Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) is seeking to hire a mission-oriented Director of Real Estate Development to lead and manage the overall strategy and delivery of new affordable housing production and property preservation in urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. This senior position leads all real estate development activities, provides oversight of the Housing Development department, which currently has five housing developers, and manages a production and preservation pipeline of six to twelve active projects from conception through financial conversion.
With the organizational backing of a strong balance sheet, financially healthy real estate portfolio, ample predevelopment funds, and cash reserves, the Director leads external and internal relationship management and collaboration with public and private funders and investors, public officials, and project partners; as well as the NHA leaders of Asset Management, Finance and Accounting, Resident Services, and fundraising. The Director reports to the CEO / Executive Director, serves as a member of the senior management team, contributes to the leadership of the organization, serves on other stakeholder committees and workgroups relevant to policy and program development, and will lead the organization into new lines of business such as middle- and mixed-income projects, homeowner development, limited equity cooperatives, and joint venture partnerships with private entities.
Located in the Portland, Oregon metro area, the Director of Real Estate Development will lead and manage a high-performing team of Housing Developers in delivering affordable housing projects from conception to completion in communities throughout the state. This senior leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of real estate development, including project management, financial structuring, and regulatory compliance, with a strong focus on coaching and developing the team; and collaboration with other departments including asset management, resident services, fundraising, and finance. The Director will be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of projects while fostering a collaborative, innovative, and supportive environment within the real estate development team.
Key Responsibilities :
Leadership & Team Management :
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Housing Developers, ensuring professional development and growth within the team in a hybrid work setting that requires both remote and in-person settings.
- Foster a collaborative and dynamic team environment, encouraging creative problem-solving, knowledge-sharing, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Provide guidance, oversight, and strategic direction for individual developers, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and project objectives.
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide regular feedback, and support the team’s career development through coaching and skill-building opportunities.
- Promote, uphold, and model the core values and principles of the organization in multiple settings internally and externally.
Project Leadership & Management :
Oversee the planning, design, financing, and construction of six to twelve multiple affordable housing development projects with a team of five housing development staff members.Ensure each project is on track, on budget, and adheres to timelines, while addressing challenges and providing solutions.Navigate zoning, permitting, and regulatory processes, ensuring compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations.Actively engage with other departments including asset management, finance, and resident services to ensure smooth project transitions and successful project outcomes.Staff the board of directors' project committee providing timely and accurate information while seeking their engagement and approval of development plans.Financial Management & Fundraising :
Secure funding and financing for development projects, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), tax-exempt bonds, grants, and loans.Develop and manage project proformas, monitor cash flow, and ensure financial sustainability of development efforts.Cultivate strong relationships with public agencies, private investors, and funders to secure development financing and support for projects.Manage predevelopment funding and activities to support project development.Strategic Planning & Organizational Development :
Collaborate with senior leadership to define the strategic direction for the organization's affordable housing development and long-term growth.Identify and evaluate new opportunities for affordable housing development and new lines of business such as middle and mixed-income homeownership, cooperatives, and joint venture projects; ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.Lead and inspire the team to meet ambitious goals while adhering to the organization’s commitment to quality, equity, and sustainability in housing development.Stakeholder Engagement & Community Collaboration :
Develop and maintain positive engagement with external stakeholders, including government agencies, public funders, private investors, foundations, community groups, and local organizations.Maintain positive relationships with elected officials, community leaders, and advocacy organizations to support affordable housing policies and initiatives.Ensure community involvement and resident engagement in the development process, particularly in addressing the needs of low-income and underserved populations.Compliance & Reporting :
Ensure all projects meet regulatory requirements, including environmental, housing, and fair housing laws.Prepare and present detailed reports on project status, budgets, timelines, and impact to the board, funders, and other key stakeholders.Maintain accurate records of project activities and deliverables, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and government regulations.Qualifications :
Education : Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).Experience : Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a lead role in real estate development, with at least 5 years in affordable housing development, including leadership experience.Proven track record of successfully managing affordable housing projects from inception to completion; preferably in urban, suburban, and rural communities.Experience in managing, mentoring, and developing teams of real estate professionals leading with empathy, authenticity, care for the community and environment, and by example.In-depth knowledge of financing tools such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), tax-exempt and other relevant bonds, HUD programs, and project-based vouchers, permanent supportive housing funds, other funding sources.Strong understanding of affordable housing policy, zoning laws, and regulations related to real estate development.Excellent computer skills including advanced proficiency in Excel, Teams, CoPilot AI, OneDrive / SharePoint.Exceptional leadership, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.Commitment to the mission of affordable housing and a deep understanding of the challenges facing low-income communities.Benefits :
Competitive salary based on experience.Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.Retirement plan with employer contribution.Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.Opportunities for professional development and growth.Physical and Sensory Capability Requirements :
Ability to travel to various project sites and attend meetings as necessary.Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.Work Environment :
Hybrid work environment with both remote and in-person requirements.Must have a suitable home office setup for remote work.Regular travel within the Portland Metro region and across the state for site visits and meetings.NHA is committed to supporting a diverse workforce and does not discriminate in employment based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual preference or any other status.
