Director of Construction, Housing Initiative

Construction, Housing Initiatives (Director)

Position Open Date: February 18, 2025

Accepting applications until: April 30, 2025

Summary of Qualifications Sought:

The ideal candidate for this role will have extensive construction project management experience and a strong understanding of local building regulations in Southern Santa Barbara County. While Habitat for Humanity values skilled trades professionals, this position specifically requires a candidate with a proven background in managing construction projects from planning to execution.

Minimum Qualifications:

To be successful in this role, candidates must possess:

• At least 7 years of construction project management experience (affordable housing experience is not required).
• Local knowledge and established relationships with building and construction professionals, including experience navigating planning and permitting processes in Southern Santa Barbara County.
• Hands-on skills and a willingness to support small repair projects (valued at $500 or less).

Importantly, the fit for this role is someone that is passionate about helping low-income individuals and families build or improve a place to call home.

We are a small and passionate team of employees and volunteers who love building trust, collaborating, supporting one another cross-functionally and enjoy a flexible and supportive work environment. If you think this is a good fit, please email lydia@sbhabitat.org with a cover letter and resume. Thank you!

About Habitat:

Established in 2000, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara) is a local nonprofit committed to building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. We partner with low-income individuals and families in-need, to build or improve a place to call home. Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County has built 22 new homes for 84 people, 50% of which are children, as well as helped rebuild and repair more than 170 homes. www.sbhabitat.org

Job Summary:

The Construction, Housing Initiatives (Director), is a full-time, executive level position that reports to the CEO and serves as a critical, cross-functional leader who oversees two primary programs:

1) Housing Preservation - Repair projects as a part of Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative

2) Developing New Homeownership Opportunities - Opportunities including but not limited to: housing innovation, housing pipeline, land acquisition, conversions, partnerships and new construction development and more.

The Director is an executive level position and is responsible for leading projects including but not limited to project management of the home repair and rehab program, new construction initiatives, government contract management, committee and Board of Directors leadership related to housing programs, land acquisition, volunteer management, facilities management, safety compliance, equipment management and logistics, safety, in-kind donations and other duties as assigned.

Core Job Duties:

New Construction / Housing Development

• Leads Building and Construction Committee, a volunteer leadership committee designed to provide expertise and guidance related to mission delivery.
• Partners with fundraising and volunteer team members to provide volunteer workdays and corporate partnerships to support new housing projects.
• Develops process for the selection of request for proposals and request for qualifications for various licensed construction professionals and associations.
• Provides oversight of architect and licensed general contractor partnerships related to meeting construction milestones and staying within budget and timeline.
• Manage proper expenditure of grants, government contracts, and more; regularly reconcile expenses and update budget in partnership with internal finance department.
• Coordinate with fundraising team on capital fundraising initiatives in support of housing development philanthropy goals.
• Partner with development and volunteer team to provide reporting to community members as well as funders.
• Facilitation of in-kind product donations and compliance with construction standards of Habitat for Humanity International.

Home Repair Program

Working in partnership with the Home Repair Project Manager, the Director:

• Develops systems and implements programs to execute home repairs, work with volunteers, eligible homeowners, licensed contractors, construction tradespersons, and government partners.
• Review and approve home repair applicants in accordance with company policies.
• Ensures program compliance related to safety, subcontractors, OSHA, including serving as the designated “Competent Person” safety leader for the local organization.
• Develops documented strategies to prioritize projects, track progress, communicate outcomes, in compliance with approved policies. Ensures that project schedules, budgets, and household demographics are tracked in an organized way so that data can be analyzed and shared externally.
• Identify, organize, and procure materials and supplies required for home repair projects.
• Works with volunteers and donors; when relevant, supervises volunteers on-site at community projects.
• Provides project reporting to funders, community, and government partners.

Where some of these duties are specific to Habitat Santa Barbara as a nonprofit organization, training is provided!

What and who we’re looking for:

• Passionate about the Habitat mission, including affordable housing and supporting underserved communities. A great “people person!”
• Administrative excellence, attention to detail, strong communicator, team leader and collaborative colleague.
• Experienced working in/with construction trades, familiarity with local building laws, and experienced in project management.
• Well-organized, flexible, and enjoys the challenges of having a wide variety of responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create and manage project budgets including experience with excel and Neighborly.
• Takes initiative, multi-tasks, and works well under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little or no supervision at times.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred but not required.

Requirements:

• Minimum of seven years working in construction project management.
• Familiarity with building codes, safety regulations, and permitting requirements in City of Santa Barbara and State of California.
• Skilled in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite, database management, and experience with project management software.
• Valid CA Driver's License. Must be insurable under company policy.
• Availability on evenings and weekends as needed.
• The ability to transport heavy objects, sometimes 40-50 lbs at a height of 3-4ft to support construction job sites.
• Ability to successfully complete all relevant background checks as needed.

Comprehensive Employee Benefit Offerings:

• Annual Compensation is commensurate with experience, credentials and licensure. Range: $95,000 - $115,00.
• 12 Paid Holidays, 10 Paid Vacation Days, 5 Sick Days
• Comprehensive Health Benefit Plan – Medical, Dental and Life. Inquire for current plan.
• Flexible Work Environment including a one-time $1,000 stipend for eligible reimbursable expenses for a home office to be spent in first year of employment.
• Annual professional development stipend - $1,000
• A 4% employer match into 401K retirement plan is available after a one-year vesting period.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Other duties, as assigned or deemed necessary by management, may be required. Management reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, nor does it in any way alter the at will employment relationship. Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination.

To learn more about our home repair program: https://youtu.be/EigB9WYnxTI

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to: Lydia Vasquez, Lydia@sbhabitat.org. Questions may be directed to Lydia. Thank you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Project management: 7 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Salary : $95,000 - $115,000