Supervising Attorney

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.

A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

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 which represents the diverse population of New York State. In pursuit of those principles, HCR has established a DEIA Committee, created a 5-year DEIA strategy plan, and developed a strategic plan to address Governor Hochul’s Executive Order 31. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including all people with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

The Office of Legal Affairs provides legal advice, counsel and representation to all the Agencies’ offices and program areas and ensures that all matters comply with federal and state legal mandates. The primary functions are organized within four major subject matter areas or units, General Law, Litigation, Hearings, and Transactions.

Duties and Responsibilities (2025)

• Manage legal activities in all units under the Office of Single Family and Community Development, also known as the Office of Homeownership and Community Development ("HCD"), including the Office of Community Renewal ("OCR"), Office of Resilient Homes and Communities ("RHC"), and Small and Mid-Size Development ("SMD").
• Manage portfolio of over twenty-five existing State and federal programs within OCR, RHC, and SMD.
• Work with interpreting laws and regulations generated by and communicate with federal entities including but not limited to federal DOE, HUD, DOL, EPA, and state entities such as OTDA, HHAC, NYSERDA, OMH, and the Committee on Open Government.
• Oversee team of attorneys and paralegals (currently 6 positions) working on programs within OCR, RHC, and SMD.
• Supervise attorney(s) assigned to the sustainability unit within the Office of Housing Preservation.
• Work on internal and external audits and investigations.
• Supervise outside counsel, as needed.
• Work with program staff to develop legal aspects of new grant and loan programs and draft loan documents, grant agreements, contractor agreements, and ancillary legal documents for those programs.
• Assist other HCR entities with development of grant programs and preparation of legal documents for those programs.
• Prepare changes and updates to program procedures and guidance materials.
• Work with procurement in contract solicitations and vendor responsibility.
• Manage a portfolio of active HCD and OCR development projects.
• Conduct document review and preparation for construction and permanent loan closings.
• Counsel the Housing Trust Fund Corporation ("HTFC") on issues of corporate governance and with regard to the Public Authorities Law and Reform Act, Open Meetings Law, Private Housing Finance Law, and Public Officer's Law to ensure compliance.
• Prepare HTFC Board materials and serve as back up for Board Secretary. Attend all Board meetings to ensure compliance with applicable laws and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with public authority law requirements for annual reporting and prepare and submit materials responsive to statutory requirements, rules, and Authorities Budget Office best practices.
• Assist finance and development transactional team with legislative and budgetary issues as necessary.
• Assist in interview and hiring processes for new Office of Legal Affairs paralegals and attorneys.
• Other special projects as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Law degree from an accredited law school; admission to, and member in good standing of, the New York State Bar; and six years of relevant post-bar experience

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

What we offer at NYSHCR: 

• 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 including 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 

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.