About Job

Director, Housing Counseling & HomeOwnership Programs

About BCNi
Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. (BCNi) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with offices in Schenectady, NY. One of the leading non-profit housing organizations in the area, BCNi focuses on low- and moderate-income households, providing services funded by state, federal, and private sources. These include homeownership promotion, foreclosure prevention, housing rehabilitation, and affordable rental development.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Housing Counseling & HomeOwnership Programs is responsible for leadership, management, and administration of BCNi’s HUD- and HCR-funded housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, and downpayment assistance (DPA) programs. This senior leadership role requires expertise in housing counseling and compliance, as well as a strong understanding of the traditional homebuying and mortgage financing process. The Director supervises program staff, ensures regulatory compliance, manages grant-funded initiatives, oversees the adoption of new CRM and grant management systems (Mpact Pro and Neighborly Software), represents BCNi externally with lenders, realtors, attorneys, and community stakeholders, and leads the expansion of workshops, trainings, and related service offerings.

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, and downpayment assistance programs
Ensure compliance with HUD 24 CFR Part 214, HUD Handbook 7610.1, and HCR requirements, including HUD-9902 reporting
Oversee administration of DPA grants (AHC, HOME, etc.), including eligibility determination, underwriting, and affordability/recapture compliance
Direct foreclosure prevention services under the HOPP Program, ensuring timely assistance and referral pathways
Supervise and mentor staff, supporting HUD certification and professional development
Manage CRM workflows using Mpact Pro; oversee adoption and use of Neighborly Software for grant management
Build and maintain partnerships with lenders, realtors, attorneys, municipal agencies, and community organizations
Lead marketing and outreach strategies to expand access to counseling and assistance programs, with attention to underserved populations
Plan, coordinate, and execute workshops, trainings, and related service offerings to expand BCNi’s reach and impact
Monitor budgets, deliverables, and outcomes for federal, state, and local funders
Adapt programs and workflows in real time based on performance indicators and changing community needs
Prepare for and respond to HUD/HCR monitoring and audits, implementing corrective action as needed
Serve as a subject matter expert to the CEO and Board on homeownership trends, program performance, and policy issues
Ensure client workflows are fully implemented, from intake and financial readiness assessment to action plan development, documentation, and follow-up counseling

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Strong understanding of mortgage financing, underwriting, and the homebuying process
Knowledge of HUD housing counseling regulations, including HUD’s 4 required counseling steps
Experience with downpayment assistance program administration and subsidy layering
Proficiency in Mpact Pro, Neighborly Software, or similar CRM/grant management platforms
Ability to interpret and implement federal and state compliance requirements
Strong leadership, staff supervision, and team-building skills
Excellent communication skills, with ability to explain complex information clearly
Budget management and financial reporting skills
Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including low- and moderate-income households
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and fair housing principles
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple priorities

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
At least 6–8 years of progressively responsible experience in housing counseling, homeownership programs, or related fields
Minimum 3 years of supervisory/management experience
HUD Housing Counselor Certification required (within 6 months of hire if not already obtained)
Strong preference for additional related certifications (e.g., HECM); multiple certifications encouraged but not required
Experience with HUD HCS, Mpact Pro, and HUD-9902 reporting
Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred but not required

Compensation & Benefits
Salary: Starting at $80,000. Employee benefits include health, dental, and life insurance, paid time off, and participation in a retirement plan.

How to Apply
Submit cover letter and resume to info@bcnihousing.org. Applications accepted and interview conducted until filled. No calls please.

Equal Opportunity Employer: BCNi is committed to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $80,000.00 per year

Benefits: