Chief Development Officer

Housing Authority Of Co • Columbus, GA

2d

About The Position

Under the general direction of the CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for the strategic planning, management, and oversight of the Agency’s affordable housing real estate portfolio. This executive role leads all phases of development, including site acquisition, financial modeling, entitlements, procurement of professional services, and construction oversight. The CDO ensures the successful modernization of existing assets and the expansion of the Agency’s housing footprint through innovative financing and public-private partnerships.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, Business/Public Administration, or Architecture. (Experience may be substituted at the Agency's sole discretion).
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in affordable housing/real estate finance + 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with Moving to Work (MTW), Public Housing, and modernizing vacant real estate for subdivision or in-fill development.
• Communication: Ability to prepare and present complex reports to diverse audiences.
• Site Access: Must be physically able to traverse construction sites and access all areas of Authority properties.
• Transportation: Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and be insurable under the Authority’s plan.
• Legal: Ability to be covered under the Authority’s fidelity bond.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Site Acquisition: Identify and evaluate land and property opportunities for affordable housing; manage site selection, land acquisition negotiations, and comprehensive feasibility analyses to assess zoning and site conditions.
• Financial Planning & Modeling: Develop complex financial plans and proformas; solicit and secure diverse funding from both public and private sources (LIHTC, Bonds, HUD grants) to ensure project viability.
• Project Coordination: Lead the development lifecycle including site control, title evidence, environmental analysis/remediation, and ownership structuring for multifamily and senior developments.
• Executive Management Leadership: Serve as a core member of the Executive Management Team, contributing to the Agency’s long-term strategic goals and organizational health.
• Departmental Supervision: Directly supervise and evaluate the performance of key personnel.
• Market & Economic Analysis: Investigate and analyze the local housing market and economy to determine specific affordable housing needs across various socioeconomic and demographic classes.
• Procurement & Contract Management: Oversee the procurement of professional services (architects, engineers, and general contractors); negotiate and manage contracts to ensure delivery within budget and scope.
• HUD Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary liaison with HUD and other regulatory agencies; ensure all HUD-required documents, reports, and plans are developed and submitted accurately and on time.
• Labor & Civil Rights Compliance: Oversee compliance of regulations including Davis-Bacon wage determinations, Section 3 requirements, and Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans.
• Design & Accessibility Oversight: Participate in design reviews and construction meetings to ensure compliance with ADA/UFAS/Fair Housing design guidelines and agency specifications.
• Construction & Safety Monitoring: Provide overall leadership for construction management activities to ensure the safe delivery of quality projects on time and within pre-established specifications.
• Asset Modernization: Oversee the modernization of the existing real estate portfolio, ensuring long-term sustainability and physical integrity of agency-owned assets.
• Public & Community Relations: Represent the Agency at public meetings and conferences; collaborate with non-profits, developers, and community stakeholders to promote affordable housing initiatives.
• Board Reporting & Governance: Prepare and deliver oral presentations and comprehensive reports to the Board of Commissioners and other governing bodies regarding development progress and real estate ventures.
• Audit & Record Integrity: Lead internal and external audit processes; maintain all department and program records in strict accordance with Federal, State, and local laws.

Benefits

• Employer Contribution: HACG may match up to 15% of base pay to a 457(b) Employee Deferred Compensation Plan following six months of full-time employment.
• Disability Coverage: Long-term disability insurance is provided at no cost to the employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive