Director, Project Based Vouchers & Special Programs

Housing-Authority-of-Cook-Count; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Authority of Cook County in Chicago, IL seeks a Director for Project Based Vouchers and Special Programs to lead PBV operations and HUD initiatives, ensuring compliance and high performance.

The role oversees program development, FSS, and partnerships with developers and community organizations, guiding strategy and executive advisory functions to advance affordable housing outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or closely related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience administering federally assisted housing programs.
• Experience administering PBV programs and HUD special programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for PBV and HUD Special Programs.
• Oversee PBV administration, HAP contracts, unit lease-up, and owner relations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with HUD regulations, environmental and relocation requirements.
• Monitor program budgets, KPIs, and performance metrics; prepare leadership reports.
• Develop partnerships with developers, community organizations, and government agencies.
• Lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting & forecasting

Partnership development

Staff leadership

Communication with executives

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration

Job description

Position:Director, Project Based Vouchers & Special Programs

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Id:186

# of Openings:1

Director, Project Based Vouchers (PBV) and Special Programs

Position Summary

The Director of Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) and Special Programs provides strategicleadership, operational oversight, and regulatory direction for the Housing Authority’s Project Based Voucher Program and assigned HUD Special Programs. The Director is responsible foradvancing affordable housing initiatives, maximizing program performance, ensuring regulatory
compliance, and fostering partnerships that expand housing opportunities and promote resident
self-sufficiency.
This position provides executive oversight of Project-Based Voucher operations, Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), and other HUD-funded special programs while serving as a key advisor to
executive leadership on housing policy, program development, regulatory compliance, andstrategic initiatives. The Director develops innovative solutions that improve housing stability,

strengthen community partnerships, and enhance resident outcomes while ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that expand affordable housing opportunities
  through the Project-Based Voucher Program and other HUD Special Programs.
• Evaluate emerging housing needs and recommend innovative program enhancements
  aligned with the Authority’s Strategic Plan.
• Identify opportunities to expand housing inventory through Project-Based Voucher
  developments and strategic community partnerships.
• Recommend policy, operational, and program improvements that enhance customer
  service, operational efficiency, and housing outcomes.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership regarding affordable housing
  initiatives, HUD regulations, and special program development.
• Lead organizational change initiatives affecting PBV and Special Programs.

Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Administration

• Direct all operational aspects of the Project-Based Voucher Program.
• Oversee competitive selection processes for PBV developments in accordance with HUD
  regulations and agency policies.
• Monitor execution and administration of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contracts.
• Ensure timely lease-up of PBV units and maximize voucher utilization.
• Oversee owner relations, contract compliance, and program performance.
• Coordinate PBV development activities with internal departments, developers, and
  external stakeholders.
• Monitor occupancy rates, vacancy trends, and portfolio performance.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) & Special Programs

• Provide strategic oversight of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program and assignedHUD Special Programs.
• Monitor participant outcomes, escrow account growth, employment outcomes,graduation rates, and performance measures.
• Develop partnerships with workforce development agencies, educational institutions,financial literacy providers, employers, and community organizations to improve residentself-sufficiency.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using performance metrics and continuous improvementstrategies.
• Ensure assigned Special Programs operate in compliance with HUD regulations whilesupporting resident independence and economic mobility.
• Oversee implementation of future HUD Special Programs and demonstration initiativesas assigned.

Affordable Housing Development & Community Partnerships

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with developers, property owners,
  management companies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, service providers,and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal departments on new affordable housing developmentopportunities.
• Participate in project planning, environmental review coordination, lease-up planning,and implementation activities.
• Represent the Housing Authority before governmental agencies, industry organizations,and community partners.
• Identify partnership opportunities that expand affordable housing resources andsupportive services.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable HUD regulations, federal statutes, state laws,agency policies, and Administrative Plan requirements.
• Oversee compliance related to:
  • Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contracts
  • Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
  • Reasonable Accommodations
  • Environmental Review requirements
  • Uniform Relocation requirements (when applicable)
• Coordinate HUD monitoring reviews, audits, and corrective action plans.
• Interpret regulatory guidance and implement operational changes as required.
• Develop internal policies and procedures that promote regulatory compliance andoperational consistency.

Financial & Performance Management

• Monitor program budgets, Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), grant expenditures, and
  funding utilization.
• Develop forecasting models and recommend resource allocation strategies.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for PBV and Special Programs.
• Analyze utilization rates, leasing performance, vacancy trends, participant outcomes,
  financial performance, and operational metrics.
• Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership, HUD, and the Board of
  Commissioners.
• Recommend operational improvements based on performance data and industry best
  practices.

Leadership & Organizational Excellence

• Direct, supervise, coach, and evaluate assigned management and professional staff.
• Establish departmental goals, objectives, and performance expectations.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, customer service, andcontinuous improvement.
• Foster employee engagement and professional development.
• Lead cross-functional teams in support of strategic organizational initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Procurement, Asset Management, Resident Services,Inspections, Compliance, and Housing Choice Voucher Operations to achieve
  organizational goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, HousingAdministration, Human Services, Finance, or a closely related field.

Experience

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience administering federally assistedhousing programs, affordable housing initiatives, or related public sector programs.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management or supervisory experience.
• Experience administering Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Programs required.
• Experience overseeing HUD-funded Special Programs preferred.
• Experience working with developers, community organizations, and governmentalagencies preferred.
• Experience interpreting HUD regulations and managing compliance reviews.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Thorough knowledge of:

• HUD regulations
• Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program
• Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
• Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
• Affordable housing development
• Federal housing legislationHousing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contracts
• Administrative Plans
• Fair Housing requirements
• Program compliance
• Public sector budgeting
• Performance management
• Strategic planning
• Community partnership development

Ability to:

• Interpret complex federal regulations.
• Build strategic partnerships.
• Lead organizational and operational change.
• Analyze program performance and financial data.
• Develop policies and operational procedures.
• Resolve complex operational and regulatory issues.
• Effectively communicate with executive leadership, HUD representatives, developers,
  elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Public Housing Manager (CPHM)
• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS)
• Housing Choice Voucher Specialist Certification
• Nan McKay Housing Program Certifications
• National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Certifications

The salary range is $110,000 - $115,000.

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. The qualifications listed above are guidelines, other combinations of education and experience that could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered