Grant Project Manager, Federal Programs

Possible Hybrid Workplace Opportunity New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered. NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. The Office of Community Renewal (OCR) is one of four program offices within NYSHCR. OCR’s mission is to administer a combination of State and Federal funding resources to develop or support programs that provide decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunities for low and moderate-income persons. Position Summary: HCR is looking for a new staff member to join the Office of Community Renewal’s NYS HOME program (HOME) team. The HOME team manages grant projects awarded to not for profits and units of local government to help expand the supply of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income persons throughout the state. The Grant Project Manager position includes management of a personal portfolio of projects throughout the full lifecycle of a grant: reviewing grant applications, preparing grant agreement materials, processing payment requests, monitoring project progress, and providing technical assistance to applicants, awardees, and staff. Daily activities primarily include interacting with HOME grant awardees providing guidance and technical assistance needed to successfully complete their housing programs. Other office duties such as answering questions by phone and email, researching and troubleshooting difficult issues and scenarios, reviewing and editing written materials, and attending internal meetings as needed. Some days may include traveling to visit grantees to provide technical assistance and to see the results of OCR investments or presenting at a conference with partners at other state agencies. While the position requires significant administrative work and effort, it offers unique opportunities to become familiar with communities throughout the State while supporting interesting, meaningful affordable housing projects that benefit low-and- moderate income New Yorkers. The ideal candidate for this position 1) is organized and able to work independently, 2) possesses excellent written and oral communication skills, 3) is curious and eager to contribute to process and procedural improvements, and 4) is detail oriented while able to also maintain a long-term view of the goals for the program. Responsibilities: Under the general direction of the Program Director, the Grant Project Manager provides support in the administration of the HOME program. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Understand and articulate program rules and regulations of the program. General management of a portfolio of approximately 30 active grant contracts, including the tracking and monitoring of projects through funding, development, and compliance phases. Specifically: review of applications, management of approval and funding process, and preparing approval documents and contracts; presenting projects and attending off-site meetings; providing and directing technical assistance to program grantees to ensure comprehension of program regulations and requirements; and Review and process all program-related payment requests and contracts. Carry out routine office activities such as answering and routing phone calls, copying, transcription, filing, data entry, handling incoming and outgoing e-mail, and mail, and other tasks as needed. Draft memos, correspondence, reports, manuals, presentations, or other documents as needed. Provide database record keeping and reporting support. Attend, participate, conduct presentations and/or assist with preparation for community development meetings, conferences, webinars, and workshops. Special projects and general program-related support and assistance, as needed. This position requires occasional travel. Amount of travel varies throughout the year. This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in humanities, planning, economic development, public administration, business, or related field plus two (2) years of work experience in community development. Comparable, relevant work experience will be considered; Affinity toward technology; Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills; Understanding of how to work effectively in and with diverse communities; Demonstrated experience performing administrative duties with speed and accuracy without immediate and constant supervision; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with attention to detail and professionalism in all communications; Ability to research and retrieve information; Well organized and self-motivated with ability to work under pressure, while prioritizing and managing multiple tasks; Strong Microsoft Excel and Word skills required. Desired Skills: Database management, database navigation experience; Experience with reporting software such as Crystal Reports, and PDF forms Instructions for Applicants:Applicants must include a cover letter and resume for review. Resumes not accompanied by a cover letter will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered. Applicant must describe in a cover letter how the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, and how the work experienced outlined in the accompanying resume relates to the available position. Applicants are also encouraged to use the cover letter as an opportunity to identify specific skills, including knowledge of software or database systems that may be useful for this position. What we offer at NYSHCR: Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits (https://www.osc.state.ny.us/retirement) with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System. Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals Work life balance benefits including a 37.5 hour work week and paid time off benefits including, vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays Opportunity for compressed scheduling 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave Paid Family Leave As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-repayment-plans) and while working full-time for an eligible (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment) employer. About New York State Homes and Community Renewal: 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, construction. 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. New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)