Assistant Director, Architecture & Engineering

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC)is seeking an Assistant Director of Architecture and Engineering Services/Civil Engineer VI in the Division of Public Housing!

AGENCY MISSION:

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is charged with creating more homes in Massachusetts and lowering housing costs for residents.

 Formerly known as the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), EOHLC works with municipalities, local housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and development partners to provide affordable housing options, financial assistance, and other support to Massachusetts communities.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

The Assistant Director of Architecture and Engineering provides leadership, direction, and supervision to unit of 8 architects and engineers who are responsible for upholding design standards and ensuring compliance with applicable codes and regulations on all Department-funded capital projects (about 300 project starts per year). Develops internal processes and protocols to effectively manage unit performance and productivity on outputs such as: capital improvement plan approvals, technical studies, work orders, scopes of services, and reviews of design and contract documents. Responsible for technical accuracy and completeness of reports and reviews issued by each of the professionals.  Develops, maintains, and distributes technical assistance tools and templates for use by staff at 240 Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) and their consultant designers. Maintains and improves the Secretariat's design guidelines and standards. Assures that guidelines, tools, and work products prioritize lowest life-cycle cost (including energy costs and maintenance costs) and sustainability. Works closely with Division and Bureau Senior Staff on development and implementation of policies and programs and supervises the sustainability program. Resolves disputes between consultants, contractors, Local Housing Authorities (LHAs), and Department staff, taking into consideration technical, legal, and financial impacts. Serves as Department's technical expert and representative on issues relating to design and construction. Acts as a review architect on a limited portfolio of projects.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):

1) Leadership and Subject Matter Expert:

• Acts as a review architect or engineer on a portfolio of projects equivalent (approximately 50% of time).
• Directs supervising architect and engineer in how to best manage unit outputs for quality and timeliness.
• Ensures that unit is consistent in its project outputs and that scopes, schedules, and budgets are reasonable and projects adhere to them.
• Guides staff in the development of Department design guidelines and standards for use by designers, contractors and LHA personnel working on LHA projects.
• Assures that capital improvement plans are being reviewed in a consistent and timely fashion. Assigns reviewers and reviews plans as needed.

 

2) Dispute Resolution:

• Resolves disputes between consultants, contractors, LHA staff, and Department staff, taking into consideration technical, legal, and financial impacts.

 

3) System Maintenance:

• Develops and maintains systems for optimizing unit workflow efficiency without sacrificing quality control.

 

4) Training & Technology:

• Develops, maintains, and distributes to appropriate audiences the technical assistance tools which includes templates, guidance, presentations, best practices, case studies, and other training materials.
• Organizes and delivers training to LHA staff, their design consultants, and EOHLC staff.
• Organizes professional development and training opportunities for unit employees.

 

5) Collaboration:

• Works with Bureau and Division Senior staff in the development and execution of specialized programs such as House Doctor Program, Designer Selection Committee, mixed financing redevelopment, sustainable design, renewable energy, water conservation, capital planning, bulk procurement, force account, board and tenant training, and regional capital assistance.
• Represents the Bureau and Department at meetings and seminars, as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1.     A professional license to practice engineering or architecture in Massachusetts.

2.     At least five years of experience in the design and production of affordable multi-family housing and knowledge of all related technical issues, materials, methods, equipment, maintenance, and code issues.

3.     Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise and lead a team professional architects and engineers.

4.     Thorough knowledge of public procurement requirements relative to design and construction.

5.     Ability to understand and interpret complex building codes and regulations.

6.     Broad understanding of the technical and legal aspects of development, design, and construction.

7.     Broad understanding of sustainable building materials and practices, utility efficiency programs, renewables, recycling programs, and green financing of infrastructure projects.

8.     Proficiency with computer word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database applications; and familiarity with website design, computerized design, and drafting applications.

9.     Experience developing and delivering technical assistance through different formats.

10.  Ability to track and supervise staff working on hundreds of projects simultaneously.

COMMENTS:

Please upload resume and cover letter.

 

This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed.

 

Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division's Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

 

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) six years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in civil engineering work in such areas as construction, survey, design, transportation, hydraulics, structural, sanitary, drafting, environmental, highway, architectural, airport, soils and materials of which (B) at least four years must have been in a professional capacity, and (C) of which at least three years must have been in a supervisory, managerial, or administrative capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience, and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate's degree with a major in civil engineering** or civil engineering technology** may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*
II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in civil engineering** or civil engineering technology**, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*
III.  A Graduate degree with a major in civil engineering** may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience and one year  of the required (B) experience*
**NOTE: The terms civil engineering and civil engineering technology include related engineering disciplines, such as construction, survey, hydraulics, design, transportation, structural, soils, sanitary, environmental, drafting, highway, architectural, mining, airport and materials.
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
NOTE:  Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.  No substitutions will be permitted for the required (C) experience.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

 

 

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

 

 

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.