Sanford Housing Authority

The Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) is hiring! If you are looking to join our team of dynamic professionals who thrive on promoting healthy, safe, and sustainable, affordable housing and community-centric programs, we want to hear from you. We have an immediate need for a Director of Rental Assistance & Resident Services. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $64,454.00 - $94,652.87 annually. As a full-time role, the Director of Rental Assistance & Resident Services is eligible to participate in SHA's benefits program. The posting will be open until filled.

Position Summary:

The Director of Rental Assistance & Resident Services is a vital member of Sanford Housing Authority’s senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This position oversees the Voucher Programs and ensures the efficient and effective operation of all aspects of SHA’s voucher portfolio. The role includes providing oversight for the day-to-day functions of the administration of Voucher Programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs), Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs), Tenant Protection Vouchers (TPVs), and Special Purpose Vouchers (SPVs). Additionally, the Director oversees resident services and engagement programs, including Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS), Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), homeownership, Ready-to-Rent (R2R), housing counseling, and community center coordination for adult learning, summer, and after-school programs. This position provides leadership and oversight in creating programs and services that enable participating families to increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for assistance, and progress toward achieving economic independence and housing self-sufficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

At a minimum, the Director of Rental Assistance & Resident Services will be responsible for successfully carrying out the following essential functions and duties in a professional and timely manner:

  • Provide leadership and oversight for HQS inspections performed by staff and outside contractors.
  • Coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure the accurate and timely development of HCV program budgets and the timely processing of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP).
  • Review HCV program financial statements and recommend adjustments and voucher allocations based on current financial conditions and occupancy trends.
  • Prepare, maintain, and monitor departmental budgets; oversee all expenditures required for departmental operations.
  • Manage annual payment standards and utility allowances, update the Administrative Plan policy, and assist with preparing board resolutions for these activities.
  • Provide oversight for managing all HCV program activities, such as applicant intake, recertification processes, HQS inspections, landlord outreach, rent reasonableness determinations, portability, and other program requirements.
  • Provide oversight for all Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) PBV and other PBV contract administration.
  • Assist the CEO in preparing and presenting the five-year and annual plans to the Board of Commissioners.
  • Regularly confer with the CEO on departmental operational goals, progress, problem areas, and coordination with other departments.
  • Provide leadership and oversight for implementing various housing and case management software to optimize SHA's day-to-day operations.
  • Ensure compliance with HCV and special programs and activities, complete reporting, and meet HUD SEMAP mandates and RAD goals and targets.
  • Monitor and submit updates to the HUD Two-Year Forecasting Tool (PST), Payment Standard Tool (PST), and Voucher Management System (VMS).
  • Oversee annual payment standards and utility allowances, update the Administrative Plan policy, and assist with preparing board resolutions for these activities.
  • Manage the HCV Homeownership Action Plan, FSS Action Plan, Section 3 Action Plan, policies, procedures, and resolutions approved by the SHA Board of Commissioners.
  • Develop and track programmatic management tools and resources through various software to enhance the effective management, delivery, and reporting of SHA and its program areas.
  • Manage all relocation projects and activities, including Uniform Relocation Act (URA) funding for moving expenses, utility and security deposits, application fees, mobility and housing counseling, case management, and other wrap-around services.
  • Track resident relocations to ensure compliance with HUD relocation regulations, such as the Uniform Relocation Act (URA) and Tenant Protection Vouchers (TPVs).
  • Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to determine the current and future social and economic needs of housing authority residents and voucher holders and connect them to in-demand social services.
  • Provide oversight for establishing and sustaining Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and Memorandums of Agreements (MOAs) with appropriate community partners.
  • Ensure effective communication with the Resident Advisory Board (RAB) and establish relationships with residents, community groups, neighborhood associations, and faith-based organizations to address community safety issues promptly.
  • Provide oversight for establishing and sustaining the Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) for services provided and cultivate relationships with community providers.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership and mid-managers to design programs, prepare compelling grant submissions/applications, and report on expenses and goals achieved.
  • Ensure the FSS program fully complies with HUD regulations and guidelines, including Individual Training and Services Plans (ITSPs), Contracts of Participation (COPs), and FSS escrow accounts.
  • Undertake and perform other work-related duties and special projects assigned by the CEO.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Master's degree in business or public administration, management, public policy, social work, behavioral science, natural science, or related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of HCV or resident services experience and five (5) years of supervisory experience in social services, homeless or domestic violence shelter, case management, public housing, the HCV, FSS, ROSS, or Section 3 programs working for a social service organization or public housing authority, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

*Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered or substituted in place of the education & experience requirements stated above.

  • Thorough understanding of public sector administration, management principles, and priorities.
  • Knowledge of programs and activities relating to urban and community development, public housing, rental assistance, affordable housing, and SHA policies and procedures.
  • Ability to manage, coordinate, implement, and monitor programs and projects.
  • Extensive analysis skills, including statistical analysis.
  • Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and coordinating people and resources.
  • Knowledge of best practices in federal funding administration, including analysis, budget tracking, and reporting.
  • Skills to develop, prepare, and present various reports and analyses.
  • Skills to research, analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data.
  • Knowledge and ability to use standard computer applications and advanced computer software for graphic design.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the public, residents, the Board of Commissioners, and local government departments and agencies.
  • Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, laws, and regulations about publishing information.
  • Ability to engage in extensive problem-solving and work under tight deadlines.
  • Ability to organize and maintain accurate records for audit purposes.
  • Good knowledge of principles, practices, research methods, and statistical analysis.
  • Applies effective written and verbal communication techniques to convey clear and timely messages.
  • Prepares clear and concise reports.
  • Presents proposals and recommendations logically and persuasively.
  • Interprets and explains complex data analyses and research findings for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment in solving problems or communicating decisions or actions.
  • Values diversity, equity, and inclusion with an understanding of multicultural and cultural competencies.
  • Effective interpersonal relations skills with the ability to work collaboratively.
  • A collaborative team member who is also a strong leader with well-developed organizational and time management skills.
  • Understands technical aspects of the position and continuously builds knowledge.
  • Ability to guide the use and implementation of technology in managing affordable housing programs.
  • Must possess the following required certifications, or be willing to obtain these certifications within the first year of employment:
    • HCV Program Management Certification
    • HQS Specialist Certification
    • RAD PBV Specialist Certification
    • HCV Financial Management Certification
    • SEMAP Specialist Certification
    • FSS Specialist Certification
    • Self-Sufficiency Coordination Certification
  • Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license with a good driving record.
  • Ability to pass required pre-employment background checks, including criminal history and drug screening.
  • Availability for occasional overnight travel and weekend work.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and attitude with all stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to demonstrate reliability through punctuality and consistent attendance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to perform physical tasks, such as bending, stooping, and lifting up to 30 pounds without assistance.

BENEFITS

SHA offers a competitive benefits package including the following options: health care (medical, vision, & dental); retirement plan; life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; education reimbursement; and paid time off.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The Director of Rental Assistance & Resident Services role is primarily office-based, with occasional onsite visits to housing developments, construction sites, and facilities. SHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The organization's mission is to provide quality and affordable housing to all persons while empowering families, creating a sense of community, and building partnerships.