Project Associate - CDS : Job Details

Summary: The Project Associate will assist with all aspects of development projects from inception to completion, under the guidance of the Director of Housing. The Project Associate will work closely with all CDS Housing staff to gain knowledge in planning and implementation of affordable housing development from inception through construction completion and occupancy.Project Predevelopment Activities:

• Understand the requirements for the NYS LIHTC and all other related funding applications involved with developing NYS affordable housing.
• Communicate with third-party professionals (i.e. architects, engineers, lawyers) to articulate project scope, cost estimates, time frame and other details related to development projects.
• Work with Director and Project Development Manager (PDM) to conduct financial feasibility analyses by reviewing the potential sources of funds and uses of funds and participate in the development of the project development and operating budget.
• Help obtain local approvals by communicating with various municipalities.
• Obtain quotes and follow-up with the preparation of market studies, appraisals and environmental studies.
• Work with banks, equity syndicators and other funding sources to obtain commitment letters needed for funding applications.

Project Funding Application Activities:

• Meet with the Director and/or PDM on a regular basis, helping with the completion of the various project funding application(s) and required action necessary.
• Obtain and analyze necessary community needs documentation, summarizing them in the application and obtain necessary letters of support from the community.
• Work with attorneys, investors and funders and provide them the documents they need.

• Complete grant writing for variety of funding sources including NYS Homes & Community Renewal, NYS Housing Finance Agency, NYS Homeless Housing Assistant Program, Federal Home Loan Bank, Empire State Development, the Environmental Protection Fund.
• Prepare documents and review, produce, and transmit letters, memos and correspondence on engineering, government grants and legal issues as requested.
• Monitor assignments and deadlines, keeping in-house and third-party staff working on schedule to meet deadlines.
• Prepare meeting material (handouts, agendas, keeping minutes, distributing notes, etc.).

Project Monitoring and Finance Closing Activities:

• Assist with the construction closing by communicating with funders, partners and attorneys, ensuring all their requirements are met.
• Be able to represent CDS at construction meetings and help resolve issues related to schedule, local permits, third-party professionals' responsibilities and funding requirements.
• Help prepare construction hard and soft cost draws and coordinate construction change orders.

• Assist in the permanent closing process, once the project is completed, making sure that all funders, investors and attorneys' requirements have been met and documentation has been satisfied

General:

• Organize, update, and maintain development files.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings, as needed.
• Utilize network systems for electronic file data management. Transcribe minutes, computerize/digitize reports, grant applications, and other documents and forms.
• Perform administrative duties in general e.g., answering phones, copying/scanning, greeting people, organizing and assist in office overflow work with other office personnel.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and problem-solve.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities without sacrificing work quality.
• Eagerness to continuously learn and a willingness to ask questions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 2+ years' experience in affordable housing development, or a related field, required.
• Experience developing/analyzing budgets preferred.
• Experience writing grant submissions preferred.
• Strong computer skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Valid NYS driver's license required.
• Must be able to travel periodically, including overnight travel if applicable, to job sites or meetings.

* All experience and education requirements, except when required by federal, state, or local laws or requirements, may be waived at the discretion of management with the approval of the Chief Operating Officer, in collaboration with Human Resources.Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Ability to sit continuously
• Ability to reach above shoulder level
• Ability to turn/twist upper body
• Ability to use hand for repetitive action and fine manipulating for the purpose of keyboarding

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to the extent required under applicable law to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.Corporate Qualifications/Expectations:

• Adhere to all CDS Life Transitions policies and procedures.
• Adhere to the Agency Mission, Vision, Shared Values, and Customer Service Standards.
• Attend mandatory Education and Training modules as scheduled, obtains, and maintains required certifications.
• Act as a professional representative of CDS Life Transitions regarding appearance, behavior, temperament, communication, language, and dress.