Affordable Housing Operations Manager 

Why Work for Catholic Charities?

Catholic Charities is committed to creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued and connected to the mission. We care deeply about the well-being of our staff and recognize that self care is essential to sustaining meaningful work in social services. Our benefits include generous time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k, etc. Additionally, we strive to foster a culture of teamwork, respect and support, while serving our community with excellence.

Job Summary:The Affordable Housing Operations Manager serves as the primary support to the Housing Director and functions as a senior leader within the Affordable Housing Division. This position has broad responsibility for compliance, operations, special projects, and property coordination, and is expected to exercise strong independent judgment and initiative.

The Affordable Housing Operations Manager ensures regulatory and reporting compliance with applicable regulatory agencies, funders, lenders, as well as federal, state, and local laws governing the agency’s affordable housing properties. The position supports Housing staff in compliance matters, resident relations, and day-to-day property operations; tenant screening and appeals, delinquent accounts and rent collection; helps to implement capital improvement plans in coordination with Property Managers; supports staff training; and provides backup to Property Managers, as needed. This position also serves as the primary Property Manager of Heartland East in Maquoketa, working in collaboration with the Site Manager.

This position does not have formal supervisory responsibility for Property Managers or other Housing staff, but plays a key leadership role in guiding work, supporting staff, and helping ensure the effective operation of the division.

Agency Mission, Vision & Values:Catholic Charities is the social service organization of the Archdiocese of Dubuque responding to persons in need according to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. All employees should possess an understanding and commitment to these foundational principles . We envision a community that works to strengthen families, reduce poverty and empower communities. The values of service, integrity, dignity, respect, unity, and stewardship are expected to be demonstrated by all employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Maintain and ensure regulatory and reporting compliance with all applicable funder, lender, regulatory, and legal requirements, including HUD and USDA, as applicable
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and agency requirements related to affordable housing operations
• Assists in the annual HUD and USDA rental assistance contracts
• Assists Property Managers with annual HUD Management & Occupancy Reviews (MOR), annual recertification of residents at Ecumenical Tower, and National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), City inspections, and other inspections or reviews.
• Provide guidance and training to Housing staff on regulatory compliance and procedures.
• Oversee and support timely, accurate completion of required reports, certifications, documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Monitor compliance practices across properties and assist in identifying and correcting deficiencies or areas of risk.
• Compile weekly and monthly reports on occupancy, maintenance issues, and incident reports for the Housing Director.
• Monitor tenant files, and periodic audits to ensure program compliance based on the individual property requirements.

Operational Leadership and Division Support

• Serve as the primary support to the Housing Director in the overall operation of the Affordable Housing Division.
• Function as the second-in-command within the division, providing leadership and continuity in the Housing Director’s absence, as assigned.
• Assist with major projects, divisional initiatives, planning efforts, and operational problem-solving.
• Exercise discretion in interpreting and applying regulations.
• Make recommendations that impact operations and compliance outcomes.
• Provide leadership and support to Housing staff in matters related to compliance, resident relations, and day-to-day property operations.
• Help develop, implement, and improve processes, systems, and practices to promote efficiency, consistency, and accountability.
• Functions as the Property Manager at Heartland East responsible for the day-to-day operations of the property, including grounds and buildings, in collaboration with the Site Manager
• Provide backup to Property Managers, as needed, to ensure continuity of operations.
• On-call responsibilities at Heartland East and will assist Property Managers at other properties in managing after hour resident and facility needs.

Resident Relations and Occupancy Support

• Act as an additional contact for residents, maintaining a professional and positive attitude, and promptly addressing concerns and complaints to support a safe, respectful, and stable living environment for residents.
• Inspects properties within the portfolio at least once a week to ensure the highest standards are maintained. Conducts periodic inspections of vacant apartments for market ready condition.
• Assist Property Managers with tenant screening, applicant review, and appeal processes in accordance with agency policy and applicable regulations.
• Encourage fair, consistent, and resident-centered practices in occupancy and property operations to maintain a high quality of life for residents.

Financial Management and Budgeting

• Assist Property Managers with oversight of delinquent accounts and rent collection efforts.
• Monitor follow-up, documentation, notices, repayment arrangements, and related processes to ensure consistency and compliance with agency procedures.
• Assists Housing Director prepare annual operating and capital budgets
• Assist Housing Director with grant research, applications and compliance.

Capital Improvements and Property Coordination

• Under the guidance of the Housing Director, assist Property Managers in implementing capital improvement plans, ensuring all related parties (architects, contractors, lenders, Executive Director , Housing Committee, and housing staff are frequently updated on progress and challenges.
• Work with Property Managers, vendors, contractors, and the Housing Director to monitor project progress and minimize disruption to residents and property operations.
• Support documentation, communication, and follow-through related to capital improvements and property upgrades.

Training and Staff Support

• Play a support role in training Housing staff on agency policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Reinforce expectations related to documentation, compliance, resident interactions, and operational consistency.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to staff on policy interpretation, problem-solving, and regulatory matters.

Community Relations

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with residents, staff, vendors, contractors, community partners, and regulatory contacts.
• Represent the Affordable Housing Division professionally in meetings, partnerships, and community-facing activities, as a Brand Ambassador.
• Support the agency’s mission and reputation as a provider of safe, quality, and affordable housing.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory authority over Property Managers or other Housing staff. Property Managers continue to report to the Housing Director. This role provides leadership, coordination, training support, and operational guidance, but is not the formal supervisor of staff.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field strongly preferred; significant affordable housing experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in property management, administrative assistance, preferably in multi-family or affordable housing.
• Prior management or leadership experience required.
• General knowledge of landlord-tenant laws required.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, projects and deadlines.
• Reliable transportation as frequent travel to properties in Dubuque and Maquoketa required.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, problem-solving and analytical skills required.
• Premium pay for bilingual English, Spanish speaking applicants.

Work Location: In person in Dubuque, Iowa with weekly travel to other work sites