COMMUNITY ASSOCIATE - job 1 of 3

As a Community Associate at NYCHA, your main responsibilities include managing the Authority’s Operating and Capital budgets, evaluating funding requests for eligibility, analyzing budget variances, and providing technical assistance in budget preparation. You'll also conduct research and present analyses, which are crucial for impactful decision-making within the Authority.

To apply for the Community Associate role at NYCHA, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent along with three years of experience in community work or related activities. Alternatively, education or experience equivalents may also qualify you for this position, so don't hesitate if your background aligns with these criteria.

The Community Associate position directly contributes to the community by managing funding for community programs, identifying solutions to operational issues, and proposing new ideas to enhance existing programs. Your work will help ensure that the financial resources are effectively utilized for community benefits.

At NYCHA, the work environment for a Community Associate is collaborative, supportive, and focused on community improvement. You will work closely with various teams and contribute to essential financial and budgeting activities, all while being part of a diverse workforce dedicated to making a positive impact.

Yes! NYCHA employees are encouraged to apply for the Community Associate position. However, it's important to have served for at least one year in your current title and location before applying for a transfer, promotional, or title change opportunity.

Interviewers for the Community Associate role may want you to elaborate on your knowledge of budget management. Discuss your experience with preparing budgets, tracking expenditures, and analyzing variances, demonstrating your understanding of both Operating and Capital budgets.

A solid answer would highlight your ability to assess the needs and impacts of each program. Share your methodology for prioritization, including any tools or strategies you use to ensure timely and effective management.

Use the STAR method to structure your response: share the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Detail your thought process, the steps you took to identify funding, and how your efforts positively impacted the project.

Discuss specific techniques for variances analysis, such as comparing budgets against actual spending, looking for patterns in spending behavior, and using financial software tools to facilitate your analysis for the Community Associate role.

Explain your methods for staying informed, such as subscribing to relevant newsletters, participating in workshops, or networking with professionals in the field. Emphasize your commitment to compliance and informed budgeting practices.

Your answer should encompass any roles where you were responsible for grant applications, management, or evaluation. Specify how you tracked funding allocations and assessed program outcomes to demonstrate your competency.

Provide a specific example with measurable results. Discuss what the situation was, the solution you implemented, the challenges faced, and how the improvement benefited the organization or community programs.

Emphasize your appreciation for diversity and inclusion. Share specific strategies for engaging with different community groups respectfully and effectively to understand their needs better.

Describe your approach to stakeholder management. Focus on your willingness to listen, negotiate, and present data-driven arguments to help others understand the rationale behind budget proposals.

Your response should reflect alignment with NYCHA's mission. Discuss your passion for community service, your relevant experience, and how you hope to contribute to the Authority's goals, emphasizing your desire to make a difference.