Director of Buyouts

Program Overview:

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) fosters the creation and preservation of high-quality affordable housing, while working strategically to revitalize neighborhoods and communities throughout the Empire State. Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low- and moderate-income families. Our mission is far reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders.

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, architecture, finance, law and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement and family-friendly policies.

Background:

On the 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, Governor Hochul announced the establishment of the permanent Office of Resilient Homes and Communities (RHC) within the HCR. Formerly known as the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR), the Office of Resilient Homes and Communities is tasked with scaling recovery efforts and coordinating resiliency initiatives for both major and small disasters throughout the state; coordinating initial response and long-term recovery not covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency or State emergency response agencies; identifying needs, deploying resources quickly and equitably, and tracking funding to all agencies after a storm; and managing a portfolio of pre- and post-disaster programs, particularly those focused on homeowner rebuilding efforts, resiliency upgrades for homeowners and communities, and voluntary buyout sites.

The Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Bond Act of 2022 (“EBA”) authorized $4.2 billion to fund critical environmental restoration projects throughout the state in four categories: Water Quality & Resilient Infrastructure, Open Space Conservation & Recreation, Restoration & Flood Risk Reduction, and Climate Change Mitigation.

The EBA legislation allocates $1.1 Billion of the bond to go towards protecting communities from flood risks, of which RHC is charged with administering $250 million for a flood buyout program. Addition input and/or program administration of other community flood protection projects may be called upon by RHC.

Job Summary:

The primary responsibility of the Director of Buyouts is to implement a new state-wide voluntary private property buyout program. The Director will supervise two to three program staff members and support them in their work managing sub-recipients and vendors to effectuate the program. The Director of Buyouts will report to the Managing Director of Housing Programs within the Office of Resilient Homes and Communities (RHC).

Duties

• Set and guide program toward achieving key milestones.
• Supervise a small team of RHC employees managing the Program.
• Oversee sub-recipient agreements with non-profit organizations and local units of government to administer the Program.

This includes management of their budgets, key performance indicators (KPIs), staffing, data/technology, and deliverables

• Manage capital and administrative budgets for the Program.
• Coordinate program design and implementation with stakeholders, such as the NYS DEC, local units of government and civic/homeowner associations.
• Represent RHC and the Program at public meetings and with the press.
• Maintain program documentation on policies and procedures and compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.

Please Note:

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive, and the employee will also perform reasonable related business duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in City Planning, Public Policy or related field.
• 6+ years’ relevant experience.
• Background and proven track record of expertise in affordable housing required.
• Experience with disaster recovery and/or community infrastructure projects a plus.
• Excellent analytical, organization, management, and communication skills essential.
• Positive, pragmatic approach to problem resolution.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to be part of a team.

**Please Note: A master’s degree may be substituted for 2 years of professional experience.