Senior project manager

This role performs management level work directing major real estate programs and activities with agency-wide impact and is involved in the coordination of multiple community planning initiatives and/or multiple redevelopment and/or development projects. The Real Estate Development Senior Project Manager is responsible for the review and analysis of affordable housing development and redevelopment projects that will utilize multiple financial resources [LIHTC, Bond, RAD, RAD/Section 18 Blend, Restore-Rebuild (formerly Faircloth to RAD)], HOME, CDBG, Historic Tax Credits, etc., from predevelop activities to construction completion, certificate of occupancy and lease-up.

This position provides high quality project management and is accountable for developing and fostering effective relationships internally and externally including all third parties (e.g., consultants, public funders and private lenders/equity providers, community organizations, architects, constructions managers, government liaisons, etc.). This position requires that the incumbent have project management skills and specific program knowledge. Work is performed with limited direction and the role may supervise or lead the work of others.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Implements project or program plans, ensuring adherence to resources, budget and time constraints.
• Structure and close complex mixed-financed projects with multiple lenders and manages the due diligence process. Apply knowledge of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Bond, and other Federal, state and city financial resources to ensure projects adhere to lending environment guidelines for project feasibility.
• Facilitate community and public agency support of project master plan, development and changes. Review project development in accordance with market study, zoning and permitting requirements.
• Monitors the day-to-day project or program status. Troubleshoots projects/programs or project phases that are not meeting targets. Collaborate with other staff and/or supervisors (if applicable) in the resolution of problems. Ensures executive management awareness of any major project problems. Educates stakeholders on project management methodology.
• Problem solves and aggressively pursues and implements current regulations. Establishes/strengthens professional relationships with the City of Richmond Housing and Community Development and other staff, and real estate development project managers in other housing authorities, financial institutions, attorneys, community development organizations, business and industry leaders and/or other professional groups.
• (For supervisory positions) Develops and maintains a high-performance work team by establishing clear expectations and deadlines, establishing effective performance monitoring practices, coaching and developing direct reports, following up and providing timely feedback, and objectively confronting unacceptable performance. Communicate vision and goals to staff on an on-going basis. Provides visible recognition for staff achievements supportive of goal attainment.
• Ensures availability of immediate access to project status, using a variety of project communication tools. Communicates project status, meeting commitments to all stakeholders.
• Works with RRHA’s Procurement Department on all assigned procurement activities and may serve as the contract administrator for the applicable procurement. Ensures that Request For Proposals (RFP) and Request For Qualifications (RFQ) processes meet agency, state, and federal requirements, as well as stakeholder needs.
• May locate, research and secure business development opportunities that will assist RRHA in meeting its goals.
• May develop markets and manage commercial and multi-family loan programs. Oversee property acquisition process, negotiations, etc. Examine, evaluate and recommend approval of commercial loan and real estate loans within mixed-use urban areas. Complete underwriting requirements for mortgages.
• May develop and recommend credit policy.
• Must closely monitor progress of approved projects, repayments and detect early warning signs of potential default.
• Stays abreast of law changes that impact RRHA’s operations.
• Plans, conducts and manages special projects when assigned.
• Oversees Quality Control function – ensuring that all projects are conducted in accordance with RRHA, HUD, City, State, and other applicable guidelines. Evaluates effectiveness of assigned programs; recommend changes to improve program/project quality.
• Presents project plans, program evaluations, financial and/or operational analysis to stakeholders in an easily understood manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Competencies

Considerable knowledge and experience with real estate development (especially multi-family), affordable housing development and finance, project management practices and methodology; relevant federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Considerable knowledge of affordable housing financial resources including but not limited to Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Bond, Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD), HOME, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Federal and State Historic Tax Credit. Federal Home Loan Bank – Affordable Housing Program. Understanding of the concepts and principles of city planning, economics, and sociology related to housing development. Demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time and within budget and to turn around troubled projects. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to be innovative and flexible, while ensuring absolute adherence to various legal and programmatic requirements. Demonstrated ability to present information clearly and concisely; prepare reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders including agency staff, City of Richmond and HUD staff, community groups, business leaders, and other government officials; develop networks to achieve business purposes. The ability to supervise staff and manage team projects.

Education and/or Experience

The following requirements may be used to evaluate applicants for employment. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for differences in experience and education.

• Education: College degree in business or public administration, or other relevant field. Advanced degree in planning, business administration, and/or finance may be preferred based on specific position requirements.
• Experience: Four (4) years progressively responsible project management experience. Supervisory experience a plus.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

The Senior Project Manager must maintain a valid state driver’s license.