Underwriter III (Housing & Construction Manager)

City of Detroit, MI
Detroit, Michigan
Full Time

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Description

The Housing and Revitalization Department is seeking to fill one Housing Construction Manager II position. The Housing Construction Manager III is an intermediate level professional located within the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department's Office of Housing Underwriting that receives close direction from higher level Housing Construction Managers and supervision from a Supervisor or Manager. The Housing Construction Manager II primarily serves as an advisor to management on the evaluation of the funding requests, measurement of contract risk, and approval of funding to a recipient or sub-recipient. Housing Construction Managers gather information critical to the decision-making process; meet with recipients and sub-recipients to discuss proposals; explain various types of funding criteria, standards, guidelines, policies and procedures; and evaluate and analyze Construction Budget, Plans, Specifications and other construction related documentation to make a final recommendation regarding whether or not to approve a funding request. Other key services performed by Housing Construction Managers include, monitoring ongoing construction and compliance, approving draws, meeting with developers, resolving project issues, consulting with governmental agencies, negotiating terms, promoting public awareness, training staff, researching social or housing conditions, and staying informed on governmental policy and regulations changes. Housing Construction Managers perform a detailed Construction Budget analysis based on the review of financial viability, plan feasibility, project budget, potential incentives and cost and valuation estimates. Under general supervision, the Underwriter II is responsible for the evaluation of funding requests and making recommendations regarding the award of grant, tax incentive, and demolition funds. Such funds are typically utilized to: (1) develop low-income single and multifamily housing mixed-use developments; (2) create and preserve affordable housing within the greater downtown area and city neighborhoods; (3) utilize tax incentives; (4) oversee demolitions; and (5) manage the City's efforts to combat homelessness or (6) review and approve applicants receiving grant funds for home repair. This is an intermediate level position that performs an expanding range of professional underwriting assignments in a developing capacity. The Underwriter II independently plans and carries out the assignments in conformance with accepted policies and practices; adheres to instructions, policies, and guidelines in exercising judgment to resolve commonly encountered work problems and deviations; and brings controversial information or findings to the supervisor's attention for direction. The supervisor outlines or discusses possible problem areas and defines objectives, plans, priorities, and deadlines. Assignments have clear precedents requiring successive steps in planning and execution. The supervisor provides assistance on controversial or unusual situations that do not have clear precedents; reviews completed work for conformity with policy, the effectiveness of the Underwriter's approach to the problem, technical soundness, and adherence to deadlines; and does not usually review in detail the methods used to complete the assignment.

Examples of Duties

Coordinate with various internal departments and outside stakeholders to ensure timely review and approval of all applications and submission to the State Tax Commission.
Work directly with developers, consultants, HRD staff, recipients, or sub-recipients to analyze the contents of application packages to determine whether they meet criteria for support.
Work with recipient or sub-recipient to identify and achieve mutual goals. Interpret and ensure compliance with Federal, State, local and departmental program regulations, policies, and procedures through extensive underwriting analyses, and provide responses to internal and external inquiries.
Manage payment requests for projects under construction.
Approve funding within specified limits or criteria or produce memos and present to the HRD Award Committee or management with specific recommendations for the appropriate amount of funding to be invested in projects.
Monitor regulations for changes which may affect the operating procedures and policies of the department and associated agencies.
Recommend changes to policies, procedures, and standards to improve processes and procedures and the team's alignment with City goals and initiatives.
Analyze and evaluate housing development pro-forma models for financial feasibility.
Collaborate closely with other HRD teams including Public Private Partnership, Policy and Implementation, environmental compliance, and Asset Management to ensure coordinated efforts across development and rehabilitation projects.
Perform Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and related housing research as required; prepare reports for City management and City Council and obtain approvals from City Council for recommended funding allocations.
Promote public awareness of City housing improvement projects and funding programs by conducting presentations to the public and other community organizations.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications (required):

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in construction management, business administration, public administration, public policy, urban planning, accounting, finance, economics, or other related field of study.
Two (2) years professional experience in risk evaluation related to the granting of loans or insurance for housing development projects, as well as a systematic preparation, review, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of sub-recipient data, budgets, grants, loans, or other financial data.
Two (2) years of professional project management experience.
Two (2) years of professional experience working with affordable housing programs including but not limited to LIHTC, HOME, CDBG, NSP, Section 8.
Two (2) years of demonstrated capacity for collaboration, performing multiple tasks with shifting priorities, and relationship management.
A passion for affordable housing and development within the city of Detroit.

Equivalency

Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Supplemental Information

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

During extended periods each year, Underwriters may be required to work considerable overtime.

Evaluation Plan