Program Manager - Special Lending Programs

About the role

The Program Manager leads the development, launch, and ongoing management of new housing programs and funding initiatives. The role designs program processes, evaluates applications, engages directly with developers and municipalities, negotiates program variances within defined parameters, and manages day-to-day program operations with a high degree of independence. The Program Manager prepares detailed, data-driven recommendations for funding decisions and guideline exceptions, while escalating approvals and sensitive issues as needed. The role also tracks and reports on the performance of housing programs and their funding sources to inform future program adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine program structures, workflows, and standards for new and existing housing programs
• Develop application intake, evaluation, award recommendation, construction monitoring coordination, and program eligibility review processes
• Collaborate with internal experts to ensure program requirements and procedures are clear, consistent, and actionable
• Maintain and continuously improve program processes and documentation supporting program operations, expectations, and guidelines
• Serve as the primary point of contact for developers and municipalities throughout the lifecycle of all awards
• Review and evaluate proposals for funding eligibility, feasibility, and compliance
• Negotiate program variances within approved parameters
• Facilitate the application review process in collaboration with underwriting, legal, and technical teams, ensuring timely and accurate feedback to developers
• Prepare comprehensive, data-driven recommendations for funding decisions and guideline exceptions for approval by senior leadership and committees
• Lead the transition of projects into the committed phase, verifying documentation and compliance requirements and guiding projects through closing
• Administer the closing process by aligning developers and internal teams to complete all steps required for funding and implementation, delivering smooth transitions and timely project launches
• Coordinate with Construction Monitoring staff to ensure project progress aligns with program standards
• Track compliance with program requirements throughout development and construction
• Maintain active communication with internal and external stakeholders to identify issues early and support timely resolution
• Ensure all needed documentation, reporting, and milestone updates are provided to internal partners supporting compliance
• Track awards, distributions, repayments, and other financial movements associated with the program’s revolving fund
• Monitor trends and performance indicators to support program evaluation and refinement
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date data to inform internal reporting, decision making, and future program adjustments
• Prepare and deliver regular updates to MassHousing senior and executive leadership as well as other State Agency partners on program performance and pipeline activity
• Lead regular meetings, discussions, and presentations to guide program operations
• Manage timelines, milestones, and deliverables across all program activities, ensuring alignment and steady progress
• Build and maintain effective relationships with developers, municipalities, and internal collaborators
• Clearly and proactively communicate program requirements, expectations, and updates throughout all phases of application, development, construction, and completion
• Ensure transparent and timely sharing of work products, identify issues early, and coordinate collaborative problem solving
• Anticipate workflow needs, adapt plans to shifting priorities or project developments, and navigate ambiguity to maintain momentum for a new statewide program
• Represent the program and support outreach efforts across communities in Massachusetts

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent professional experience, in urban planning, public administration, real estate development, construction management, finance, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in program administration, project management, real estate development, construction oversight, or affordable housing
• Working knowledge of residential development or construction processes
• Experience evaluating project proposals or funding applications
• Track record of reviewing financial and/or development documentation for compliance with program requirements
• Experience developing and implementing program workflows

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in urban planning, public administration, real estate development, business administration, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in affordable housing, community development, or residential development
• Knowledge of affordable housing finance principles
• Knowledge of municipal permitting, land use processes, or local housing policy
• Experience designing or launching new programs or initiatives
• Experience engaging developers, municipalities, or similar external partners

Skills

• Collaborative team member who shares work products early and often to support problem solving and prevent downstream surprises
• Demonstrated maturity and confidence shown through transparent communication, early issue identification, and proactive status reporting
• Independent thinker who sets timelines and outcomes while collaborating closely with internal and external partners
• Strong attention to detail with an ability to manage and track multiple projects simultaneously
• Clear and proactive communicator comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels
• Curious, analytical, and adaptive thinker who identifies issues quickly and seeks input where appropriate
• Highly organized with the ability to navigate ambiguity and create structure in a new program environment
• Critical thinker who evaluates information thoroughly and makes reasoned recommendations
• Self-motivated individual with initiative and a desire to learn, innovate, and improve program operations

Benefits

If you're ready to join our dynamic team of mission-driven professionals, this might be the job for you! Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and a resume to MassHousing by logging in to www.masshousing.com/workwithus.

Pay

$103,312.74 - $134,306.46

Schedule

MassHousing operates under a hybrid work model; therefore, employees are expected to work on-site according to a schedule determined in collaboration with their manager and based on the needs of the role. To support effective onboarding, new employees may be required to work in the office more frequently during their first 90 days.