Director of Housing Development (Oakland)

Location: Oakland or Foster City or Watsonville

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Housing Development is responsible for managing a team of Real Estate Development personnel including Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, Associate Project Managers and/or Project Associates. The team is responsible for executing, under the guidance of the Director of Housing Development, all aspects of the development process for new construction and/or acquisition/rehabilitation projects, ensuring a financially and operationally viable development in a timely and cost-efficient manner. The Director of Housing Development is responsible for training and mentoring members of the Development Team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Lead a Development Team through the development process as outlined below providing strategic advice, training and guidance as appropriate to minimize MidPen’s risk, ensure adherence to MidPen standards, and fulfillment of MidPen’s mission.

Site Identification & Acquisition

In collaboration with other team members, the Director of Housing Development will support:

Identifying sites for potential housing developments

Leading site acquisition negotiations with property owners

Preparing Letters of Intent to property owners

Negotiating site acquisition documents

Providing support and overall guidance during the land acquisition process to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and schedule

Project Conceptualization & Feasibility Analysis

Assist and support staff in completion of site feasibility analysis including risk review of potential transactions

Review due diligence reports for potential sites and assist team in identifying potential areas of exposure for MidPen that require mitigation or re-negotiation

Working with the Project Manager, review, refine and modify as necessary conceptual financial analysis for potential sites

Working with the Project Manager, review refine and modify as necessary the project’s critical path schedule ensuring key project milestones can be achieved

Project Financing

Assist team in preparation of funding applications. Review and sign off on financing plan prior to application submittal to ensure adherence to MidPen underwriting standards

Support Project Manager in closing the financing for the development, including taking the lead in negotiations with lenders and investors on critical issues, as necessary and appropriate

Ensure clear documentation of loan and partnership terms for file and for approval via MidPen’s Term Sheet process

Ensure proforma that accurately reflects the project expenses and financing plan are up to date and accurate so that decisions during construction can be made efficiently

Entitlements, Permitting and Pre-Construction

Assist Project Manager in selection of architects, design consultants and general contractor.

Assist Project Manager in negotiation of all contracts as needed. Review and approve any deviations from MidPen’s standard AIA contracts for both architect and general contractor

Review and approve entitlement package submittal before submission

Guide and support community engagement plan

Project Close-out & Transition to Operations

Ensure adherence to MidPen’s standard process for preparation of project summary and execute file transfer to central files

Represent MidPen

Represent the corporation before public bodies as needed

Network with appropriate groups and individuals

Develop and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external entities

Provide technical assistance to other non-profit organizations

Represent the organization at public hearings and other speaking engagements

Mentoring and Management

Be available for advice, meetings, and consultations

Review work of team members weekly including review of budget and schedule and troubleshoot problems with a focus on critical path

Conduct formal group trainings as requested

Work with Senior Vice President(s) of Housing Development to develop systems and written procedures for the department, as requested

Participate actively as a member of the Development Department’s Leadership Team

Internal Coordination

Support team in coordination with all internal stakeholder departments including property management and services. Ensure team adheres to established internal protocols for cross departmental collaboration.

Ensure that the building program, financing plan, and operating budget/reserves meet MidPen standards

Ensure that project budgets and critical path schedules are updated regularly and accurately for review by the Senior Vice President(s) of Housing Development and other internal partners

Schedule and budget changes are communicated in a timely manner

Ensure team adheres to established procedures and requirements for reporting to MidPen’s Board of Directors and Development Committee including review and/or preparation of monthly board memos and project summary report

Ensure team adheres to MidPen’s Development Guidelines and Real Estate Investment Guidelines

Performs other assignments as requested

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience

Graduate or Professional degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Architecture, or related fields with an emphasis on real estate development or an equivalent combination of education and experience

At least seven (7) years prior development experience

Previous work experience managing personnel required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of Federal, State, Local, and Private sources of financing for low-income housing

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated skill in making effective presentations at public forums and facilitating community group discussions

Strong negotiating skills and sound political judgment

Excellent organizational and project management skills

Ability to prepare in-depth financial feasibility analyses, conduct research, and prepare narrative reports and proposals

Knowledge of real estate and tax law as it pertains to the development of low-income housing

Proven ability to work effectively with lenders, investors, public officials, and low-income tenants

Familiarity with standard architectural and construction practices and demonstrated ability to effectively supervise the design and construction of at least two low-income housing developments in coordination with the Construction Manager

Proven ability to support, grow, and guide direct reports

Strong computer skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project

Ability to develop standard internal tax credit proformas and to train other staff in their use

Ability to work in fast-moving, flexible environment

Commitment to the goals and mission of the organization

Physical Requirements

Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks

Frequently sitting

Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 15 pounds

Rarely twist/bend/stoop/squat, kneel/crawl

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Pay Range

$193,600 - $217,800 Annual Salary - Pay based on applicable experience and qualifications