Job Specification Details

Supervision of Housing Division staff. Research, coordinating, and technical work on a variety of housing issues for the Department of Housing and Community Development. Duties involve policy development and planning work related to housing and federal funding of projects administered by the department. Support of legislatively directed mandates and requested legislative testimony. Coordination of pertinent housing-related Councils and Advisory Boards, such as the Governor’s Housing Council and the Rental Housing Advisory Board.  Represent Departmental interests and policy priorities at meetings of homeless service provision groups. Perform oversight of 5-year Statewide Housing Needs Assessment. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Commissioner and/or Deputy Commissioner of Housing and Community Development.

Support and conduct research and analysis of housing policy issues. Assist in department planning efforts including the HUD Consolidated Plan, the State's primary policy document involving the expenditure of federal funds for community development and affordable housing, as well as the Statewide Housing Needs Assessment. Oversee Fair Housing activities. Seek grant opportunities. Provide staff and research support to the Vermont Housing Council and Rental Housing Advisory Board. Develop policy recommendations. Review and recommend legislative proposals including analysis of bills, drafting position papers, providing requested information to legislative committees and provide testimony as requested. Represent the Department by participating in formation of state policy on specific housing issues with State Agencies and outside stakeholders. Prepare and post housing-related website content. Perform related duties as required.

Work is normally performed in a standard office setting but some travel is necessary requiring private means of transportation. There may be meetings with a variety of groups, committees, public officials and the general public where conflicting opinions will be strong. Some work may be required outside of regular work schedule.

Knowledge of housing policy, housing finance, state and federal housing programs or affordable housing development.

Background in the principles and practices of community development.

Excellent writing and communication skills and ability to produce quickly.

Ability to work well both as a member of a team and on self-directed projects.

Ability to identify opportunities for coordination between various stakeholders to achieve goals and outcomes.

Ability to provide oversight of and guidance to Division staff.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and articulate policy initiatives and desired outcomes.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Bachelor's degree in political science, economics, public administration, community development, or related field AND three (3) years of professional experience in policy analysis, housing development or finance, provision of housing or community development services, or management of federal or state housing programs.

OR

Master's degree in political science, economics, public administration, community development or related field AND one (1) year of professional experience in policy analysis, housing development or finance, provision of housing or community development services, or management of federal or state housing programs. 

OR

Seven (7) years of professional experience in policy analysis, housing development or finance, provision of housing or community development services, or management of federal or state housing programs.
 

Preference will be given for a Master's degree.

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