Description

GENERAL SUMMARY   

Under the direction of the Building and Housing Official, manages the rental license program for the City of East Lansing.  Directly reports to and supports the Building & Housing Official. Oversees the management of the city's robust rental housing program, including the budget, fees, invoicing, renewing, and issuance of rental licenses.

The City of East Lansing, Michigan, a residential community of 48,500 people and home to Michigan State University, is seeking a Housing Administrator. This is a highly responsible and professional supervisory position within the City organization. The City organization is deeply committed to customer-based results, focusing on community needs and empowerment of staff to accomplish these results.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises, manages, and evaluates assigned employees and makes decisions about hiring, discipline and/or termination of employees; prioritizes and assigns work; develops and oversees employee work schedules and approves time away from work;  provides and/or facilitates employee training and development; addresses employee concerns and/or problems; counsels and/or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; determines or makes recommendations regarding new hire salaries and salary changes; and acts as liaison between employees and management. 
• Manages all operational aspects of the rental program, including but not limited to, formulating policies and procedures, developing and monitoring budgets, and project management. 
• Maintains the vacant property registry.
• Manages the complaints for property maintenance, over occupancy and renting without a license.
• Supervises the housing enforcement specialist and housing administrative assistants.
• Oversees the revenues and expenditures of the housing budget and reviews fees associated with housing operations. Ensure staff are properly charging for inspections, re-inspection, other licensing changes, and updated fees.
• Support the Housing Commission; schedules Commission meetings, sets agendas, writes staff reports, uploads information to the public portal, keeps the Commission fully staffed with members, and reviews minutes and records of the Commission.
• Support the Building and Housing Official with administrative tasks, such as, supporting the Building Board of Appeals, drafting reports, providing data analysis to inform budget and operational decisions.
• Utilizes the City’s municipal software program of choice to ensure staff are able to accomplish their responsibilities. Reviews records to answer questions related to rental licensing, including but not limited to property files, rental ordinance, zoning ordinances, and City Attorney opinions.
• Collaborates with other departments in the event of interdepartmental concerns or issues, such as for larger planning projects, concerns with fire safety, Public Works projects, etc. 
• Answers questions from the public and responds to questions from the press and other interested parties.  Provides support to many neighborhood groups as well as student organizations.
• Serves as staff liaison to the Housing Commission, as well as providing support to City Council and other related committees, boards, or commissions. When necessary, assists with efforts related to long-term planning and related matters.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Microsoft Office programs, municipal government software programs and related programs and/or systems applicable to the department
  City codes, ordinances, and applicable state and federal regulations
• Customer service practices and conflict resolution

Skill in:

• Customer service; responding to customer complaints and concerns; efficiently resolving issues
• Written and verbal communication, including public speaking
• Compiling, organizing, interpreting, and presenting budgeting, expenditure, licensing and other data results concisely
• Organization and time management

Ability to:

• Explain rental policies, resolve customer complaints, and address concerns professionally
• Analyze and think critically, draw conclusions based on provided data and report results accurately 
• Set up workflow systems using computer programs, by organizing personnel, financial and other types of information
• Plan, delegate, and supervise the work of the housing support staff; lead, train and manage the team
• Maintain confidentiality of information

This position works in both an office and in the field and therefore may be exposed to both an office environment, including frequent exposure to computer screens, as well as off-site environments for meetings and site inspections. 

May be required stay in one place for prolonged periods. May occasionally be required to move light objects (<25 lbs.). Must be able to operate office equipment and a motor vehicle. Must be able to communicate effectively with other City staff, the public, and other stakeholders. 

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

• Competitive salary with annual cost of living increases]
• Retirement programs including a hybrid pension and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• $1,000 annual employer contribution to post-employment Health Care Savings Plan
• 14 paid holidays
• 25 days of paid time off
• 30 calendar days of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child
• Health coverage (or receive a $200 monthly buy-out if you have coverage from another source), family dental and vision plan premiums fully covered by the city
• Life insurance of 2x annual salary w/optional supplemental coverage, and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to use pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket health and daycare expenses
• An Employee Assistance Program, offering free counseling and support for employees and families
• Qualify for “Public Service Loan Forgiveness” which forgives eligible student loans for borrowers who work at least ten years in public service
• An ever-changing work environment! In the dynamic work of Planning, Building, and Housing, each day presents new and exciting challenges that keep your work fresh, engaging, and stimulating

WORK SCHEDULE: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, plus evening meetings as required.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS       

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, public administration, public policy, or a related field AND 3 to 5 years of related experience. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, including additional relevant experience in lieu of a degree. 
• Experience supervising staff, preferred, but may be substituted with equivalent training, education, and/or experience.
• The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, including excellent writing and presentation skills. 
• Excellent driving record; use of personal vehicle required.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS

Must possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted Michigan driver’s license.