Project Manager

Apply through our portal here: Project Manager II

REPORTS TO: Chief of Strategy, Programs, and Projects
DIRECT REPORTS: None
REVISED: February 2025

ABOUT

The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA), created by the State of Louisiana in 1968 as the Community Improvement Agency (CIA), is a public agency charged with the revitalization of underinvested areas in the City of New Orleans.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

NORA provides discounted land, construction financing, and subsidy for the development of affordable housing for Low to Moderate Income households in partnership with developers – both non-profit and for-profit – that build attractive, energy efficient, and hazard resistant homes in underinvested neighborhoods. Through its Build Homes strategic priority area, NORA creates and administers programs that return property to commerce, enhance sustainability and resilience, and provide development opportunities for small businesses and generational wealth-building opportunities for families.

The Senior Project Manager will be responsible for identifying, pursuing, and realizing opportunities for affordable housing development at all scales, from single family homes to multiphase, multifamily housing developments. NORA is currently redeveloping multiple high-profile sites, including a cluster of properties at the intersection of St. Bernard Avenue and North Claiborne Avenue. The first phase of the development includes the $22 million St. Bernard Circle Apartments, a 56 unit mixed-income apartment building with two ground floor commercial units at 1429 St. Bernard Avenue. Construction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

NORA is also leading the redevelopment of high-profile City-owned properties through the Redevelopment Framework, including the $8 million redevelopment of the former fire house (currently under construction) at 2314 Louisiana Avenue, which will include an early childhood education facility and seven (7) affordable apartments and the $23 million development of a nearly 1-acre parcel at 1141 Esplanade Avenue that is expected to include 50 mixed-income apartments and two ground floor commercial units. The Redevelopment Framework is codified by a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of New Orleans that allows for property to be transferred to NORA through a 99-year lease to facilitate the redevelopment of underutilized, vacant publicly-owned properties for affordable housing and economic development. NORA will also manage the development of a non-congregate shelter for homeless individuals in the 2900 block of Tulane Avenue through the Redevelopment Framework.

In November 2024, New Orleans voters approved a charter change that will direct two percent of the City’s General Fund revenue to the Housing Trust Fund (HTF). The City’s contribution to the fund is expected to be $17 to $20 million annually and will directly support affordable housing programs administered by NORA and Finance New Orleans. The Senior Project Manager will lead the development and implementation of NORA’s HTF programs.

The Senior Project Manager will also serve as a key advisor to the Chief of Strategy, Programs, and Projects, as well as the Executive Director, and shall directly support all colleagues and activities of the Real Estate Development & Planning team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Manage development projects undertaken by NORA and its partners. These duties include, but are not limited to, day to day responsibility for communicating with grantees, subgrantees, development partners, etc., assuring that all relevant federal, state and local policies/procedures are being adhered to, acting as liaison between NORA, the grantee/development partner and the general public; maintaining accurate and timely records and files
  • Develop financial models and financial incentive packages for development projects
  • Perform underwriting for the financing of various affordable housing, economic development, mixeduse, and/or public projects
  • Identify funding resources to support redevelopment activities, and coordinate available finance options, including 9% and 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), Historic Tax Credits (HTC), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds, Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) funds, Economic Development Administration funds, Environmental Protection Agency funds, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, philanthropic funds, and others, as applicable
  • Prepare RFPs for redevelopment of sites throughout the city and review responses to those RFPs
  • Identify residential and commercial properties for acquisition and development
  • Perform due diligence prior to acquisition, including research regarding the properties’ tax, lien, blighted and conveyance status, appraised value, acquisition feasibility and role in redevelopment initiatives
  • Support the development of master plans and maps of NORA’s activity and goals
  • Prepare marketing strategies and materials for NORA projects in coordination with NORA’s communications and press team

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

To perform this job successfully, incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree required, major or concentration in in urban planning, public administration, real estate development or other field related to economic and/or community development preferred. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

A minimum of 10 years work experience in the aforementioned disciplines. Candidate should have specific knowledge of one or more of the following: urban planning, public finance, real estate finance, public administration and/or real estate development.

Candidate should have prior experience in administering contracts, federal grants and their related regulations, specifically CDBG, FEMA, and/or other HUD grants or initiatives.

Familiarity with public and private partnerships, complex real estate transactions and other financing tools such as LIHTC, HTC, NMTC and FHLB funding.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated success in and/or possess the following skills:

  • Knowledge of real estate planning and development processes
  • Strong analytical and relationshipbuilding skills
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, collaborate and work as a member of a highly motivated and professional team
  • High standards of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
  • Demonstrated ability to respect and maintain confidences whether written or verbal

Licenses or Certificates

Project Management Professional (PMP), Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP), Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), or equivalent/related (preferred)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

 Salary

  • Commensurate with experience

Insurance

  • Generous employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, life, and other supplemental coverages available

Retirement

  • 457(b) plan with up to 5% employer-matched contributions

Paid Leave

  • 10 paid holidays each year
  • 12 annual leave days accrued in first year
  • 12 sick days accrued in first year

APPLICATIONS

Apply through our portal here: Project Manager II. For questions, please contact Anita Briant, Director of Human Resources at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

New Orleans Redevelopment Authority
1409 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70113
www.noraworks.org

THE NEW ORLEANS REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, CREED, CULTURE, OR ANCESTRY.