Affordable Housing Real Estate Development Director

Position Summary

The Real Estate Development Director is the leadership role within the Real Estate Development Department responsible for oversight of all facets of the real estate development process from inception to stabilization. The Real Estate Development Director executes all functions of real estate development with a focus on identifying and pursuing new opportunities; planning, analyzing, and managing project budgets; securing financing; and administering this multi-faceted and multi-tasked process. The Real Estate Development Director guides and manages Department staff, coordinates with interdepartmental leadership and collaborates with external stakeholders to ensure housing production project quality within scheduled timelines, approved budgets, and Ability Housing’s mission-driven expectations. The Real Estate Development Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Primary Position Responsibilities

The Real Estate Development Director leads Ability Housing’s day-to-day housing development efforts, adhering to the organization’s values, facilitating the agency’s growth, and advancing Ability Housing’s reputation as a quality builder.

§ Oversees the organization’s real estate development process including acquisition, planning, design, financing, permitting, construction (new or rehabilitation), conversion, and close-out

§ Leads a team of real estate professionals, ensuring efficient departmental operations

§ Works with agency leadership to develop and implement a real estate development plan to achieve agency’s production and revenue goals

§ Maintains a working knowledge of municipality, county, state, and federal affordable, workforce, and supportive housing development policies and programs

§ Maintains a working knowledge of affordable, workforce, and supportive housing funding sources as well as related application and timeline requirements

§ Maintains a working knowledge of land use, zoning, and related processes

§ Develops and maintains strong professional relationships with key stakeholders and partners in governmental, construction, financing, and design sectors

§ Guides development and execution of organization’s acquisition strategy, creating and maintaining a robust pipeline of mission-aligned real estate development deals

§ Assists in property identification, negotiation of acquisition, and site control

§ Oversees and manages property financing, underwriting, and closing processes, navigating and resolving financing funding gaps as needed

§ Leads solicitation of investor and lender proposals, analyzing and negotiating financing terms and legal agreements with lenders and investors, keeping Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer adequately engaged and informed

§ Guides development of project plans and specifications, ensuring input from appropriate internal stakeholders

§ Guides project development budget and secures operating pro forma from Director of Asset Management, coordinating with agency’s asset management and programs leadership as needed

§ Ensures designated staff obtain required entitlements, permits, and approvals in a timely manner

§ Oversees and manages contracts and coordination with architects, contractors, vendors, and other applicable project team members

§ Leads collaborative process to develop and refine project concepts

§ Reviews and analyzes project design plans to drive quality and cost effectiveness

§ Drives internal and external teams, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget

§ Ensures accurate and timely approvals from and reporting of project status to internal parties

§ Conducts periodic general construction site visits and reviews

§ Participates in all required meetings with stakeholders and partners, i.e., local and state organizations, commissions, committees, etc.

§ Maintains clear and effective external communication and relationship management with equity partners, local county and governmental agencies, and collaborative nonprofit organizations

§ Maintains continuous communication with the Chief Operating Officer and necessary constituents to keep others informed including of critical issues

§ Oversees due diligence processes in all real estate development activities

§ Provides supervision and mentorship to Real Estate Development Department team members

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate will have the following desired qualifications:

§ Bachelor's degree in real estate, construction science/management, finance, business, engineering, or other related field; Master's degree in related field a plus

§ Related professional and/or industry certifications and/or licenses a plus

§ Minimum of 10 years of real estate development and project management experience

§ Multifamily and/or affordable housing development experience and background

§ Knowledge, understanding, and application of all phases of real estate and affordable, workforce, and/or supportive housing development

§ Experience in Low Income Housing Tax Credit development

§ Familiarity with Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac financing

§ Knowledge of Florida-specific State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) and State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) programs

§ Strong critical and strategic thinking, decision making, and problem-solving skills

§ Sound judgement, analytical skills, and reasoning

§ Excellent verbal and written communication skills

§ Technological proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management systems and databases

§ Ability to seek and secure fundings from multiple sources

§ Ability to perform a variety of responsibilities with keen attention to detail, strong integrity and ethics, and commitment to excellence

§ Ability to take initiative, be independently resourceful, and maintain a results-oriented mindset

§ Ability to focus, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks effectively

§ Ability to balance competing and challenging demands, effectively handle shifting priorities, and meet deadlines

§ Ability to function as a dependable/reliable team player with all staff

§ Ability to lead and mobilize projects, project communication, and project teams based on critical milestones and timeline adherence

§ Ability to mentor, develop, and build high performing teams

§ Results orientation and persistence to achieve outcomes

§ Possess collaborative, adaptable, and entrepreneurial nature

Work Schedule and Environment

Ability Housing offers a flexible work schedule and hybrid work environment. Schedules may vary based upon the demand of each position and staff accommodation. This position primarily requires a regular daily (Monday through Friday work week) in-person presence. After hours, weekend duties, and some travel are required at times.

Pay Range and Benefits

$125,000 - $175,000 (Salary and benefits commensurate with experience)

Ability Housing offers competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, paid vacation and holidays, and retirement.

About Ability Housing

Ability Housing is a 501(c)3 nonprofit affordable housing developer committed to improving the quality of life for the residents and the communities in which it operates. Ability Housing’s mission is to build strong communities where everyone has a home. Its vision is a society where housing is a right, not a privilege; and all individuals have safe, affordable housing in flourishing communities.

To achieve these, Ability Housing develops and operates quality rental housing affordable for persons with extremely limited incomes, administers rental assistance to help chronically homeless households access market housing, and partners with area service organizations to ensure residents have the supports they require to maintain their housing and increase their self-reliance.

Ability Housing is a mission-oriented organization that continues to grow operationally and geographically. This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a unique nonprofit that is entering its next evolutionary phase.

Ability Housing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ability Housing is firmly committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) in recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion of persons based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Except in cases where required or permitted by law, employment decisions and practices shall not be influenced or affected by virtue of an applicant's race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, handicap, or any other characteristic protected by law.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and resume in PDF format to HR@abilityhousing.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Jacksonville, FL 32207 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Jacksonville, FL 32207: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Jacksonville, FL 32207

Salary : $125,000 - $175,000