Building and Design Analyst

Vermont Housing Finance Agency; Burlington (VT); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible Spending Account

Disability insurance

Life Insurance

Educational assistance up to $4,000

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off and holidays

Parental/family leave up to 6 weeks

Parking reimbursement

Car Share membership

403b and 457 retirement plans

Job summary

Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) seeks an experienced Building & Design Analyst to provide technical leadership across our development pipeline in Vermont. You’ll evaluate architectural plans, building specifications, and construction budgets to ensure durable, energy-efficient, and affordable VHFA-financed housing.

The role blends design review with cost control, involves site visits, and informs long-term capital planning and policy updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Building Science, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field required (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive experience in building design analysis, architectural review, construction management, or physical capital needs assessment (or 2–5 years with a Master’s).
• Deep knowledge of building systems, architectural plan review, Vermont codes, energy efficiency standards, accessibility requirements, and construction cost estimating.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); relevant credentials such as UPCS or NSPIRE desirable.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate proposed construction and rehabilitation projects across plans, specs, contracts, site conditions, energy performance, climate resilience, and design considerations.
• Analyze budgets, bids, contingencies, change orders, and design options for reasonableness and alignment with scope and financing.
• Maintain practical design guidelines and provide guidance to staff, owners, managers and partners for durable, accessible housing.
• Assess Capital Needs and property information to identify preservation priorities and inform long-term planning and board reporting.
• Coordinate inspections, wage monitoring, and environmental reviews, and translate findings into clear recommendations for portfolio decisions.

Skills

Architectural review

Construction budgeting

Design standards

Energy efficiency

Climate resilience

Cost benchmarking

Site inspections

Education

Bachelor’s in Building Science, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

VHFA is seeking an experienced architecture, engineering, construction management or building performance professional to provide technical leadership that supports durable, efficient, resilient, and cost-effective affordable housing across Vermont.

At the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), we are on a mission to ensure all Vermonters have access to affordable housing. We are seeking a Building & Design Analyst who is part technical design reviewer, part cost-control strategist, and entirely dedicated to sustainable, high-quality housing development. In this role, you will provide technical leadership across our development pipeline. From evaluating architectural plans, building specifications, and construction budgets to establishing design standards, visiting job sites, and advising property owners on long-term capital planning, your work will ensure that VHFA-financed housing is built to last.

The Impact You’ll Make

Evaluate proposed construction and rehabilitation projects, including plans, specifications, contracts, site conditions, accessibility, energy performance, climate resilience, constructability, and other design considerations; identify material risks and recommend improvements to management.

• Evaluate project budgets, estimates, bids, contingencies, change orders, and design alternatives for reasonableness, value, and alignment with approved scope and financing; use cost benchmarks to identify pressures, overruns, trends, and practical options for management and Board consideration.
• Maintain practical design guidelines and provide clear technical guidance to staff, property owners, managers, and project partners to support durable, efficient, accessible, maintainable, and cost-effective housing aligned with funding and inspection requirements.
• Analyze Capital Needs Assessments and other property information, including needs affecting manufactured home communities and infrastructure, to identify preservation priorities and risks and inform long-term maintenance, capital planning, management recommendations, and Board reporting.
• Scope, coordinate, and evaluate construction progress inspections, prevailing-wage monitoring, and environmental reviews; translate findings into clear recommendations on project decisions, compliance, corrective action, and significant portfolio risks.
• Coordinate with funders, inspecting agencies, and technical consultants to support consistent expectations, effective oversight, and reduced duplication.
• Keep VHFA’s building and design practices current with applicable Vermont codes, federal standards, required credentials, and best practices by maintaining relevant qualifications and updating policies, procedures, and analytical tools.

Work Environment & Flexibility

This position offers a hybrid work structure. You will work in our collaborative Burlington office environment and remotely as coordinated with your supervisor once trained, with in-person presence required for key agency meetings, Board presentations, and required site inspections across the state

The Perks

• A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and the family or optional buy-out plan
• Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care Account
• Company-sponsored Short and Long-Term Disability
• Company-sponsored Life Insurance
• Up to $4,000 educational assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Combined Time Off & Holiday Pay
• Up to 6 weeks of paid time off for parental and family leave
• Parking Reimbursement for designated lots
• Free Car Share membership for work-related travel
• 403b Savings Account & 457 Retirement Plan

Ready to help us build a stronger community?

Requirements

What You Bring to the Table

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Building Science, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field required (Master’s preferred).

Experience

Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in building design analysis, architectural review, construction management, or physical capital needs assessment (or 2 to 5 years with a Master's degree).

Technical Mastery

Deep knowledge of building systems, architectural plan review, Vermont building codes, energy efficiency standards, accessibility requirements, and construction cost estimating.

Certifications & Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); relevant technical credentials (such as UPCS or NSPIRE) or ability to acquire them is desirable.

Mobility

Ability to travel across Vermont to conduct on-site physical inspections of housing developments (VHFA provides a free Car Share membership for business travel).

Mission Alignment

Deep commitment to community development and shared alignment with VHFA’s VIIBE values: Integrity, Innovation, Belonging, and Equity