Housing Policy Advisor

The City offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package, including 2 weeks paid vacation, 3 weeks of sick leave, and 11 paid holidays. Health, dental, and vision insurance (employee and family) are effective the first day of employment. The City offers two contributory Defined Benefit pension plans. Hybrid telework arrangements may be available.

At The City of Frederick, we value diversity and the respect, engagement, and productivity an inclusive environment produces. We seek to consistently improve internal and external customer satisfaction, innovate, and expand capability of services, and be a government that practices equality, equity, and fairness. We invite you to bring your skills, abilities, and knowledge to The City of Frederick and be a valued addition to a workforce that we know is our greatest asset.

Frederick is a progressive, richly diverse, and authentically charming city. Recognized as one of the best places to live in Maryland, Frederick is surrounded by mountain views and centrally located about 45 miles north of Washington D.C. and 45 miles west of Baltimore, MD.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Housing Policy Advisor is a senior position that plays a critical role in shaping and implementing housing policies and funding decisions that promote and expand affordable, equitable, and sustainable housing solutions. This position involves conducting research, analyzing data, and providing strategic recommendations to support the development and execution of housing policies. The Housing Policy Advisor works closely with government officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders to address housing challenges and improve housing outcomes for all residents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts comprehensive research and analysis on housing issues, trends, and best practices.
• Develops and recommends housing policies and strategies to address affordable housing, homelessness, and housing equity in Frederick City.
• Collaborates with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups to gather input and build consensus on housing initiatives.
• Prepares policy briefs, reports, and presentations for senior leadership, elected officials, and stakeholders.
• Monitors and evaluates the impact of housing policies and programs and provides recommendations for improvements.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to stakeholders on housing policy matters.
• Responsible for oversight and funding recommendations for Federal, State, and City programs administered by HHS that support the expansion and retention of affordable housing in Frederick.
• Supervises the CDBG Program Manager and future housing-related staff.
• Participates in public meetings, hearings, and community events to represent the Department and gather feedback.
• Stays informed about legislative and regulatory changes affecting housing policy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, social work, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in housing policy, urban planning, or a related field.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES:

• Vehicle Operator's license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier is required. The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.

REQUIRED SKILLS (Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.):

• Strong understanding of housing issues, affordable housing programs, and policy development processes.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and build effective partnerships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal housing policies and regulations.

• Strong interpersonal communication.
• Commitment to professional ethics and standards.
• Ability to read and interpret documents using the English Language.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position and/or to move about for long periods of time, and position self to reach items above or below their reach. The employee must occasionally ascend and descend levels and/or ladders. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to observe and inspect items directly in front or to either side of self, to assess items at a distance, to distinguish colors, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is subject to the use of Universal Precautions as required by the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan, and to annual Tuberculosis (TB) Testing as required by the Tuberculosis Prevention Plan

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is exposed periodically to outside weather conditions, but most work is performed in a typical office setting. The employee regularly encounters clients who are intoxicated, under the influence of unknown substances, may be affected by communicable diseases, and/or appear affected by serious mental health problems.