The Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP), founded in 1965, is a private, statewide, nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of life for low-income Alaskans. Our mission is to empower low-income Alaskans through advocacy, education, affordable housing, and direct services that respect our unique values and cultures. 

Our Rural Housing Manager position is a key piece of our mission advancement as we partner with communities and stakeholders across Alaska to improve access to safe, healthy and sustainable homes. 

JOB SUMMARY:  Performs strategic and coordination work in support of RurAL CAP’s rural housing programs, including market studies, feasibility analysis, and research of best practices in affordable housing design, finance, and development. Conducts community outreach, identifies opportunities for RurAL CAP support, and provides capacity-building services to selected communities in addressing their housing priorities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manages rural housing program and related grants and projects including, but not limited to the following specific tasks:
   • Ensures that the program is administered in accordance with the approved schedule of activities and budget. Generates recommendations for program revision and improvement.  Tracks milestones and outcomes for each community served and drafts quarterly program status narratives. 
   • Develops and implements outreach strategy to recruit communities and organizations as program participants.
   • Conducts a baseline readiness assessment and monitors progress over time. Provides capacity-building services to selected communities in accordance with their desires and needs.  
   • Provides technical assistance to communities in demand analysis, feasibility assessment, and sourcing project financing
   • Evaluates program effectiveness and outcomes for program participants; makes recommendations for follow-up services and for future programming.
   • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with outside agencies as requested; facilitates reciprocal exchange of rural housing information, models, and data;
   • Plans and delivers training workshops and conferences about rural housing topics.
2. Conducts research and analysis of needs, including definition, collection and compilation of relevant data, indicators, and anecdotal information; writes reports, proposals, plans, and policy papers based on findings.
3. Writes and edits proposals, training materials, presentations, and related mate

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Works closely with Division staff, other agency staff, national service corps members, community leaders, and funding sources to publicize and promote division activities, services, and accomplishments; facilitates development and dissemination of informational materials.
2. Performs other duties to support the division’s programs at the request of the division director.

WORK ACTIVITIES:

1. Develops and maintains constructive and cooperative working relationships with organizations, agencies, and clients which support the goals of Planning and Construction.
2. Instructs, coaches, mentors, or otherwise helps others to improve their knowledge or skills.
3. Performs day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining files and processing information and paperwork and uses computers and computer systems effectively to enter data, create spreadsheets and to develop documents, materials and presentations.
4. Analyzes and evaluates information to choose the best solution and solve problems; and to develop, design or create new ideas, systems, or processes.
5. Communicates with supervisors, coworkers, site staff, and people outside the agency, representing the agency to customers, the public, government and other external sources in person, in writing, or by telephone or email.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Ability to read, comprehend, and follow established policies and procedures.
2. Ability to manage work time well, prioritize and meet deadlines.
3. Ability to endure and balance work fluctuations, deadlines, and interruptions; must be able to work weekends, and long hours during occasional peak work periods.
4. Ability to exercise good judgment, courtesy and tact.
5. Ability to establish good rapport with people of diverse cultures and belief systems.
6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
7. Must demonstrate sound judgment, professional boundaries, ethics, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/JOB CONDITIONS:

1. Agency is a mandated tobacco, drug and alcohol free workplace.
2. Requires extensive networking, teamwork with other employees, and an ability to share information and speak in open forums in front of groups.
3. Regular travel to rural Alaska and ability to carry out job responsibilities in rural areas without, or with limited, running water and sewer systems.
4. Ability to sleep on floor in communities where no other lodging is available.
5. Develops specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work.
6. Must have the ability to operate the following equipment: desktop computer, telephone, copier, PC printer, and fax machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly to grasp, type, see, talk, hear, and lift and carry 35 pounds of weight by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner. This position will also be performing physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, bending, and handling materials. 
2. Occasionally performs sedentary activities that require sitting for long periods and repetitive use of hands, wrists and arms for handling, positioning, moving materials, and manipulating things. 
3. Must be in good general health and free from serious physical, mental health and/or substance abuse problems.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
TRAVEL:
This position may have occasional travel in and outside of Alaska. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected. This position will require driving one’s own vehicle to and from worksites and destinations.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED EDUCATION:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Bachelor of Arts Degree plus one (3) year experience, or the equivalent of five (7) years professional experience in planning, community and economic development, real estate finance, or closely related fields.  
3. State and federal background checks, including fingerprints, may be required.
4. “Planning” experience must include the following elements: definition of objectives, establishment of policies and methodology to be used in researching objectives, specification of information, analysis and interpretation of information in view of validity and relevance to objectives, presentation of recommendations, forecasts and/or conclusions.
5. Practical knowledge of the principles and techniques of professional planning, coupled with applied proficiency in forecasting, statistics, field methods, and research design.
6. Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills including expertise in cross-cultural communication.
7. Proven ability and willingness to be self-directed in problem-solving and decision-making and perform basic assignment with little or no direct supervision while also working effectively as a team member.
8. Demonstrated intermediate level of computer skills necessary in order to use and create documents and reports, spreadsheets, workshop materials and slide presentations, and to enter data into intricate database programs and proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
9. Capable of reading, understanding, and following written procedures and policies related to job responsibilities.
10. Ability to manage work time well, prioritize and meet deadlines.
11. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
12. Ability to apply and interpret state and federal statutes and regulations, and agency policies and procedures.
13. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials at all levels, private organizations, tribal entities, the press, and the public.
14. Working knowledge of rural Alaska.
15. Capable of supervising lower range staff, interns, and national service corps members.
16. Responsible work ethic with reliable attendance.
17. Must keep all matters concerning participants in strictest confidence as required by HIPAA privacy and the 42 CFR, Part II confidentiality regulations. 
18. Must have a valid driver’s License and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout the course of employment. Must provide a copy of current driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles annually.
19. Must have an insured vehicle, present proof of insurance, and maintain proof of insurance throughout the course of employment.
20. Agency recommends annual TB screening and physical as part of employee’s personal wellness plan. (Recommendation – Not a requirement of this position)

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Extensive knowledge of social, cultural, economic, and housing conditions in rural Alaska; cross-cultural experience working with Alaska Native people.
2. Technical experience in organizing and facilitating public meetings and events
3. Skill in project management, including work program development, contract administration and scheduling.
4. Experience in management of state and/or federal grants.

BENEFITS: 
As a full time, regular employee, you will be eligible to participate in our competitive  benefits programs on the first day of the month after your 60th day of employment, including but not limited to:

1. Medical, Dental & Vision  
2. Life & Supplemental Insurance
3. 401K/Pension Plan
4. Flexible Spending Account/Health & Dependent Care
5. Health Savings Account
6. Employee Assistance Program
7. 20 days (160 hours) of accrued Paid Time Off
8. 12 Established paid holidays
9. Monthly Wellness Reimbursement