Program Manager, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)

Focus People; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 96,432,000 - 106,075,000; Full time

Job summary

Focus People is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the planning and implementation of its Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program for a public-sector housing organization in Atlanta, GA.

The role will assess an existing portfolio and coordinate with private partners, HUD representatives, internal departments, and other stakeholders to transition properties to Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 funding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience managing complex government RAD programs or initiatives.
• At least two years of working knowledge involving RAD program administration.
• Successful completion of a RAD training program with certification.
• Strong knowledge of HUD RAD regulations and the RAD conversion process.
• Experience coordinating multifaceted projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and implementation of the organization’s RAD program.
• Evaluate properties for RAD eligibility and conversion feasibility.
• Coordinate RAD activities across cross-functional teams.
• Prepare initial RAD applications, amendments, and extension requests.
• Manage projects through conversion, refinancing, construction, and closeout.
• Collaborate with underwriting teams and developers on financing plans.
• Ensure financing and development plans comply with HUD guidelines.
• Coordinate resident notices and relocation communications.
• Conduct resident meetings and support relocation in RAD.
• Serve as primary HUD contact for RAD applications and projects.
• Present proposed RAD projects to internal committees for approval.
• Monitor changes to RAD policies and assess impact on projects.

Skills

RAD program mgmt

HUD RAD regs

Stakeholder comms

Project coordination

Scheduling & planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

Tools

PMP certification

Job description

BEFORE YOU APPLY

1. Do you have a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, or a closely related field?

2. Do you have at least two years of hands-on experience administering and managing complex government Rental Assistance Demonstration programs or initiatives?

3. Have you successfully completed a RAD training program and earned a RAD-related certification?

4. Do you have experience managing RAD projects through application, financing, construction, and final conversion?

5. Do you have working knowledge of HUD RAD regulations, Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 funding, and related compliance requirements?

6. Are you comfortable accepting a contract position paying $34.00 per hour?

7. Are you available to work in the Atlanta, Georgia area?

Applicants who do not meet the required RAD experience and certification requirements will not be considered.

Program Manager - Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)

Location: Atlanta, GA
Pay: $34.00 per hour
Employment Type: Contract
Schedule: Full-time

About the Role

A public-sector housing organization is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the planning and implementation of its Rental Assistance Demonstration program.

This position will assess an existing public housing portfolio and work closely with private development partners, HUD representatives, internal departments, and other stakeholders to restructure and transition eligible properties to the Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 funding platform available through RAD.

The Program Manager will oversee the full RAD lifecycle, including portfolio assessment, application preparation, financing, resident engagement, construction coordination, and final conversion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and implementation of the organization’s RAD program.

• Evaluate properties for RAD eligibility by reviewing financial performance, physical conditions, operational results, and conversion feasibility.

• Coordinate RAD activities across asset management, investments, capital markets, construction, legal, compliance, finance, and program management teams.

• Work with private owners and development partners to assess potential RAD projects.

• Prepare initial RAD applications, amendments, extension requests, and other required submissions.

• Manage approved projects through conversion, refinancing, construction, and final closeout.

• Collaborate with underwriting teams, owners, and developers to prepare financing plans, development budgets, sources and uses, and operating pro formas.

• Ensure financing and development plans comply with HUD guidelines and lender requirements.

• Coordinate required resident notices, including General Information Notices and Relocation Information Notices.

• Conduct resident meetings and support relocation-related communication in accordance with RAD requirements.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for HUD regarding RAD applications and active projects.

• Present proposed RAD projects to internal committees and governing boards for approval.

• Manage post-CHAP conversion activities and ensure required documents are submitted accurately and on time.

• Coordinate with construction oversight and project management teams throughout the construction process.

• Lead recurring meetings with internal stakeholders, private owners, and development partners.

• Identify project risks, resolve obstacles, and implement corrective action plans to keep conversions on track.

• Provide regular progress reports and weekly updates to senior leadership.

• Monitor changes to national RAD policies, regulations, programs, and legislation and evaluate their impact on active projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field.

• At least two years of experience managing complex government RAD programs or initiatives.

• At least two years of working knowledge involving RAD program administration.

• Successful completion of a RAD training program with certification.

• Strong knowledge of HUD RAD regulations and the RAD conversion process.

• Experience coordinating multifaceted projects involving government agencies, developers, lenders, residents, and internal departments.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.

• Proficiency with standard business and computer applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.

• Project Management Professional certification.

• Experience preparing RAD financing plans, development budgets, sources and uses, and operating pro formas.

• Experience managing projects after Commitment to Enter into a Housing Assistance Payment Contract issuance.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will bring specialized RAD expertise, maintain a well-organized project pipeline, anticipate compliance and conversion risks, and keep complex projects moving from initial assessment through final conversion.