Mgr. - Upstate Cnstn. Compliance & Engagement

New York State Homes & Community Renewal; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

New York State retirement system

Paid parental leave

Paid family leave

Job summary

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) in Buffalo seeks a senior compliance professional to lead the Upstate Construction Compliance and MWBE/SDVOB engagement initiatives. The role focuses on ensuring program compliance across multiple projects and coordinating vendor engagement statewide.

You will supervise a team, monitor performance, and collaborate with developers, contractors, and state partners to uphold regulatory requirements and drive equitable participation in NYS-funded

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; 4 years of relevant experience required.
• Experience with MWBE/SDVOB or similar supplier diversity programs.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience using compliance tracking systems and preparing program reports.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of upstate construction projects ensuring MWBE/SDVOB compliance.
• Monitor utilization, subcontractor participation, certifications, and documentation.
• Escalate complex compliance issues with recommended solutions.
• Directly supervise a Senior Compliance Specialist and a Compliance Specialist.
• Support regional collaboration and vendor engagement initiatives across NYS.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Supervising staff

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

MWBE/SDVOB knowledge

Compliance experience

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Construction Management or related field

Job description

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.

This position is with HCR's Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC).This is not a civil service position and does not require a civil service exam. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

POSSIBLE HYBRID WORKPLACE OPPORTUNITY

Upstate Construction Compliance

• Manage an assigned portfolio of upstate construction projects, ensuring compliance with MWBE and SDVOB program requirements.
• Monitor utilization, subcontractor participation, certification status, and compliance documentation throughout the construction lifecycle.
• Identify compliance concerns and coordinate timely resolution with project stakeholders.
• Escalate complex compliance issues to the Assistant Vice President / Director with supporting documentation and recommendations.
• Ensure consistent application of departmental compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements across assigned projects.

MWBE & SDVOB Vendor Engagement

• Partner with the Assistant Vice President / Director and department leadership to implement DECO’s MWBE and SDVOB engagement strategy and annual engagement priorities.
• Manage the execution of departmental outreach initiatives and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Coordinate engagement communications, event planning, logistics, and follow-up activities to ensure consistent execution of departmental priorities.
• In partnership with DECO leadership, build and maintain productive relationships with MWBE and SDVOB vendors, contractors, developers, community organizations, and industry partners throughout New York State.
• Serve as the department’s primary coordinator for vendor engagement activities, ensuring inquiries, participation opportunities, and event communications are managed in a timely and professional manner.
• In partnership with the Engagement Team, gather stakeholder feedback, identify barriers to participation, and provide recommendations to department leadership to support continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal program teams to ensure vendors have access to information, resources, and technical assistance that support successful participation in DECO-funded projects.

Staff Supervision & Operational Leadership

• Directly supervise a Senior Compliance Specialist and a Compliance Specialist, providing coaching, mentoring, performance management, and professional development.
• In partnership with DECO leadership, assign and monitor workloads to ensure timely completion of compliance reviews, engagement initiatives, and regional priorities.
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Support staff development in construction compliance, customer service, stakeholder engagement, and departmental policies.

Data Management & Performance Monitoring

• In partnership with DECO leadership, ensure the accuracy and completeness of compliance and participation data for assigned projects.
• Partner with the Director of Data Management to review compliance and participation data, identify trends, and provide recommendations for operational improvements.
• Assist in preparing reports and supporting audit readiness activities.

Regional Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as DECO’s primary regional point of contact for developers, contractors, consultants, and MWBE/SDVOB vendors throughout the assigned service area.
• In partnership with DECO leadership, build collaborative relationships with regional stakeholders to promote successful project outcomes and meaningful MWBE and SDVOB participation.
• Participate in outreach events, trainings, industry forums, and meetings as assigned.
• Communicate department policies, compliance expectations, and available resources to project stakeholders in a clear and consistent manner.
• Identify emerging regional issues, trends, and opportunities and communicate recommendations to department leadership.

Program Support

• Support implementation of departmental construction compliance and engagement initiatives.
• Recommend operational improvements based on project experience, stakeholder feedback, and regional trends.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and other departmental initiatives as assigned.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Public Administration, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a related field and 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working with MWBE, SDVOB, or comparable supplier diversity programs.
• Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff or leading teams.
• Experience managing multiple projects and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in housing, economic development, construction, or government programs.
• Experience coordinating stakeholder engagement, outreach initiatives, or educational events.
• Familiarity with Article 15-A (MWBE) and Article 3 (SDVOB) requirements.
• Experience using compliance tracking systems and preparing program reports.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and drive operational improvements.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

WHAT WE OFFER AT NYS HCR:

• Extensive benefits package including participation in New York State’s Health Insurance Program and New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
• Promotional opportunities for dedicated professionals.
• Work-life balance benefits including a 37.5-hour work week, opportunity for compressed scheduling, and paid time off benefits (vacation, sick, personal days, and federal holidays).
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
• Paid Family Leave.
• As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer.

ABOUT NEW YORK STATE HOMES AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL:

Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low- and moderate-income families. Our mission is far-reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders.

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction, finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies.

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)