Chief Housing Officer

Essential Job Duties

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Chief Housing Officer is responsible for leading the City of Fayetteville's efforts to develop, implement, and manage housing policies and programs that address the city's housing needs. This includes overseeing affordable housing initiatives, collaborating with public and private partners, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Chief Housing Officer will play a key role in shaping the city's housing strategy to accommodate growth and promote community well-being. Additionally, they will oversee the Community Resources division. This position reports directly to the Mayor of Fayetteville. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Note:  All City of Fayetteville supervisory positions require employees to demonstrate leadership competencies by exhibiting appropriate role modeling and setting proper examples.  In addition, all City of Fayetteville positions require the employee to provide good customer service to both internal and external customers, maintain positive and effective working relationships with other City employees (especially members of their own team) and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive.  Other essential duties of this position include the following:

1. Perform supervisory responsibilities which may include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable laws.

2. Develop and implement the city's housing strategy, aligning with long-term growth plans and community needs.

3. Advise city leadership on housing policy and emerging housing best practices, providing recommendations for zoning, land use, and infrastructure improvements.

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and programs related to housing across multiple departments including, but not limited to, long-range planning and economic development. 

5. Oversee the administration of housing programs, including affordable housing development, rehabilitation, and rental assistance.

6. Coordinate with nonprofit and governmental agencies at the local, state and federal level to address the continuum of care for Fayetteville’s unhoused community.

7. Identify and pursue additional funding sources, including grants and partnerships.

8. Communicate with the City Council, citizen advisory boards, City officials, other City employees, developers, general public, federal agencies and the media.

9. Develop short and long-range goals and objectives for the programs/divisions.

10. Foster relationships with developers, non-profit organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders to promote housing initiatives.

11. Conduct public outreach to educate residents about housing programs and gather community input.

12. Represent the city in regional and state housing forums and advocate for Fayetteville's housing interests.

13. Serve as the Housing and Community Resources liaison for local media, organizations, and citizens.

14. Perform other duties as assigned.

Secondary Job Duties

1. Perform secondary duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in housing development, urban planning, or a related field, with at least three years in a supervisory or managerial role.

2. Desirable qualifications include experience working for or in association with a federally supported housing authority, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or in the areas of affordable housing finance, zoning, and land use planning.

3. Valid driver’s license. 

4. Must successfully pass criminal background check, including but not limited to convictions, guilty pleas, or no contest pleas to violent offenses, theft offenses and any offense under A.C.A. § 21-15-103 and A.C.A. § 21-15-111.

5. Ability to manage teams and coordinate effectively with departmental directors to achieve positive outcomes.

6. Effectively communicate with others orally and in writing.

7. Must be proficient in the use of a computer and other related software programs.  Must be able to effectively operate standard office equipment.

8. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.

9. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.

10. Ability to make effective and persuasive presentations to management and public groups, including City Council, local organizations, and state and federal officials.

11. Must have the ability to effectively prioritize and multi-task.

12. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee regularly is required to move from location to location; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.