Director of Housing

The City of Austin (Pop. 984,567) is seeking a highly qualified and collaborative Director for its Housing Department. The Director will be responsible for overseeing the activities and operations of the Housing department and Austin Housing Finance Corporation, including Affordable Housing Programs and Real Estate, Affordable Housing Policy and Planning, and Displacement Prevention Programs. This position reports to the Assistant City Manager who oversees the Austin Convention Center, Development Services, Economic Development, Housing and Planning.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in promoting the successful execution of Austin’s Strategic Housing Blueprint, a 10-year plan adopted by the Council in 2017, to help align resources, facilitate community partnerships, and create affordable housing throughout the city. This is an excellent opportunity to partner with diverse stakeholders to achieve outcomes that advance economic opportunity and affordability strategies.

The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. This vibrant and dynamic city tops numerous lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally vibrant cities, Austin was selected as the “Best City for the Next Decade” (Kiplinger, 2010), the “Top Creative Center” in the US (Entrepreneur.com, 2010), #1 on the Best Place to Live in the U.S. and #4 on the Best Places to Retire (U.S. News & World Report, 2019).

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Public Administration, Planning, and Social Sciences, or a related field, plus seven (7) years of management experience in housing, real estate development, and social policy issues or other related experience.

A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

1. Directs housing operations to achieve goals, partnering with diverse stakeholders that include residents, community organizations, and private and nonprofit entities.
2. Directs investments to support programs and initiatives related to displacement prevention, affordable housing, and acquisition and development of real property.
3. Interprets applicable laws, charters, codes, ordinances, etc. to carry out duties, which may include serving as a board member and/or official of separate legal instrumentalities of the City of Austin.
4. Represents the City of Austin before the business community on affordable housing policy issues and programs; presents to City Council and related boards and commissions.
5. Ensures coordination with other City departments for a seamless approach to program planning, development, and execution.
6. Performs program evaluation, policy analysis and procedure review to ensure proper allocation of and efficient use of all capital resources.
7. Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; estimates funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; and directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments, as necessary.
8. Develops and negotiates contracts between the City, private developers, and other governmental entities in major, high-profile redevelopment projects that directly impact affordable housing development.
9. Acts as official departmental representative to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, and outside agencies. Briefs and advises City management, the mayor, and City Council regarding matters related to affordable housing issues either in person or through written reports.
10. Builds and manages an effective executive team and departmental staff.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

The ideal candidate

The City is seeking:

• A seasoned professional, knowledgeable in the principles and practices of grant management, public policy development and analysis community needs assessment techniques. planning principles, urban design, and land development regulations.
• An effective collaborator who will partner with diverse stakeholders to achieve outcomes that advance economic opportunity and affordability strategies.
• An inclusive leader with proven ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities or populations to build constructive and effective relationships. This position also requires the ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workplaces and community programs.
• A resourceful person, knowledgeable in the concepts of equity, with experience in applying equity frameworks to established laws, ordinances, and long-standing practices.
• An analytical individual with the ability to interpret, recommend, and propose revisions to State statutes and City ordinances.
• A strong and empathetic leader, skilled in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization and capable of resolving sensitive issues and complaints.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate based on experience and the approved salary range. The benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, compensated leave, short-term disability, and retirement benefits. The city is a member of the Proportionate Retirement Program. Optional benefits include supplemental life insurance, a 457 deferred compensation plan, long-term disability plan, and a legal plan. Visit austintexas.gov/ department/active-employee-benefits to learn more about the City’s employee benefits.

Reasonable relocation benefits will be provided to the successful candidate.

How to Apply

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume, cover letter and contact information for five professional references by April 30, 2025, to ensure consideration.

Confidential inquiries may be directed to Ade Lewis, MGT Approved Independent Executive Recruiter, at Tel: 713-538-7224.