Director Of Strategic Initiatives And Special Projects

Under direction of the Executive Director, oversees Strategic Initiatives (such as policy development and real estate development) and Special Projects (including addressing strategic and systemic issues that exist or arise within various departments).  Performs a variety of managerial and administrative duties in assisting the Executive Director in the management of Housing Authority operations. Ensures Housing Authority departments and staff are functioning efficiently in the implementation of established goals and objectives.

The position will be responsible for coordination, oversight, reporting, and management of the Choice Neighborhood Implementation grant and other real estate development initiatives.  The grant implements a Transformation Plan, which focuses on providing residents with improved housing, education and employment opportunities, as well as health, retail and other quality of life services. The position will also be responsible for working with community stakeholders to support a series of strategies that will drive community transformation.

Essential Functions;

·         Responsible for assisting the Executive Director in the overall management and coordination of Housing Authority programs, operations, and activities.

·         Ensure programmatic best-practices and operational actions in accordance with governing regulations.

·         Presents oral and written reports to the Executive Director regarding departmental operations, activities, and proposals.

·         Conducts, directs, and participates in special research studies relating to complex or sensitive policy.

·         Prepares reports outlining findings, proposals, and recommendations.

• Coordinate, monitor, oversee, and report on the implementation of the housing, people, education, and neighborhood goals and strategies as outlined in the Choice Neighborhood Transformation Plan.

• Work with HUD and development partners to demolish the existing Cleveland Avenue Homes structures.

• Monitor a set of identified funding and financing strategies, including 9% LIHTC and work with development partners to implement the specific phased plan of development.

• Work with the City of Winston Salem to finance and implement the necessary infrastructure, including Critical Community Improvements as outlined in the Transformation Plan.

• Work with the Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools and the City of Winston Salem on the development of a new school and associated services in the Cleveland Avenue Neighborhood.

• Use existing programs, or develop new ones to assist community development and nonprofit housing organizations in providing affordable housing opportunities providing more housing choices with greater access to jobs and services.  Foster collaborative partnerships between public and private sectors in the provision of affordable housing and encourage development of housing, jobs and services in close proximity to one another.

• Work with Choice Neighborhood partners to communicate regularly with local schools to conduct scheduled, coordinated neighborhood outreach and engagement focused on education programs and opportunities for learning, to develop a volunteer parental education assistance and training network and program, and document education related data for the neighborhood and report results to determine if education strategies are effective.

·         Develops, coordinates, and monitors the long-range plans and annual goals and objectives HAWS.

·         Prepares required status reports.

·         Provides assistance in developing new programs.

·         Coordinates activities of HAWS departments as delegated by the Executive Director.

·         Performs related work as required.

Requirements:

Education:

Graduation from a 4 year college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, or closely related areas.

Experience:

Considerable experience in management with the majority of the experience in a public housing authority, local government, council of governments, or real estate development company; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Certification as a Public Housing Manager.

Special Skills:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration as they relate to HAWS operations. Thorough knowledge of public finance and accounting. Thorough knowledge of the basic governmental and administration framework involved in effective planning. Thorough knowledge of equal opportunity laws and labor standards and their application to Housing Authority activities. Thorough knowledge of planning and documentation procedures and requirements and HAWS programs. Ability to plan, direct, and supervise departments in HAWS, and to plan, monitor, and develop programs. Ability to analyze complex organizational and administrative problems and to formulate, develop, and present recommendations for their solutions. Ability to plan, develop, and monitor HAWS goals and objectives. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, community leaders, and professional groups. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Minimum five (5) years of work experience with broad community development/placed based initiatives preferred, including program or contract management, budget development and management, and program management.