EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF ESSEX COUNTY, INC. Elizabethtown, New York

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1 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF ESSEX COUNTY, INC. Elizabethtown, New York The Board of Directors of Housing Assistance Program of Essex County, Inc. (HAPEC) seeks a highly skilled, visionary and mission-oriented Executive Director to lead the organization in achieving its mission and goals. Overview of the Organization Mission statement: HAPEC seeks to improve housing quality, availability and affordability and promote healthy communities that meet the needs of their citizenry in the Adirondack region principally Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton Counties. We do so through housing and community development programs that seek to improve housing affordability and alleviate economic distress. Vision: HAPEC envisions the preservation of viable, year-round communities in the Adirondacks. More specifically, we seek a future in which: Residents will have access to livable wage jobs; The built environment (homes and hamlets) of the counties HAPEC serves will be in a state of good repair; Social connections among community residents will be strong, with a close-knit, small-town quality of life. Adirondack communities will be desirable places for people and families to live year-round, not just vacation destinations; and Low-income households will be able to stay and succeed in the Adirondacks. HAPEC was founded in 1976, and serves a four county area inside the boundaries of the six million acre Adirondack Park. The Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the continuous United States, greater in size than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Park combined. It is a mix of public and private land. Preserving the spectacular landscape and natural resources in the Park brings unique community and economic development opportunities and challenges. Board and staff leaders at HAPEC keenly understand the local environment, and work closely with a broad range of constituents to formulate and implement projects and strategies. With longstanding, strong relationships with state, Position Profile: HAPEC Executive Director 1

2 regional and local partners, HAPEC is regarded as the premier nonprofit housing organization in the region and has significant influence on regional housing policy. In 2007, HAPEC was instrumental in the creation of the Adirondack Community Housing Trust (ACHT) to support long-term affordable housing opportunities for local working families. ACHT serves the entire Adirondack region, and is staffed through a contract with HAPEC. HAPEC is a member of the national NeighborWorks network, and has received the Green Designation from NeighborWorks America for incorporating healthy and sustainable practices into every facet of its operations and program services. HAPEC has an annual operating budget of approximately $1,000,000, and is governed by a highly committed Board of Directors composed of 8 members. Staff currently consists of 14 employees, including 12 full-time and 2 part-time positions. Average staff tenure with the organization is over 15 years. HAPEC promotes its mission through five principal business lines: Rental Assistance HAPEC encourages stable and vibrant rental populations through the HUD Section 8 Choice Voucher Program, NY State Rural Rental Assistance Program, and US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Programs. HAPEC administers over 750 Section 8 vouchers in Clinton and Essex Counties. The Section 8 program provides low-income residents with affordable housing, and provides stable rental income for local landlords. Multi-family Housing Development HAPEC develops high-quality, long-term affordable housing for people near their workplace. Completed development projects include 12 rental units in Elizabethtown, 12 rental units in Willsboro, 25 rental units in Port Henry, and the Willsboro Assisted Living Center. HAPEC s real estate development activity improves the built environment and creates an economic ripple effect of spending and jobs in the region. Home Rehabilitation Assistance HAPEC s home repair programs preserve historic community resources, prevent blight, and help residents to stay in the community as successful homeowners. Home rehabilitation also provides an economic boost by employing local contractors. Energy audits target measures that are incorporated into rehab work, creating household savings that increase disposable income for homeowners. Over the past 30 years, HAPEC has rehabilitated more than 1,500 homes and administered over $23 million in federal and state housing rehab grants. Position Profile: HAPEC Executive Director 2

3 Community Services HAPEC supports viable communities through economic development projects. HAPEC provides leadership, community planning support, and financial intermediary services to spur development of community facilities and business initiatives that improve quality of life and business climate, and create jobs. Examples include Westport Waterfront development, Hammond Library at Crown Point, Smith House Health Center in Willsboro, Schroon Lake Supermarket, Au Sable Forks Main Street Revitalization, and Old Dock Restaurant and Marina in Essex. These projects channel additional resources into the region, and support local business through a multiplier effect in facilitated investment. Homeownership Assistance HAPEC cultivates successful long-term homeownership through counseling, education, and financial assistance. HAPEC has guided 350 first-time homebuyers in purchasing homes they can afford, utilizing resources from the Community Development Block Grant Program, HOME Program, NY State Affordable Housing Corporation and the Federal Home Loan Bank. As a HUD- Certified Counseling Agency, HAPEC has provided foreclosure prevention counseling to hundreds of homeowners at risk of losing their homes due to foreclosure, and has provide homebuyer education and counseling to thousands of potential homebuyers. Executive Transition HAPEC s highly respected long-tenured Executive Director will retire by December 31, The Board of Directors has appointed a Search Committee to coordinate the recruitment of a new Executive Director, and has engaged a consultant to assist with the search and transition process. The organization has prepared for the transition by enhancing its generally strong financial position through an increase in cash operating reserves to 90 days, refining and codifying core operating systems and procedures, and strengthening the board of directors. Board members, talented staff managers, and the outgoing Executive Director are committed to provide appropriate support to the new Executive Director to ensure his or her success. Challenges and Opportunities The major challenges and opportunities the organization faces are intertwined. HAPEC is already engaged in responding to these issues, and the incoming Executive Director will have an opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping future strategies and initiatives. Position Profile: HAPEC Executive Director 3

4 Need for increased affordable rental and senior housing HAPEC s service area has a significant percentage of very low-income households and seniors who struggle to pay for basic housing costs. The affordability of housing stock in the region offers the opportunity for HAPEC to assist these households with rental strategies. Innovative new programs & funding sources HAPEC has been able to maintain a generally strong fiscal position, and its funding sources remain stable. However the uncertainty of future funding is a chronic reality in the nonprofit sector. HAPEC leaders recognize the importance of continually exploring new ideas for promoting the organization s mission while generating new sources of revenue. Continued community services initiatives Over the years, HAPEC has helped local government and businesses meet community and economic development needs through planning and coordination, grant proposal preparation and administration, and project management. These initiatives generate positive results for the organization and the communities served. Branding HAPEC has begun working on a public relations and communication plan to increase visibility and strengthen partnership support and collaborations. The new brand identity will include a name change. Key Executive Director Responsibilities HAPEC s Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization s budget and financial operations, public relations and external relationships, personnel management, program administration, and board relations. The Executive Director currently supervises 6 staff positions: Community Development Director, Homeowner Counselor, Accountant, Administrative Assistant, and 2 Housing Managers. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will bring a variety of experiences and attributes to the position, including: Required Skills and Experience Demonstrated knowledge of the housing industry Proficiency with budget development and fiscal administration Demonstrated competence in community planning Proven skill in supervising program managers who operate with a high level of autonomy Political astuteness; understanding of political dynamics and ability to build alliances among players with mixed interests and motives Position Profile: HAPEC Executive Director 4

5 Effective grant writing and administration Proficiency in using basic computer applications, such as word processing and MS excel College undergraduate degree Additional Preferred Skills and Experience Experience with affordable housing programs and strategies Understanding of budget and financial management practices in nonprofit organizations Demonstrated success in fundraising Proven skill in public relations and marketing History of community involvement Familiarity with the Adirondack region and/or other rural areas College graduate degree in a relevant field Personal Attributes Visionary Ability to build relationships and maintain credibility with a wide range of officials and constituents Dependable; trustworthy; consistent follow-through on commitments Adaptable and open-minded Positive attitude; ability to maintain conviction Imaginative; innovative Excellent interpersonal skills The Executive Director is required to live within the HAPEC service area. Applicants from outside the region must be willing to relocate. Application Process To apply for this position, a resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: HapecEDjob@gmail.com applications are required, and will be accepted only at this address. For other inquiries, contact: Alan Hipps, Executive Director (518) The deadline for submission of applications is March 31, Position Profile: HAPEC Executive Director 5