SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Senior Project Manager
Department: Planning and Development
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Union: Teamsters, Local 122
Grade: 17

Reports to: Deputy Director of Planning and Development

 About Us

The Cambridge Housing Authority ("CHA"), a leader in developing and maintaining affordable housing communities, is seeking a qualified and highly motivated candidate. By focusing on policy innovation and family economic opportunities, the CHA is committed to developing and managing safe, high quality, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. CHA provides long-term rental housing and rental assistance to more than 5,500+ individuals and families through its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs. CHA has been awarded accreditation by the Affordable Housing Accreditation Board (AHAB) and was the seventh affordable housing provider in the nation to receive this prestigious accreditation.

CHA offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Our generous benefits package includes health and dental insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, life and disability insurance options, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, retirement pension and deferred compensation 457b plans, and more! CHA employees enjoy flexible work schedules including a hybrid work environment consisting of a combination of on-site and work from home days.

Summary 

The primary purpose of this position is to direct the planning aspects of development and modernization programs at all of the Cambridge Housing Authority’s (“CHA” or “Authority”) developments.

 All activities must support the CHA’s strategic goals and objectives and produce results that accomplish the goals of the Planning and Development department.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree and at least four (4) years of experience in program administration, contract administration, or housing planning with some experience acting in a supervisory capacity. Master’s Degree in planning, business administration, or public administration preferred. Must have valid Massachusetts driver’s license and be insurable under CHA policies. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, and MS Outlook). Incumbent also should be capable of using financial, accounting, and file management software. Ability to learn other computer software programs may be required by assigned tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The below statements describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position.  This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Meets with tenant councils and managers of each development during development of Physical Needs Inventory, to determine management and tenant council priorities for improvements
• Develops annual Physical Needs Inventory and prepares submission of request for funding under local, state, and federal modernization programs
• Meets with tenant councils during the development of specifications for specific modernization work items; reviews and approves final set of specifications prior to bidding
• Meets with tenant councils and manager during construction as needed to discuss progress or any proposed changes to specifications
• Acts as contract administrator for consulting contracts in regard to assigned special investigations or planning projects; in these cases, prepares Request of Proposal, drafts recommendations for award of contract, prepares any modifications to the contract, and performs close-out functions
• Coordinates the necessary approval process with state and federal agencies for commitment of modernization programs
• Works with the CHA Management department to ensure Management has the necessary training, warranties, etc. to properly maintain modernization improvements
• Coordinates major planning assignments as assigned, and undertakes necessary planning research
• Supervises a staff of 3-5 people, as well as various consulting Architects and Engineers
• Performs other related duties as assigned 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Behavioral Competencies

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.  

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; recognizes working colleagues as customers. 

Effective Communication:  Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing; demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.  

Responsiveness and Accountability:  Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work.  

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Leadership:  Provides direction by clearly and effectively setting course of action for department and subordinates; manages performance by providing regular feedback and reinforcement to subordinates.  

 Job Competencies

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of physical development and the ability to perform research into technical areas of building design and construction
• Ability to direct and supervise consultants
• Possession of advanced leadership, staff development and communication skills
• Ability to identify, organize, and present data and information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to perform research into technical areas of building maintenance and improvement
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with associates, tenants, and various citizen groups

 Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.