Director of Housing

The Position

Under the general supervision of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Housing will work with other entities to direct the activities of the Housing Division, including planning, management and evaluation of the Department’s program areas for Housing, Property Management, Capital Works and Municipal Services. This position manages human resources, fiscal allocations, capital assets, program delivery and portfolio management, and associated services within the department’s mandate. The Director will ensure that operational and capital plans are prepared for the Department and properly implemented and evaluated. Also, you will communicate with the community, agencies and partners and perform related duties as required.

• Receive and review all incoming requests for adherence to the Housing Policy. 
• Provide strategic oversight for the Department, including rigorous analysis of emerging issues and trends.
• Ensure the implementation and maintenance of files for all property and administrative matters. 
• Draft specifications for repairs/renovations and compile Tender Packages for construction, refer to consultant for review and revision on major renovations as needed. 
• Provide direction to the Property Services Department in carrying out the Nation's annual goals, objectives, priorities and strategies.
• Ensure that any laws, policies, procedures, and regulations regarding departmental activities are enforced and adhered.
• Establish effective connections and collaborate with Federal and Territorial governments and First Nations to identify and address housing, properties and municipal issues.
• Determine the need for consultants/contractors, initiate hiring/selection, and monitor the work of consultants and contractors.
• Monitor services delivered through territorial government departments to ensure community needs are being met.
• Secure funding and contribution agreements with private, federal and territorial partners like banks.
• Ensure that terms of contracts and contribution agreements are implemented and complete work in progress.
• Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate departmental policies and procedures and assist with developing laws and regulations as directed. 
• Compile bids/quotes for replacement, repair, renovation, or construction for review.
• Calculate and prepare all Rental Agreements under CMHC Guidelines. 
• Liaison between Housing Trustees, Council, Nation members, Consultants, CMHC, Contractors and sub-trades, Suppliers, and Public Works. 
• Schedule and attend all Housing meetings, Record Minutes and implement all decisions of Trustees. 
• Issue Purchase Orders and contact suppliers or tradespeople. Arrange emergency repairs without prior approval within reasonable cost limits (for example, appliance or plumbing). 
• Draft all reports to Council or Membership re Housing Program. 
• Receive, review and requisition payment for all Contract Claims. 
• Prepare a monthly report on the status of the arrears.
• Prepare monthly reports on expenditures for repairs, renovations or appliance replacements. 
• Issue Notices of Arrears, liaise with Lawyer re Court action’ as needed.
• Ensure that policies, plans, agreements and specific activities of the Department support the Nation's Strategic Plan as well as the Vision and Mandate of the housing division. 
• Ensure the Nation's participation on external Boards and committees responsible for Property Services and ensure that input is provided on behalf of the Nation.
• Ensure that shishalh members and the public are aware of laws, policies, procedures and regulations regarding departmental activities.
• Develop, manage, monitor and evaluate resources, services, budgets, program plans, work priorities and performance objectives and integrate these factors into the Department’s operational plan. 
• Take corrective action when variances arise. 
• Research and keep informed of new trends, issues, programs and services federally and territorially, and with other First Nations, agencies, organizations and professionals and assessing implications to the Nation.
• Monitor legislation, strategic goals, capital plans, community plans, policies and procedures, and bylaws for effectiveness.
• Supervising and providing direction and support to department staff.
• Participate in committees, boards, forums, meetings and working groups on the national, territorial and community levels and with other First in developing goals, plans, policies and procedures.
• Address issues of tenants and the public with substantially different values with tact, discretion and diplomacy. 
• Formulate, monitor and evaluate annual departmental, capital, and project budgets.
• Assist staff in developing annual work plans and budgets.
• Manage departmental contracts and contractors.
• Hire, supervise, and monitor departmental staff.
• Conduct annual performance reviews for departmental staff and follow up on any issues that arise from the reviews.
• Assist in the development and implementation of staff development plans.
• Ability to resolve escalating issues regarding staff and clients outside established policies and scope.
• Perform other duties within the scope of the position, as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:  

• A degree in Commerce, Business or Public Administration, Business Administration or related field, and experience in a senior public sector position, preferably in a First Nations environment. 
• Several years of experience working in the housing or municipal industry. 
• Extensive knowledge and experience in supervising and/or leading staff, developing and managing programs is required.
• Knowledge and experience of First Nations political, governance, and community structures and complex funding arrangements pertaining to programs and services.
• Knowledge of basic accounting and budget preparation.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues, demonstrating tact, initiative and flexibility.
• Ability to work independently and expeditiously under tight timeframes and competing priorities.
• Superior level of computer literacy, especially word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software and research engines and tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate complex information and the capability for drafting and editing various written reports and materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals in the organization, communities and federal and provincial representatives.
• Excellent relationship-building and conflict-resolution skills with an ability to interact and work effectively with senior individuals.
• Possession of a valid BC driver’s license.
• Acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.