Executive Director, Bureau of Preservation Design Review Services, Division of Building and Land Development Services

About the Agency

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) promotes quality and affordability in the city's housing, and diversity and strength in the city’s neighborhoods because every New Yorker deserves a safe, affordable place to live in a neighborhood they love. HPD maintains building and resident safety and health, creates opportunities for New Yorkers through housing affordability, and engages New Yorkers to build and sustain neighborhood strength and diversity.

Your Team

The Office of Development (OOD) leads the agency’s effort to create and preserve affordable housing in collaboration with other HPD offices as well as other city, state, and federal agencies. The OOD is comprised of eight divisions that administer a range of programs, including New Construction Finance, Special Needs Housing, Housing Incentives, Building and Land Development Services, Homeownership Opportunities and Preservation, Preservation Finance, Portfolio Management and Conversions, and Compliance and Enforcement.

The Division of Building and Land Development Services (BLDS) provides architectural, engineering, cost valuation, environmental planning, and construction support services to the various divisions within HPD’s Office of Development. BLDS is the largest division within the Office of Development, with over 100 staff across seven units: the Bureau of New Construction Design Review Services, the Bureau of Preservation Design Review Services, the Bureau of Engineering, the Bureau of Construction Services, the Environmental Planning Unit, the Policy Unit, and the Program Management Unit.

About the Role

As Executive Director for the Bureau of Preservation Design Review Services, you will lead the division’s efforts in preserving safe, quality, and affordable housing and managing the pipeline of projects undergoing various levels of rehabilitation work through one of HPD’s preservation loan programs. The Executive Director will oversee the following units:

• Substantial Rehabilitation Design Review Unit: Responsible for reviewing and evaluating consultants’ work for projects undergoing substantial rehabilitation through HPD’s preservation loan programs (e.g., Third-Party Transfer Program, Affordable Neighborhood Cooperative Program) for compliance with HPD Design Guidelines for Preservation and applicable accessibility design standards.
• Moderate Rehabilitation Design Review Unit: Responsible for reviewing and evaluating consultants’ work for projects undergoing moderate rehabilitation through HPD’s preservation loan programs (e.g., Year 15 Program, Multifamily Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program) for alignment with the integrated physical needs assessment and compliance with HPD Design Guidelines for Preservation and applicable accessibility design standards.
• J-51 Review and Inspections Unit: Responsible for determining the acceptability of building alterations and repairs to ensure adherence to contract specifications and regulations related to the J-51 Abatement and Exemption issued by NYC’s Department of Finance.

The ideal candidate should have a background in Architecture or a related field and possess a thorough understanding of New York City building and construction codes, Federal, State, and City housing codes and regulations, as well as experience in methods and standards for the preservation of multi-family housing.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Associate Commissioner to lead the division’s efforts in achieving the Agency’s and Division’s goals and objectives of preserving affordable housing.
• Manage a portfolio of preservation projects seeking design review services and ensure that project deliverables are met prior to construction loan closings.
• Perform managerial duties, including providing guidance to deputy directors, supervisors, and staff; preparing management reports for the Associate Commissioner; establishing appropriate productivity measures; promoting collaboration among the team; and evaluating staff performance.
• Collaborate with the Office of Development’s preservation program teams to provide technical assistance, troubleshoot, and make appropriate recommendations to ensure all critical project milestones are met in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with multiple HPD divisions, as well as external City agencies and organizations, on matters that arise on HPD-assisted preservation projects.
• Provide expertise in shaping policies pertaining to the preservation of affordable housing.
• Oversee the maintenance of documents and guides related to the preservation of affordable housing, including the HPD Design Guidelines for Preservation and J-51 Certified Reasonable Cost Schedule.
• Evaluate policies and procedures for the bureau to ensure efficiency and efficacy.
• Respond to requests for information and oversee the production of detailed reports, memoranda, presentations, and written correspondence regarding projects, programs, new initiatives, or other special projects, as needed.
• Represent the Associate Commissioner on behalf of the agency at internal and external meetings related to policy and design matters for preservation projects.
• Collaborate with other HPD divisions to achieve agency goals, as well as to identify, monitor, and/or resolve project and policy issues.

Requirements

• A valid New York State Registration as an Architect is required.
• Six (6) years of full-time paid experience in architectural work, at least two (2) years of which shall have been as an administrative architect.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required; the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development does not provide sponsorship for international employees for visa applications, extensions, or status changes.

A Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York may be required for certain assignments. If required, this license must be maintained for the duration of the assignment.

Preferred Skills

• Thorough knowledge in all areas of architecture and construction technology, including City, State, and Federal regulations and procedures, and methods and standards for the preservation and construction of multi-family housing.
• Excellent trade base knowledge and familiarity with New York City government and housing issues.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, negotiate with diverse technical specialists, apply independent judgment in technical matters, take initiative, and work effectively with others.
• Excellent leadership, writing, research, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously, and deal with complex construction issues.
• At least 5 years of experience in a managerial, administrative, or supervisory position.
• Strong knowledge of design, trends, architectural building systems, building codes, and proficiency with AcrobatPro, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

Additional Information

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter if you would like to be considered through the 55-a Program.

New York City Residency is not required for this position.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.