Sustainable Housing Design & Cost Lead

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

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.