Associate Counsel

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Associate Counsel will primarily be responsible for performing legal services related to asset management and regulatory oversight of projects under HCR’s Statewide Asset Management Unit (SAMU). Such legal services include, but is not limited to:

• Reviewing and negotiating legal documents of SAMU projects undergoing ownership transfers (for example, Year 15 dispositions) and refinancing with non-HCR debt;
• Responding to legal questions and issues in connection with HCR’s affordable housing requirements including amendments and modifications of HCR regulatory agreements of SAMU projects;
• Loan workouts and mortgage/regulatory enforcement of SAMU projects.

On a secondary basis and to the extent of availability to work on other HCR priorities in addition to the SAMU matters described above, the Associate Counsel will also be involved in:

• Negotiating and closing certain HCR mortgage loans of affordable housing projects
• HCR administrative and program matters in connection therewith, and other legal issues that may arise.

The Associate Counsel will supervise Assistant Counsels and legal support staff engaged in similar duties, and report to the HFA Deputy Counsel overseeing transactional and asset management lawyers in our New York City office. A substantial majority of the duties and responsibilities of the position relate specifically to the New York State Housing Finance Agency, notwithstanding the below description of the position on the Affordable Housing Corporation payroll.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Must be admitted to the practice of law in New York State.
• Minimum of five years of experience in providing legal counsel with respect to affordable housing programs, real estate lending or asset management, public finance, and other corporate transactions such as loan workouts and bankruptcy matters; knowledge of affordable housing programs and real estate lending is strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising attorneys or support staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including attention to detail, a commitment to analytical thinking, and respect for the contributions of colleagues and others.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other standard applications.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple matters at the same time, and achieve deadlines.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

WHAT WE OFFER AT NYS HCR:

• Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.
• Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals.
• Work life balance benefits include a 37.5-hour work week and paid time off benefits including vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays.
• Opportunity for compressed scheduling.
• 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
• Paid Family Leave.
• Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling.
• As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for an eligible employer.

Additional SONYMA/HFA/AHC Benefits:

• Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals.
• Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job-related courses.
• Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange).
• Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more!
• Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to next year for a maximum of $1,300.

This position is with HCR’s Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) payroll. This is not a civil service position, and a civil service exam is not required. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

ABOUT NEW YORK STATE HOMES AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL:
Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low- and moderate-income families. Our mission is far reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders.

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction, finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies.

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)