Director of Housing and Citizen Services at City of Pueblo – Pueblo, Colorado

Under general direction of the Mayor, this appointed position plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the Housing and Citizen Services Department. Implements and monitors community development activities; develops program policies and management systems including the assembly of program related data; formulates annual work plans for the delivery of services; recommends changes in program priorities, policies, and procedures; prepares and administers budgets; meets with constituent groups, sponsors, or the general public to explain departmental policies and programs; and develops procedures to ensure adequate compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Performs professional work overseeing housing, community development, human services, economic development, planning and all other programs and activities of the Department. This position is also responsible for tracking, vetting, and monitoring compliance of non-profit organizations that receive funding from the City of Pueblo through either the annual budget process, off-cycle funding or through the Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC) allocations. Measures the performance of programs and provides recommendations regarding funding and reports on compliance with use of funding for committed purposes. For this primary compliance function, the position will work closely with the Mayor’s office and the Finance Director.

This job description is an overview and is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the functions and tasks required of the position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plans, develops, administers, and oversees all housing and neighborhood revitalization programs that utilize city, state, and federal funds, as well as private funding
• Establishes monitoring procedures and interactions with regulatory and financial agencies.
• Meets with and provides technical assistance to citizen groups, agencies and/or authorities and seeks input and recommendations
• Directs housing rehabilitation, new construction, home buyer, lease purchase, homeowner rehabilitation, and rental rehabilitation lending
• Works with citizens, neighborhood associations, City departments, and consultants in the preparation and implementation of holistic and comprehensive neighborhood development programs including neighborhood redevelopment plans that include, but are not limited to, housing, economic development, social and human services, etc.
• Develops policies and guidelines for housing and neighborhood revitalization programs
• Develops partnerships with private sector entities including lending institutions, businesses, institutions, non-profit organizations, and developers
• Develops project and program budgets
• Prepares reports, award applications, grant applications, etc.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge of local, state, and federal laws/regulations relating to housing and other programs funded with CDBG, HOME, Proposition 123, and other funds
• Manages technical, professional and clerical staff including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and disciplinary actions
• When requested by the Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC), provide assistance, or assign staff to assist with activities of the CSAC
• Serve as the Mayor’s representative at the Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC) meetings
• Develop a strong understanding of the rules and regulations regarding taxpayer funding granted to specific organizations
• Develop reporting instruments, requirements, and cadence of report to the City for agencies awarded funding
• Participate in the budget process with respect to non-departmental requests as directed by Mayor
• Monitor and report on compliance with respect to all performance milestones provided as part of the annual budget or ad hoc requests from agencies to ensure that funding is being used for the requested purpose and general performance monitoring with respect to effectiveness of funding
• Prepares the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Reports, as well as other required reports to agencies and the City Council
• Negotiates complex development agreements with for-profit and non-profit developers
• Ensures that plans are developed within applicable federal, state and local laws
• Manage contracts related to the management and operations of the Pueblo Shelter
• Stay abreast of best practices related to Pueblo Shelter operations

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS:
May perform other duties as required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Below are the physical standards an employee must meet to perform the essential job duties with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Work is sedentary and usually done in a seated position, but requires frequent moving about, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, or stooping to perform filing
• Lifting of 45 lbs. may be necessary
• Reaching, able to extend the hands and arms in any direction
• Position requires the ability to input large amounts of data using repetitive motion on a frequent and prolonged basis
• The incumbent must be able to hear all communication from customers and employees by telephone or in person, and use vision to work with written documents, forms, and to respond to customers
• Requires vision, hearing, and physical mobility and control to be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Requires knowledge of:

• Current advanced principles and practices applicable to housing, redevelopment, urban planning and land development
• Federal and state housing programs and requirements
• Housing finance mechanisms
• Housing and redevelopment laws and regulations
• Budget and project preparation and implementation
• Basic accounting principles
• Relevant computer software applications
• Supervisory and management principles

Requires the skill and ability to:

• Research and prepare grant applications
• Evaluate and make recommendations on requests for financial assistance to develop or rehabilitate housing projects
• Supervise and participate in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data pertaining to housing, community development and redevelopment
• Interpret and apply federal, state and local laws and regulatory codes
• Effectively communicate orally, graphically and in writing
• Supervise, plan, organize, schedule, and complete projects within assigned timelines
• Supervise the work of subordinate employees
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with City employees, government officials, private developers, public groups and organizations
• Adapt to changing requirements
• Make effective oral presentations

In addition to the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above, this position requires the following:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher education from an accredited institution in business, accounting, or public administration
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a community development or housing development related position which may include real estate financing or market analysis experience in a banking/real estate environment
• Three (3) years of management experience
• A valid driver’s license at the time of application, and a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment
  • License restrictions that may hinder your ability to drive on City business, such as an interlock, will be cause for disqualification
  • During the course of employment, a valid license must be maintained, and the employee must notify the City immediately upon changes to the status of their license

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Position requires that the individual be able to work outside normal business hours, attend evening meetings, and work flexible hours. Most duties are performed indoors; however, the incumbent will be required to perform some duties outdoors. Must be able to work, drive, and travel in inclement weather.
All required licenses and certifications must be maintained throughout the term of employment. Failure to obtain or maintain licenses and certifications may result in demotion or termination.

Due to Federal and State Criminal Justice System access requirements, classifications that access and maintain criminal justice information may also be required, as a condition of employment, to not have been convicted of and/or have pending charges of a felony or misdemeanor crime that would deny or otherwise restrict access to criminal justice information. This requirement applies to all existing City employees as well as external candidates seeking to fill positions that meet the given criteria.

The City of Pueblo offers a very rich benefits packet! Click on the “Benefits” hyperlink at the top of this (online) job posting to view a summary of the benefits associated with this position. For a more comprehensive view on the lush benefits offered by the City, please go to www.pueblo.us/benefits .

If hired, you must be able submit proof of your legal right to work in the United States. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. The City does not sponsor work visas.