state and/or Federal historic preservation, and architectural design and construction drawings and specifications for proposed new construction and rehabilitation projects, including the review of capital improvements of existing properties in the CHFA and SSHP portfolio. The position will impact the production of increasing and/or improving the inventory of safe, healthy and quality multifamily affordable housing units within the State of Connecticut.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for architectural project management responsibilities from funding award through initial closing, and continuing project construction review throughout construction and final closing phase as the architectural and construction liaison with Multifamily underwriters, outside architects, contractors as well as CHFA field observers.
Review and approval of asset/portfolio management limited scope capital improvement projects, to renovate, replace or otherwise improve existing CHFA or state portfolio properties.
Responsible for the review of construction costs, environmental report review, capital needs assessments, planning and zoning approvals, state and Federal historic preservation requirements, including architectural drawings and building specifications by providing feedback to external architects, owners and the Multifamily underwriters as to status of the technical aspects of the project.
Coordinate with the project development team and the project architect to resolve technical deficiencies of the application, to enable them to produce an acceptable funding application, construction budget and construction bidding set which adheres to CHFA’s Multifamily Design and Construction Standards and all applicable Guidelines.
Research and answer architectural, construction and other technical questions from external architects, owners, consultants and staff.
Other tasks as assigned.

ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

This is not an exclusive list of all job functions and the employee is expected to complete all duties as assigned. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally. This job description in no way constitutes an employment contract or agreement.
Salary Range: $57,088 to $75,263 Depending on Experience (DOE)
To apply for this position, submit resume and cover letter referencing the position for which you are applying, and complete on-line application. https://www.chfa.org/careers.
Applications open until the position is filled.
CHFA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the application of women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities