Assistant Counsel-Transactional

Possible Hybrid Workplace Opportunity

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. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those 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.

Job Summary:

A team member in a fast-paced transactional real property practice representing the agency in complex construction and permanent lending and mortgage financing of multi-family affordable housing. Apply the laws relevant to Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC), including the Public Authorities Law and Reform Act, Open Meetings Law, Private Housing Finance Law, and Public Officer's Law to ensure compliance.  

Job Duties:

• Assigned a portfolio of active finance and development projects and conduct loan document review and preparation for closing and transactions.
• Assist program staff to develop and implement enforcement policy as necessary for the agency units being served.
• Represent the agency in low-income housing tax credit regulatory agreement negotiations. 
• Provide legal counsel to the Office of Community Renewal and Homeownership and Community Development assist in to facilitating local programs for community improvement, acquisition, development and rehabilitation.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Admission to the New York State Bar and two years of experience in the practice of law subsequent to admission to the Bar.
• Additional skills and experience to help to further our mission and accomplishing the state's housing goals include experience with public policy, administration, real estate, finance, procurement, and/or ligation and appeals would be beneficial.

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. 

Applicants must include resume and cover letter.

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)