Affordable Housing Program Manager

Bridges to Housing Stability, Inc. (“Bridges”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Howard County, MD. Bridges’ mission is to provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County. Our vision is to champion the eradication of homelessness. To that end, Bridges provides affordable housing and/or case management to households who are precariously housed and overburdened with rent, facing eviction, at risk of homelessness, or are experiencing homelessness. For more information, please see www.bridges2hs.org.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for managing the operation of the Bridges Alliance (“Alliance”), transitional, & Help End Homelessness Howard County programs. Alliance is Bridges’ affordable housing program, in which Bridges either acquires or leases housing units in Howard County and rents such units to low/moderate income households. Alliance not only provides the housing itself but also includes social services/programming aimed towards helping the Alliance households become self-sufficient. Bridges owns two transitional housing homes for special populations and works collaboratively with other organizations to run programming for participants. Help End Homelessness Howard County provides housing for four very-low income families, case management is provided by a Bridges’ case manager.

Overall

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work mostly independently (within appropriate Board guidelines and approvals) to manage the housing programs
• Strive to meet metrics and program goals (includes establishing metrics in collaboration with the leadership staff, as well as monitoring and collecting the necessary data)
• Attend, participate and present program information, quarterly reports and general updates at Program committee as well as at staff meetings. Prepare program and grant related reports as required
• Manage the programs’ overall fiscal state, which includes collaborating with leadership to establish the budgets, managing the budget and approving spending within budget guidelines and procedures, applying for or working with other staff on grants
• Track monthly rental income and spending within the housing portfolio
• Attend other internal and external meetings as needed
• Serve as point of contact regarding program operations with various internal and external parties
• Update procedures and recommend policy changes to leadership as necessary
• Collaborate with other staff and third-party consultants on marketing and fundraising campaigns and strategies
• Set the tone of respect, professionalism, confidentiality, and compassion
• Participate in Bridges’ training and, on occasion, networking events and evening/weekend Bridges’ activities
• Maintain Bridges’ standards of confidentiality
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Real Estate/Property Component

• Manage third-party property management firm
• Work with property manager and third-party landlords to assure long-term and short-term property needs
• Grow the Housing portfolio – utilizing acquisition grants to make purchases in collaboration with leadership and Real Estate committee
• Ensure low vacancy rate, work with Property Management on maintaining high rent collection rate, and low turnover.
  
  

Social Service/Programming Component

• Evaluate and maintain eligibility process and criteria for target population
• Work with tenants to establish a housing stability plan, self-sufficiency goals, and monitor tenants’ progress
• Provide financial management assistance, payment plans, and case management for identified clients, including coordination with third-party providers for services including, but not limited to, financial management services and education
• In collaboration with other staff and volunteers, organize Circle of Support meetings, events and programs, which includes the coordination of trainings, meeting logistics and agenda, as well as the facilitation of discussions on group and individual goals
• Support tenants to resolve difficulties with property management
• Collect client stories and acquisition updates for marketing purposes
  
  

Qualifications

• A commitment to Bridges’ vision to increase affordable housing in the County to prevent and end homelessness
• Undergraduate degree (Masters preferred) either in (a) a human services/administration, social work, or related field; or (b) in real estate, housing, finance or related field (Note that 5 years of relevant experience may be considered in substitution for education)
• A strong sense of urgency about the importance of creating new models for workforce housing
• Understanding of Fair Housing Act regulations and requirements
• Experience or proficiency/knowledge in the following category
  
  

Social Services/Programming

• affordable housing, property management, or homelessness prevention
• organizational development, community organizing, advocacy, group process, and conflict management
• case management, both direct and through referrals to other resources
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, combined with experience in public speaking and presentations
• Proven strategic thinker and problem solver
• Demonstrated resourcefulness
• Proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint (or demonstrated ability and commitment to acquire the relevant proficiency in a timely manner)
• Management or supervisory experience preferred
• Fundraising and/or grant writing experience is a plus
  
  

Intentionality in organizational practices is a core value of Bridges to Housing Stability, Inc. resulting in culturally competent services, materials, resources, and programs. Our hiring and business practices appreciate the strengths offered through different backgrounds. Bridges is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

HOURS: This is a full-time (40 hours a week), salaried, exempt position. As an exempt management employee, the Affordable Housing Program Manager may be expected to work additional hours, as needed, to satisfy job requirements.

SUPERVISOR: Director of Operations. The Director of Operations will conduct a 90-day review of the Affordable Housing Program Manager’s performance, as well as annual reviews thereafter. All annual reviews are conducted at the end of Bridges’ fiscal year, which runs from July 1- June 30. Bridges utilizes a 360-degree evaluation process, which also includes a self-evaluation, evaluations from subordinates (as applicable), and of other management staff with whom the Program Manager has regular work-related dealings and contact.

SALARY: $60,000 to $70,000

BENEFITS: Bridges provides medical, dental, vision and life insurance, short-term disability, Bridges’ retirement account matching (up to 3% of salary), and flexible leave.