Established in 1976 as a partnership between residents, funders, and local government, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) is a non-profit, community development corporation affiliated with NeighborWorks® America.  INHS is dedicated to expanding the housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents of Tompkins, Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, and Tioga counties.  It seeks to foster communities that embrace diversity, equity and sustainability in ways that produce lasting outcomes.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Community Housing Trust Project Manager is responsible for all aspects of developing, managing and growing the INHS Community Housing Trust Program (CHT).  The CHT is a program of INHS in which the organization purchases land and or buildings to create new homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income households.  The newly constructed or renovated homes are financed with local, state and federal subsidies and sold at below market rate values.  INHS holds the land in its CHT and enters into a long term ground lease with the purchaser ensuring that the property remains affordable in perpetuity.  The CHT Project Manager  is responsible for both managing the CHT Program as well as the development of affordable for sale housing projects from inception through final finance closing and sale.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development

• Evaluate ways of expanding the program into the INHS geography.
• Represent the program to funders, financial institutions, public policy makers and peer groups.
• Develop a plan for increasing production and improving the programs financial feasibility.

Project Development

• Explore possible development sites with respect to zoning, cost, environmental and development feasibility, cost and availability;
• Under direction from the Director of Real Estate Development, negotiate purchase contracts or option agreements;
• Develop project concepts and initial cost estimates;
• Create and manage project teams that include INHS staff and outside consultants;
• Develop financial analyses, project schedules, and financing.
• Prepare initial assessments of project feasibility, including appropriateness of the site; development of cost estimates; long-term operating viability and market risk;
• Present feasibility analyses to decision-makers and funders for approval with recommendations;
• Under direction with the Director of Real Estate Development, negotiate land and property purchase agreements and related vendor contracts;

Project Funding

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge about local, state and federal affordable housing programs;
• Develop viable project funding plans that include funding for predevelopment, construction and sale;
• Under direction from the Director for Real Estate Development, prepare grant or loan applications for funding from local, state or federal funders.

Project Design and Engineering

• Oversee the development of design alternatives by architects and other professionals;
• Secure zoning/site plan approval for proposed projects, including environmental review;
• Secure approval of plans/specifications from local authorities and funders.

Funding Approval and Construction Closing

• Coordinate financing approval with all lenders

Construction Management

• Oversee contractor selection and contracts;
• Monitor construction and contract compliance;
• Monitor or coordinate disbursement/draw requests with accounting/finance staff.

Permanent Closing and Sale

• Ensure timely closing of completed projects with Finance department and attorneys/funders/investors.
• Coordinate with Lending and Marketing Staff to ensure the project is sold to an income qualified buyer in a timely manner including coordinating open houses.
• Troubleshoot homeowner questions and issues related to construction after sale.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering, or Urban Planning and a minimum of three years of professional experience in housing and real estate development, real estate finance or planning.

Financial analysis skills are required. Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast paced, changing environment. Basic knowledge of real estate law in New York. Ability to work effectively with different social and economic groups in community meetings and guide community meetings. Ability to negotiate development and consultant contracts.

Intermediate proficiency in Windows-based software including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and MS Excel.

Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to the INHS mission to revitalize neighborhoods and to assist low to moderate income people in obtaining quality housing on a long-term basis.

Preferred: Knowledge of Federal, State and Local public entitlement process and affordable housing funding process required; experience in obtaining planning approval, improvement permits, and building permits. A general knowledge of construction details and methods especially wood frame construction. Understanding of sustainable and advanced building techniques.

TRAVEL

Travel around the service area, including out-of-county, will occur routinely. A valid driver’s license and access to transportation is required.

This description is not to be taken as a limiting document.  Other duties may be assigned.

INHS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment.  INHS is a Tompkins County Living Wage Certified Employer.

TO APPLY, submit a cover letter and resume to Johanna Anderson, Executive Director.  In the cover letter, please specifically address relevant experience and reasons for your interest in this particular position.  Interviews with qualified candidates will begin the week of July 29, 2019.  For more information about INHS, visit www.ithacanhs.org/about/employment-opportunities/.