Job Title: Chief Operations Officer

Posted 4/20/2022

Job Description:

This is an administrative position involving responsibility for the effective operations of the Detroit Housing Commission and Board policy initiatives for the Detroit Housing Commission. The Director of Operations is authorized to act generally for the Board in all matters assigned by the Board and shall exercise such powers. Direct supervision is exercised over professional and clerical employees involved in Board initiatives.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of housing authority regulations and operational guidelines


• Knowledge of performance evaluation metrics


• Knowledge of organization’s structure, policies and procedures


• Knowledge of standard office procedures, filing, and standard office equipment, including computer, fax, copier, telephone system


• Knowledge of the principles and practices of automated information systems, and data processing


• Knowledge of the operation of commission and HUD computer system and software


• Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment


• Knowledge of HUD rules and regulations that apply to property management: Fair Housing Laws, Michigan Real Estate Landlord-Tenant Law, OSHA Standards, Local and State Building Codes


• Knowledge of the principles and practices of personnel management and supervision


• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee development


• Knowledge of the principles and practices of human resources management and supervision


• Knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting, budgeting and budget administration


• Knowledge of report preparation techniques


• Knowledge of training methods for all levels of personnel, related to departmental initiatives


• Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and institutional procedure

Essential Job Functions

• Supervise senior staff, interpret laws and federal regulations into policies/procedures


• Counsel with personnel concerning problems and provides problem resolution for Housing related complaints


• Assist with personnel issues


• Oversee all employee related issues


• Develop staff training programs


• Handle marketing activities, assists the Executive Director with public relations programs


• Prepare/consult/advise on grant application preparation


• Participate in the in the annual/five-year plan process, assists with financial budgets for grants/modernization/operating budget, coordinates various special events for the Authority


• Ensure that Agency and specific departmental goals are achieved or exceeded through the coordinated efforts of DHC employees; ensures that subordinate directors, managers and employees are cognizant of DHC’s goals and contribute to achieving them


• Participate in land acquisitions; consults with engineers, architects, Federal officials, City officials, contractors, Authority personnel, and others to accomplish development


• Recruit, hire, and provide supervision to the assigned staff, so that agency and department goals are communicated effectively, job performance is continuously evaluated, and appropriate training and correction is made


• Support the day-to-day operation of the program, staff, and processes, including promoting the safety, well-being, and comfort of tenants


• Assist in the development of annual program goals in consultation with the Program Director, in addition to other reports as needed


• Ensure management of appropriate staff coverage per contractual requirements and service delivery needs, including that shifts are staffed


• Support the vision and mission of the housing operations by overseeing the daily management of a housing area including direction of staff and initiation of all related actions to ensure effective operation


• Efficient use of appropriate resources, and a focus on excellence in custodial, maintenance, service, safety, and teamwork


• Working with a diverse workforce


• Deliver a well-maintained, clean, safe, and secure living experience for students and guests


• Initiate appropriate actions in areas of job performance, training, discipline, etc.


• Meet regularly with staff to provide information, solutions and recommendations


• Take action on suggestions and complaints to resolve needs


• Assist the Director in the review, analysis and preparation of an annual operating budget and the department strategic plan


• Meet established projections and correct deficits


• Serve as lead in areas assigned by Executive Director, including serving as the Executive Director in his/her absence. Must be able to establish effective working relationships with the Board

Supplemental Functions

All other duties as assigned

Required Skills:

• Actively listen to fully understand circumstances


• Assess training needs and determine method for obtaining training


• Build consensus and bridge differences to accomplish organizational goals


• Build, direct and manage teams effectively


• Communicate ideas, thoughts, knowledge and information to foster clarity and engage others


• Delegate duties and assignments to achieve objectives


• Demonstrate leadership skills, guiding and motivating employees to accomplish organizational goals


• Develop policies and procedures congruent with organizations needs


• Establish evaluation standards and evaluate performance fairly and accurately


• Implement decisions in accordance with established requirements


• Interact effectively in a complex, dynamic environment


• Lead with vision and expertise


• Maintain confidentiality


• Manage conflict effectively


• Promote intra-departmental and inter-departmental cooperation


• Provide and receive constructive and motivational feedback


• Supervise and support staff


• Utilize strong interpersonal skills to interact with various stakeholders


• Analyze and interpret complex legal documents


• Assess training needs and determine method for obtaining training


• Communicate effectively orally or in writing with relevant stakeholders, internal and external, from a variety of backgrounds


• Develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures


• Exercise sound judgment in analyzing situations and identifying potential problems within scope of responsibility


• Implement decisions in accordance with established requirements


• Maintain confidentiality


• Manage time effectively to ensure all work is completed timely and effectively


• Master position-specific software


• Negotiate effectively


• Provide high level, quality customer service both internally and externally


• Respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints


• Understand and apply HUD organizational rules, instructions, and policies & procedures appropriately


• Understand the business implications of decisions


• Understand and apply HUD organizational rules, instructions, policies and procedures appropriately

Required Abilities

• Act independently


• Analyze situations


• Attend to details


• Communicate verbally


• Communicate in writing


• Concentrate


• Empathize


• Identify problems


• Initiate


• Manage pressure


• Motivate


• Multi-task


• Organize


• Problem-solve


• Think creatively

Other Requirements

• Must have or be able to acquire a valid state driver’s license


• Must pass federal, state, and local criminal investigation clearances, and pass a drug screening test administered by the Commission or its designated provider


• Must be insurable under the agency’s insurance policy


• Industry certifications are not required at the time of hire, but the following certifications are strongly preferred:   Public Housing Manager (PHM), Certified Property Manager (CPM), Accredited Resident Manager (ARM), Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS), Housing Credit Compliance Specialist (HCCP) or other HUD-related housing program certifications. Industry-recognized certifications are issued by the following professional organizations: NAHRO, Quadel, Nan McKay, NCHM, IREM and NAA


• Must obtain the LIPH Program Rent Calculation certification (80% passing) or within six months, a LIPH Program


• Public Housing Certification


• Housing Choice Voucher


• LIHTC Certification

Physical Activities and Demands

• Lifting


• Carrying


• Pushing


• Pulling


• Sitting


• Standing


• Walking


• Ascending/Descending stairs


• Reaching


• Bending


• Grasping/Finger manipulation


• Discerning colors


• Visual acuity

Equipment

• Phones


• Computer/laptop


• Copiers/printers


• Scanners


• Monitors

Work Environment

• Outdoor environments


• Indoor environments

Software

• Housing Software (Yardi)


• Accounting software


• Database software


• Purchasing systems


• Spreadsheet software


• Word processing software

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, or a Closely related field

Experience Requirements

• 3 years Public housing program experience in compliance, operations and management


• 5 years of experience working in a housing commission or authority


• 10 years of experience of business operations experience

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct Employee supervisory responsibilities of 1-3 employees

Reports To

TBD

Disclaimer

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principle duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time. MARIJUANA

Although marijuana has been legalized under Michigan law, it is a Schedule I controlled substance and is illegal under federal law. As a federally funded agency DHC’s employees are NOT permitted to use or possess any form of marijuana for medical or recreational purposes. Any applicant for employment who tests positive for marijuana during a pre-employment drug screening shall be ineligible for employment with DHC. Any applicant for employment who advises DHC that s/he uses any form of marijuana will be ineligible for employment with DHC. DHC is unable to grant a request for a reasonable accommodation to use marijuana under any circumstance.

Please note: A COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for employment with DHC.

Submit cover letter, and resume detailing your qualifications/work experience and Voluntary Self- Identification forms to:

David Brukoff
Detroit Housing Commission
1301 E. Jefferson
Detroit, MI 48207

OR

Apply online at www.dhcmi.org under Careers.

Apply