COMCOR 01A.104.33 Deputy Director, Department of Housing and Community Affairs

This is an appointed, non-merit position in the County Government. This executive-level position reports to the Director, Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) and has full authority and accountability in the absence of the Director. The Deputy Director supports the Director in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, program, and special projects. The incumbent also addresses and resolves complex issues related to affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing with County, State, regional, and federal officials/managers as well as with private for-profit and not-for-profit sector and community/civic association leaders.

Incumbents perform a variety of complex duties. The distinguishing characteristics of this classification include responsibility for implementing affordable housing, the loan, grant, and other programs, and coordinating such efforts with other County, State, regional, and federal officials/managers and/or private agencies.

• Develops the departmental work program and develops responsive and fiscally sound policies which impact public, private, and community interests related to the County’s housing programs.

• Develops and promotes fair and affordable housing, tenant rights, and healthy living conditions and helps to preserve and produce affordable workforce and market-rate housing.

• Works with Director, Division Chiefs, and senior managers in planning and developing strategic, long-range policies; in establishing long and short terms goals and objectives; in implementing innovative programs and initiatives; and in determining organizational and financial resources required to meet objectives.

• Examines numerous diverse, complex, and politically-sensitive issues and problems related to housing and works with departmental and other County/outside stakeholders toward their resolution.

• Leads and/or works with task forces and advisory committees; analyzes recommendations / findings; informs/advises the Director and other officials of issues, strategies, and findings; implements, recommendations; evaluates outcomes, etc.

• Serves as the primary liaison to officials/staff at the Montgomery County Planning Board, MNCPPC, the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC), Council of Governments (COG), State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and other agencies on all matters of mutual concern.

• Serves as the Director’s personal representative in meetings with and in making oral and written presentations before appointed and elected officials, community organizations, private sector business associations, and officials of both regulatory and non-regulatory local, State, and federal government agencies.

• Testifies before the County Council and Planning Board; participates in their committees regarding legislation and issues affecting departmental policies and procedures.

• Serves as liaison between the department and communities; manages community relations and outreach activities.

• Oversees administration/management of major departmental contracts.

• Monitors and evaluates housing development programs to ensure the program meets all federal and local regulations, guidelines, and reporting requirements.

• Oversees the management of public and privately funded grants from award to close out; and responsible for tracking project budgets, funding accounts, and program income.

• Participates in developing the department’s Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets.

• Provides oversight on modernization and development projects to include preparation of scope of services and participation in the selection process for developers or contractors.

• Manages/oversees the day-to-day real estate activities related to the acquisition and development of affordable, workforce, and market rate housing; coordinates development activities from planning to occupancy.

• Conducts and/or directs the efforts of consultants/contractors in carrying out evaluations and/or management studies of departmental programs; creates program evaluation criteria; assesses findings; proposes new approaches and/or modifications to Director.

• Coordinates the development of analytical and transactional tasks to include but not limited to market research, project budgets, sources and uses, draw schedules, proformas, and project schedules.

• Handles special projects, reports, and activities.

• Performs related duties as required.

Experience: Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public housing, affordable housing, or real estate redevelopment environment; three (3) of which were in a supervisory or executive capacity; or the equivalent combination of education and experience which meet the minimum qualifications requirement.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in Business Administration, Real Estate or closely related field.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: None.

Advanced knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of planning, formulating, analyzing, and implementing management and programmatic policies and strategies.

• Long- and short-range strategic planning and evaluation techniques and methods, and ability to look to the future with a broad perspective.

• Principles and practices of housing, community planning, and urban development, including zoning ordinances, master and sector plan development, land use, etc.

• Local, State, and federal laws, regulations, and programs affecting affordable, workforce, and market-rate development activities.

• Functions and activities of the local government, bi-county, State, and federal agencies that deal with Montgomery County.

• Contract development, administration, and monitoring; budget/fiscal control; procurement; human resources; etc.

• Federal, State, local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.

Skill in:

• Identifying, analyzing, and evaluating information concerning highly complex and often politically-sensitive housing issues.

• Manage numerous responsibilities, set priorities, anticipate problems, develop contingency plans, and monitor achievement of broad program goals/objectives.

• Working effectively with task forces, advisory groups, and panels comprised of a diverse range of stakeholders; to grasp and synthesize key issues; and to implement recommendations/findings.

• Interpersonal relations and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected/appointed officials, managers and supervisors, other governmental staff, civic and community leaders and groups, and representatives of the private business sector.

• Negotiating agreements which accommodate the conflicting interests and viewpoints of numerous groups and organizations.

• Managing staff, allocating resources, and evaluating programs.

• Leadership, collaboration and negotiation techniques, including contracts, agreements, and proposals.

• Developing and monitoring programs and related budgets.

• Managing user expectations and satisfaction.

• Developing and evaluating Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

• Problem-solving and decision-making.

Ability to:

• Cooperate with and fully support the goals and objectives of intra and interagency programs and activities.

• Effectively representing the organization on policy matters and controversial questions and to deal tactfully and equitably with a diverse range of people.

• Communicating clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to attend meetings and/or perform assignments at locations outside of the office.

• Manage, motivate, train, develop, and evaluate staff.

• Work independently and efficiently and as part of a team.

• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.

• Translate policies and objectives into ideas and applications web-based information products.

• Research, compile, analyze, interpret, and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports.

Medical History Review.