Overview

NJHMFA is seeking graduate students or recent program graduates to apply for a position within the Agency’s policy team. The successful applicant will engage in research projects to assist leadership and programmatic divisions with the development and implementation of Agency policy and programs, manage agency data analytics capabilities, monitor housing industry trends and best practices in affordable housing and community development, and assist in the creation of internal and external reports and material to assist in the furthering the Agency’s mission.  The successful applicant will be situated within the policy division of the agency, which works with the programmatic divisions and external stakeholders towards improving Agency outcomes. This role is ideal for an individual with a deep appreciation for the impact of housing and community development policy on individuals and communities.

Under general supervision, conduct physical, web-based and academic research related to Agency policy and programmatic goals; work with Agency staff and outside sources including other government agencies, non-profit organizations, housing policy research organization, the business community and Internet sources to gather data and policy research findings; develop new research initiatives to enhance the Agency’s provision of quality affordable housing products. Research best practices in affordable housing and community development; assist with the development and implementation of Agency policy and planning projects including affordable housing research and analysis of data and metrics relevant to Agency program goals; create analytic and descriptive reports based on research findings that will support Executive planning and policy development; coordinate with Agency Divisions with research, writing, editing reports and special event agendas, when requested in the required timeframe. Perform related duties as required.

Duties:

  1. Conduct physical, web-based and academic research related to Agency policy and programmatic goals.
  2. Manage agency data analytics capabilities and maintain accuracy of data provided to the public through web-based applications.
  3. Work with Agency staff and outside sources including other government agencies, non-profit organizations, housing policy research organization, the business community and Internet sources to gather current data and policy research findings
  4. Research housing industry trends and best practices in affordable housing and community development and provide updates and recommendations to Executive and divisional staff.
  5. Develop research initiatives to enhance the Agency’s provision of quality affordable housing products.
  6. Assist with the development and implementation of Agency policy and planning projects including affordable housing research and analysis of data and metrics relevant to Agency program goals.
  7. Create quality academic reports based on research findings that will support Executive presentations, planning and policy development.
  8. Coordinate with Agency Divisions with researching, writing, editing reports and special event agendas, when requested in the required timeframe.
  9. Serve as a contact to HMFA staff and other parties on questions or issues related to data analysis and other related HMFA activities.
  10. Perform related duties as required.

Education:

Four (4) year degree in Urban Planning, Policy or related field; three (3) years of relevant experience; or a combination of both education and experience which meet the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A master’s degree in a relevant field may be substituted for years of experience.

Physical Demands

Non physical

Working Conditions

General office environment; Travel may be required.

Certificates & Licenses Required

A valid driver’s license in the State in which the person resides is required only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Skills: 

  • Knowledge of policy writing, geographic systems and database management is required.
  • Knowledge of research methods, practices and techniques as it applies to public policy is required.
  • Ability to prepare accurate, and informative reports to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations is required.
  • Ability to gather, analyze and interpret analytical findings and statistical data, to draw conclusions and to make appropriate recommendations is required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to listen actively is required.
  • Ability to accomplish multiple assignments simultaneously is required.
  • Knowledge of Federal and State housing programs is required.
  • Knowledge of conducting policy and applied research in public policy setting is required.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with HMFA and the public, including but not limited to, other state employees, developers, municipal officials, and community groups is required.
  • Ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere in an appropriate manner of behavior which ensures cooperation and effective communication with customers, clients, peers and management is required.
  • Knowledge of HMFA statute, regulations and underwriting criteria is preferred.
  • Knowledge of Federal and state statutes governing lending and credit practices is preferred.
  • Knowledge of Federal and State laws affecting Single and Multifamily dwellings is preferred.
  • Experience with Stata, R, SPSS, GIS, and/or Microsoft BI is preferred.

Benefits:

HMFA provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes the following: health, dental and prescription drug plans; vision care; deferred compensation plans; Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS); personal, sick and vacation days; tuition reimbursement and paid holidays.
Residency in the State of New Jersey is required of all employees with an agency of the State in accordance with the New Jersey First Act, N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70).  Employees must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011 to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
The NJHMFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with all Federal, State and Local Regulations. NJHMFA provides equal employment opportunity to both individuals with veteran status and individuals with disabilities. 

Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.
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