THE ORGANIZATION:
Founded over a century ago, Volunteers of America – Greater New York (VOA-GNY) stands as one of the region’s most enduring and impactful anti-poverty and housing organizations, serving neighbors in need across New York City, Northern New Jersey and Westchester. While part of the broader national VOA federation, VOA-GNY operates independently with its own board, strategic mandate, and leadership structure. It has pioneered many key social service models, including being among the first organizations in the U.S. to pilot supportive housing. Today, VOA-GNY ranks as the fifth-largest provider of supportive housing in New York City, underscoring its vital role in one of the country’s most challenging urban housing landscapes.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
VOA-GNY is seeking an experienced Assistant Vice President of Portfolio Operations (AVP) to join their Real Estate Department. The AVP is a senior leader responsible for the physical maintenance, operations, and construction management of VOA-GNY’s diverse real estate portfolio. This includes more than 40 residential and community facilities, with environments ranging from emergency shelters to permanent supportive housing to administrative and program spaces. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Real Estate, the AVP provides strategic and operational leadership that ensures the buildings remain safe, accessible, efficient, and aligned with high‑quality, human‑centered design.
This role directly influences the experience of thousands of people and strengthens the long‑term value of VOA-GNY’s assets. The AVP will lead a team of senior directors, property managers, construction managers, and expeditors, and collaborate closely with internal partners across Real Estate Development, Asset Management, Program Services, Finance, HR, and Policy.
ROLES + RESPONSIBILITIES:
Property & Portfolio Operations
- Provide strategic and day-to-day oversight of the physical maintenance and operations of a diverse portfolio of residential and community-based properties.
- Oversee building systems, preventive maintenance, work orders, unit turnover, emergency response, and maintenance staffing.
- Ensure facilities are safe, clean, efficient, and aligned with trauma‑informed and resident‑centered design principles.
Capital Planning & Funding
- Lead a disciplined capital planning process for the full portfolio, identifying capital needs and developing scopes of work across the portfolio. o Secure funding from City, State, philanthropic, and other partners through strong proposals and presentations.
- Prioritize capital projects based on physical need, regulatory requirements, and resident/staff experience.
Construction Management
- Lead large‑scale rehabilitation, new construction, and capital improvement projects from scoping through procurement, design, construction, and closeout.
- Manage architects, engineers, contractors, lenders, and other consultants to ensure quality and timely delivery.
Operational & Financial Leadership
- Develop and manage annual operating budgets and capital plans.
- Implement cost‑saving measures, enforce purchasing policies, and monitor financial performance.
- Leverage technology—including building management systems and work‑order platforms—to increase efficiency and transparency.
Sustainability & Energy Management
- Advance energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives across the portfolio.
- Incorporate sustainable design and energy‑efficient systems into new construction and rehabilitation projects.
Team Leadership
- Support the professional development of directors, property managers, and maintenance teams.
- Foster accountability, high performance, and a culture aligned with VOA GNY’s values of compassion, excellence, and service.
Compliance & External Relations
- Ensure full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including safety, building codes, and environmental standards.
- Serve as a key liaison to regulatory agencies and external partners.
Cross‑Department Collaboration
- Work closely with peer AVPs and senior leaders to ensure seamless workflow and alignment with agency strategy.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in real estate, construction management, architecture, urban planning, public administration, business, or related field strongly preferred.
- At least 10 years of full‑time professional property management and construction management experience.
- Certifications in property management, construction management, sustainability, or related fields strongly preferred.
- Comprehensive understanding of local and federal housing regulations.
- Experience with homeless services, behavioral health, substance use, or intimate partner violence programs is a plus.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and persuasively.
The annual salary range is up to $165,000, plus benefits (additional room available for closely aligned candidates). The position title is flexible and open to discussion.
MISSION CRITICAL OBJECTIVES | YEAR ONE:
- Build a deep understanding of VOA-GNY’s portfolio, business model, operating constraints, capital pipeline, and service environment.
- Establish strong working relationships across real estate, program, finance, and executive leadership; and quickly become a trusted advisor on facilities, capital repairs, and portfolio operations.
- Complete a comprehensive assessment of the current facilities and construction management function, identifying deferred capital needs and process gaps, then translate those findings into a prioritized action plan.
- Deliver visible progress on technology adoption and process modernization, including practical tools or dashboards that improve accountability, tracking, and decision-making for facilities operations and capital projects