Undersecretary of Public Housing & Rental Assistance

Undersecretary of Public Housing & Rental Assistance

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.

The Undersecretary for Public Housing & Rental Assistance, is a senior level position within the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities that has broad administrative responsibilities. The incumbent is responsible for administrative oversight of all federal and state-aided public housing and rental assistance programs administered by the Secretariat which address the housing needs of low and moderate income families, the elderly, and persons with special needs. Focus is on maintaining and improving the public housing stock, providing support to extremely low income (ELI) households through rental assistance and supporting ELI households that live in or are applying to state-aided public housing or who receive state or federal rental assistance vouchers. The Undersecretary provides leadership to a staff of 86 employees who administer the Division's programs.

Duties and responsibilities (not all inclusive) :

• Oversight : Administration of EOHLC's 43,500 unit state-funded public housing program, the federal Moving to Work program including over 20,000 federal Housing Choice Voucher (HCVs) and its associated initiatives, and over 12,000 state-funded vouchers in the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), and Department of Mental Health Rental Subsidy Program (DMHRSP) programs.
• Direct major initiatives : Provide leadership, direction and focus for all major Division initiatives, including : develop new policies for improvement of public housing and deployment of vouchers; create the development of new funding programs to meet the goals of the Executive Office; issue recommendations of policy changes requiring legislation or regulatory changes to Deputy Secretary and Secretary's office; direct significant information technology projects and business process changes to enable the Division to better meet its mission; ensure timely and comprehensive responses to all new funding opportunities issued by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or other entities; design of procurements, contracts (with legal staff review) and companion scopes of services for all subcontractor services, and development of administrative documents; management and oversight of subcontractor agencies and local housing authorities; preparation of major policy reports, evaluations and other documents; responses to HUD, Office of Inspector General (OIG), legislative inquiries, and other audits and management reviews of Division programs; and at the direction of the Deputy Secretary, significant modification or development of new rental assistance programs and public housing models and related programs.
• Oversee Division's fiscal and program operations : Advocate for funding and programs to support state-aided public housing and state-funded and administered rental voucher programs. Ongoing review of all fiscal and programmatic data and reports to ensure fiscal objectives are met and to determine actions that may be required to achieve program objectives or compliance.
• Managing Stakeholder Relationships : The Undersecretary establishes and maintains accessible and collaborative relationships with a wide array of program administrators and stakeholders. The Undersecretary must understand and balance the needs and interests of the various stakeholders and engage the Deputy Secretary in these relationships when necessary.
• Examples of other duties : Represent the Division in intra-agency meetings, task forces, and committees. Approve all major written materials representing the division.

Preferred qualifications : Position requires a demonstrated high level of management experience and skill in administration of a large and complex public agency. Required skills include detailed knowledge and understanding of publicly assisted housing programs, budgeting, financial management, program evaluation, policy analysis, personnel management and strong written and verbal communication abilities. Position also requires ability to work effectively with wide range of people, organizations, and interests, often in conflicting situations and pressurized environments. Ability to take the initiative and to resolve complex administrative problems is essential. Demonstrated track record of organizing, implementing, and managing complex management systems. Progressively complex and responsible experience in the area of housing development / management is preferred. Experience in residential rehabilitation and new construction, as well as familiarity with property management and resident service programs is highly desirable. Experience in public administration, urban planning, business administration and / or architecture is preferred. Requires extensive knowledge and experience in the following : management techniques, quantitative analysis, budgeting and personnel management. Proven ability to exercise sound judgement in prioritizing competing demands and meeting deadlines. Proven ability to modernize and to reform systems, make structural changes, provide professional training, and exercise common sense, personal integrity, and good judgement. This position requires accomplished interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence to balance the management of administration and finance functions while providing support, compassion and commitment.

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. A background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired. Minimum entrance requirements : Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

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.