Sustainable Project Manager

At the National Housing Trust (NHT), we safeguard affordable apartments through real estate development, lending and public policy advocacy. By revitalizing existing apartments, we better the quality of life for the families and elderly who live there. We believe preserving and improving existing affordable homes is the essential first step in solving our nation's housing dilemma. NHT incorporates sustainable and environmentally appropriate design, repairs, and improvements to the affordable housing it preserves or helps others to preserve.  

Position Overview:

The Sustainable Project Manager ("SPM") participates in the Trust's real estate development operations conducted by a separate, affiliated nonprofit organization, National Housing Trust - Enterprise Preservation Corporation ("NHT/Enterprise").

The SPM is responsible for working with other staff and outside professionals to identify "best practices" in environmentally appropriate renovation and retrofitting of multifamily housing, incorporating green design in the renovation of new NHT/Enterprise projects, retrofitting of existing projects in NHT/Enterprise's portfolio, identifying programs and funding sources for green repairs and improvements, and oversee renovations. 

Responsibilities:

The direct supervisor of the Sustainable Project Manager is the Vice President.

Develoment Related:

The SPM is an employee of the National Housing Trust. The SPM shall be able to perform these tasks on his/her own with limited oversight of the Vice President.  Such tasks include:

1. Working with development staff, develop conceptual renovation plans for new projects being pursued by NHT/Enterprise.
2. Work with development staff to select appropriate design and construction professionals such as project architects, energy auditors, engineers, and contractors.
3. Work with selected professionals to develop refined scopes of renovation (with emphasis on inclusion of green design, repairs, and improvements) and cost estimates to be used by development staff for finance feasibility analysis and ultimately finance proposals.
4. For existing properties in the NHT/Enterprise portfolio, coordinate energy and water audits to identify the potential and need for green retrofits.
5. Research and study federal, state, and local laws, and public and private philanthropic programs, to identify potential sources of funding for green and energy efficient repairs and improvements. Train development staff on the use of such funds, their terms, and considerations for inclusion in financial underwriting and feasibility analysis.
6. Upon construction start, monitor renovations.
7. Approve contractor and other construction related requisitions. Assist development staff in preparation of full requisitions to lenders and investors. Ensure contractor understands and is accountable for green goals of project and that green measures are included in specifications and plans.
8. Develop system(s) for monitoring the benefits derived from green improvements including having access to utility data for all electricity, gas and water consumption in the building(s).
9. Report on findings of benefits to funders, development staff and residents.
10. Develop and update "Master Green Spec Books" for properties that will aid property management staff in ongoing building operations. Specifications will include but not be limited to information on items such as low/no VOC paints and sealants, green label certified carpet and flooring, energy efficient water heaters, low-flow fixtures, masonry sealant, plants and landscaping and other products. This important reference tool will support management's ability to maintain a green pedigree throughout its life. Convey contents of master green spec book directly to property management staff.
11. Establish and oversee a small Green Construction Fund from which loans will be made to pay for certain green repairs at NHT/Enterprise properties and paid back from savings generated as a result of those repairs.

Public Policy:

1. Assist with the development and implementation of policy engagement to enhance the availability of resources for green retrofitting of affordable multifamily housing all over the U.S by sharing learnings from projects and regulatory challenges to implementing desired green improvements.
2. Represent the National Housing Trust in meetings with other national housing organizations, legislative staff, Congress, Executive Branch and state and local government agency staff to discuss the greening of affordable multifamily housing.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

B.A. and 3 - 5 years of experience in the field of construction, with significant experience in design and/or construction oversight of projects incorporating sustainable features. LEED accreditation preferred. Experience analyzing energy and water audits is recommended.

Individual must possess the following abilities:

• Research and apply potential green programs or funding resources of which the National Housing Trust might take advantage in fulfilling its mission.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements.
• Convey complex concepts to less technically adept audience.
• Work independently, fulfilling the responsibilities outlined above with limited guidance from supervisor.
• Work as a member of a highly motivated team is critical, as well as a commitment to affordable housing.
• Sense of humor essential.

Compensation: Open

To Apply: 

Please send your resume and a cover letter. No phone calls please.