Find & Apply For Public Administrator Jobs in Iola, Kansas

Job purpose Thrive Allen County is seeking an organized, empathetic, and detail-oriented Housing Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our rapidly expanding regional housing initiatives. Serving as the vital link between low-to-moderate-income (LMI) residents, seniors, veterans, local contractors, and funding partners, the Housing Manager manages homeowner intake, ensures meticulous federal grant compliance, and supports on-the-ground repair and development projects. This position blends office-based pipeline administration with boots-on-the-ground community engagement and site coordination across Southeast Kansas. Duties and responsibilities Primary Responsibilities 1. Homeowner Intake and Eligibility

• Serve as the primary initial point of contact for community members seeking home repair, homeownership, or housing stabilization assistance.
• Guide applicants through the intake process, assisting them in gathering critical documentation (proof of income, title/deed ownership, tax returns, and utility statements).
• Conduct rigorous initial eligibility screenings to ensure applicants satisfy federal, state, and foundation guidelines (FHLB, USDA, KHRC, and local grants).
• Maintain a dignified, trauma-informed, and highly responsive intake experience for vulnerable residents facing urgent housing challenges.
• Select and lead volunteer selection committees to assist in the selection of applicants, preparing anonymized, objective application packets for committee evaluation. 2. Project Coordination & Contractor Relations
• Manage the application pipeline from initial inquiry through committee review, contract signing, and project closeout.
• Partner closely with Construction & Facilities Manager to coordinate initial home assessments, contractor walk-throughs, and final quality inspections.
• Maintain the master project schedule to ensure home rehabilitation benchmarks remain on schedule and within budget.
• Assist in assembling bid packets and scopes of work for trade contractors covering roofing, siding, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and accessibility modifications.
• Complete training and achieve HUD Housing Counselor Certification under Thrive's formal mentorship with CHES, Inc. within the first 12 months of employment (fully funded by Thrive).
• Deliver one-on-one pre-purchase coaching, credit recovery navigation, and budgeting education to participating households.
• Assist the Director of Housing with implementing new programs for the housing dept. 3. Compliance and Grant Management
• Maintain meticulous digital and physical files for each property to ensure audit readiness for FHLB, USDA, and HUD.
• Maintain audit-ready physical and digital client files satisfying FHLB Topeka, USDA Rural Development, and HUD standards.
• Execute Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans (AFHMP), tracking demographic outreach to ensure underrepresented populations are reached equitably.
• Assist the Director of Housing with compiling data for monthly, quarterly, and annual funder reports. 4. Outreach & Community Engagement
• Actively market housing opportunities across Allen, Neosho, Anderson, and Woodson counties, building referral partnerships with clinics (CHC/SEK), senior centers, VFW posts, and Hispanic/Latino community hubs.
• Represent Thrive Allen County at civic meetings, housing fairs, and public task forces.
• Coordinate community volunteers and civic groups for neighborhood cleanup days or sweat-equity construction projects. 5. Other Responsibilities
• Serve as an operational touchpoint for emerging initiatives, including vacant lot receivership projects and third-party property management coordination for LIHTC/multi-family properties.
• Stay current on regional housing resources, tenant rights, and rural community development initiatives.
• Perform other project coordination duties as assigned by the Director of Housing.
• Other projects and duties as assigned. Qualifications
• 2-3 years of experience in office administration, social services, or project coordination. Experience in construction or real estate is a plus.
• Experience managing federal or state grants (HUD, FHLB, USDA) is a plus.
• A passionate commitment to rural revitalization and the belief that every resident deserves a safe, healthy home.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple files and deadlines simultaneously.
• Skills to collaborate with and motivate volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, including elderly residents and trade contractors.
• Professional attitude and appearance.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Enjoys working with the public with excellent customer service.
• Ability to work effectively with people of all social, economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. More Information
• Thrive is an EOE.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, salaried position paid at $55,000-$60,000, based on experience. Benefits package includes medical insurance, IRA contributions, 120 hours of PTO, and paid holidays.

• Thrive places a high priority on team players and community-minded individuals Please submit cover letters and resumes to jobs@thriveallencounty.

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Pay:

$55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person