Chief Operating Officer - Memphis Housing Authority

Position Title: Chief Operating Officer
Reports to: CEO
Department: Executive
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time

Summary

The primary objective of this position is to assist the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in planning, managing, organizing, and directing the day-to-day operations, services, and housing programs of the Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) and the broader oversight of all day-to-day management and operations of the program areas of the Authority at large. Responsible for establishing, implementing, and monitoring all management policies and procedures to be followed by staff in the housing programs, capital improvement areas and resident service areas, and private contractors for the conditions of the properties. Plan, develop and promote MHA's urban development and housing programs and coordinate activities with local, state, and federal government agencies. Identify strategic development/acquisition targets and submit plans for accomplishing goals. This position acts as the CEO in his/her absence.

All activities must support the MHA (or "Authority") mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Direct Reports
Directors of: Housing Choice Voucher Program, Asset Management, Capital Improvement, Community Engagement, Legal/Security. Administrative Assistant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Assist the CEO in the effective administration of the MHA and in reporting to and maintaining effective relationships with the City, County, Congressional offices, Board of Commission, and a variety of community organizations. Makes verbal reports and presentations to the Board of Commission and other bodies. Prepares reports resolutions for Commission review and approval.
• In the absence of the CEO, assumes full management of the agency and services.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the daily administration and management of the Authority's public housing developments. Oversees the administration of the Housing Choice Voucher and Capital Improvement Programs. Monitors and evaluates services to tenants/owners/contractors/vendors in accordance with all government regulations and procedures and company policies.
• Assists in the development and administration of the annual agency plan and the five-year capital fund planning processes. Manages the short-and long-term goals for each MHA property, standards, and performance of staff, contractors, as well as authorizes and approves personnel actions.
• Ensures effective fiduciary controls are in place for the housing and resident program areas and that all financial management activities comply with the Director of Asset Management's contract objectives or established Federal, State, and local laws and applicable USDHUD policies and procedures.
• Monitors the portfolio of MHA properties to ensure compliance with MHA's goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and guidelines. Oversees the monitoring of site budgets and capital planning activities of properties.
• Participates in budget preparation and development, capital planning, cash flow management, asset management, and production of monthly financial reports to ensure accuracy and completeness, and that all reporting conforms to established standards. Ensures regulatory compliance and effective management on behalf of MHA.
• Coordinates and communicates with the City Council and other elected officials in Memphis and Shelby County.
• Confers with federal officials, architects, engineers, advocates, contractors, and other consultants on the plans, proposals, designs of housing and development programs, and the support of the same. Manages the capital improvement fund and ensures that capital improvement programs are coordinated with property maintenance and repair programs.
• Establishes within operation areas, policy-appropriate service and staffing levels, and comprehensive minimum standards in support of Authority goals and objectives; monitors and evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; and allocates resources accordingly. Develops and maintains departmental policies and procedures and assist in the development of Authority policies and procedures.
• Oversees operations site to site. Reviews and approves staff recommendations for corrective action plans and improvement strategies as developed by the Agency.
• Reviews report(s) that summarize findings and include recommendations for site operations, maintenance, capital needs, code violations, services, and resident activities and reviews report to the CEO.
• Establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with tenant organizations in a manner that demonstrates an understanding of and respect for diverse backgrounds.
• Assist CEO with the negotiation of labor and contractual agreements in furtherance of the agency's goals and mission.
• Manages and monitors the MHA Hope VI program, MHA Operations, and Section 8 programs to ensure that all key result areas are accomplished.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Job Knowledge: Exhibits requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position effectively. Demonstrates knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity of the Authority; uses appropriate judgment & decision making in accordance with the level of responsibility. Ability to perform independently; take initiative and follow through on tasks in an efficient manner. Must have general knowledge of housing authority's programs, policies, and procedures. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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, and be adept at multitasking while maintaining accountability for complete and timely work performance. Demonstrates strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.

Professional Behavior: Exhibits positive, polite, courteous, honest, and conscientious behavior with all internal/external clients. Accepts responsibility for actions and adjusts behavior as appropriate. Must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and maintain the decorum of the office. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers, clients, and constituents. Must be able to communicate with a variety of audiences and provide excellent customer service. Must display a neat, clean, and professional appearance.

Reliability & Judgment: Employee demonstrates sound reasoning and critical thinking by making decisions in line with established Agency expectations. Performs work in a reliable manner that is both accurate and timely. Must uphold a strict level of confidentiality. Must be skilled in analyzing situations in order to identify problems and offer possible solutions.

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; supports agency's mission and values

Education and/or Experience

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Real Estate Development, Juris Doctor or a related field or six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in Public Housing management, oversight, asset management, planning, real estate analysis, finance, or any combination of experience and training which enables one to perform the essential job function. It is preferable that the candidate have a working knowledge of HUD program regulations. Strong computer and analytical skills plus excellent written and oral communication skills.

Must be licensed to drive in the State of Tennessee.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have proficiency with applicable computer software (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and project management). Experience using Yardi Voyager is preferred. Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

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.

Must have the ability to drive an automobile, sit for lengthy periods of time, climb stairs/ladders and operate a keyboard, and generally maintain the physical condition and mobility necessary to visit other Authority sites and other housing authorities and agencies. A majority of the work is conducted in a standard indoor office environment. Must be able to travel.

Must provide annual disclosure statements as applicable by law.

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.

The work is performed in an office environment.

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