Capital Project Manager

As a Capital Project Manager at DESC, your main responsibilities include managing the maintenance of our housing portfolio, overseeing vendor selection for capital projects, and ensuring compliance with various funding regulations. You'll assess building conditions, prepare assessments for future maintenance needs, and handle major construction projects. Additionally, you’ll interact with regulatory agencies, assist with lease negotiations, and collaborate with different departments to ensure that our services meet the high standards we set for our community.

To be considered for the Capital Project Manager role at DESC, you need a bachelor’s degree in finance, real estate, or a related field. A minimum of four years’ experience in asset management, especially within affordable housing, is preferred. Skills in project management, financial statement analysis, and communication are vital. If you hold a Master’s degree in Business, Real Estate, or Finance, it may substitute for some experience.

The Capital Project Manager contributes significantly to DESC’s mission by ensuring that the housing we provide is safe, well-maintained, and compliant with funding regulations. By overseeing capital projects and collaborating with various departments, you play a key role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports our services, ultimately helping clients achieve necessary stability and support. This position helps foster a community where no one faces homelessness alone.

As a Capital Project Manager at DESC, you’ll enjoy a variety of benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance. You will have access to programs like an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Furthermore, DESC offers a generous paid time-off policy totaling 34 days per year and a solid retirement plan, ensuring your work-life balance and future savings are well taken care of.

Essential skills for a Capital Project Manager at DESC include strong analytical abilities, experience in project management, proficiency in financial modeling, and a comprehensive understanding of property management and building systems. Excellent oral and written communication skills are crucial, along with the capacity to prioritize tasks and handle confidential information discreetly. A successful candidate will also embrace the principles of diversity and cooperation across different cultures and backgrounds.

When selecting vendors for capital projects, I begin by clearly outlining the project requirements and budget. I then solicit bids from multiple contractors and evaluate them not only based on cost but also on past performance and expertise. Communication is key during this process, ensuring that potential vendors understand our expectations and compliance requirements. Finally, I involve relevant stakeholders to make an informed decision that aligns with our mission at DESC.

In my previous roles, I’ve handled compliance reporting extensively, particularly related to funding regulations from HUD and LIHTC. I ensure that all our projects meet the expected guidelines by conducting regular audits and keeping detailed records of all financial transactions. My proactive approach includes regular communication with regulatory agencies, ensuring timely submission of reports to maintain transparency and accountability.

Effective budget management for capital projects involves careful planning and continuous monitoring. I prioritize creating a detailed budget plan that allocates resources efficiently and outlines expectations. Throughout the project, I track spending closely and adjust as needed to avoid overspending. Regular updates to the team help maintain accountability, and I always seek opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality, ensuring DESC’s interests are protected.

Assessing building conditions involves a systematic approach where I conduct thorough site inspections and collaborate with the Facilities Director to analyze and document current states. I pay attention to maintenance needs, safety compliance, and efficiency metrics. Utilizing these insights, I prepare detailed Capital Needs Assessments to guide long-range maintenance and project planning, thereby ensuring all properties under DESC are kept in optimal condition.

I have a robust understanding of various financing streams related to affordable housing, including LIHTC, HUD programs, and other funding mechanisms. This knowledge allows me to effectively manage compliance, reporting, and the acquisition of funding for projects. I stay up-to-date with changes in regulations and housing policies to incorporate best practices into DESC’s operational strategies, helping improve our service delivery.

Team collaboration is fundamental in my work as a Capital Project Manager. I regularly coordinate with various departments such as Finance, Housing Development, and Facilities to ensure alignment on projects and compliance with all operational standards. By fostering open communication and encouraging feedback, I build relationships across teams, enabling us to address challenges together efficiently and align our efforts with DESC’s mission.

To ensure energy efficiency in capital projects, I assess existing energy use and identify specific upgrade opportunities. I collaborate with contractors as well as energy providers to implement best practices for efficiency, often applying for available grants and incentives. Additionally, I monitor energy usage benchmarks post-implementation to confirm our upgrades are effective and ensure ongoing compliance with DESC’s objectives related to sustainability.

Some challenges in affordable housing management include funding fluctuations and compliance complexities. To address these challenges, I focus on building strong relationships with both funding agencies and community stakeholders, ensuring open dialogue and transparency. Effective risk management strategies and proactive budgeting help mitigate financial concerns, and I remain adaptive to changing laws and regulations to keep DESC compliant and operational.

In one previous position, I managed a substantial renovation project that required extensive coordination between multiple stakeholders, from contractors to regulatory bodies. By employing a detailed project management plan and maintaining consistent communication among all parties, we completed the project on time and under budget. The outcome was significant improvements to the property’s living conditions, which allowed us to better serve our clients while enhancing DESC’s reputation in the community.

When facing conflicts with stakeholders, I prioritize open communication to understand their concerns fully. I approach the situation with empathy, focusing on finding common ground and collaborative solutions. By facilitating honest discussions and promptly addressing issues, I help foster a positive working relationship, ensuring that we stay aligned with DESC’s mission while also meeting the project goals. My approach is rooted in respect and understanding, which often leads to constructive conflict resolution.