Deputy Director of Housing Opportunity

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

4d • $134,933 - $229,386 • Hybrid

About The Position

The City and County of Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) is seeking a Deputy Director of Housing Opportunity to lead the City’s efforts to create and preserve affordable housing. Reporting to the Executive Director of HOST, the Deputy Director oversees a cross-functional division of more than 30 employees and a multimillion-dollar budget supported by the City’s Affordable Housing Fund, Homeless Resolution Fund, and federal resources.

The role leads housing investments, partnerships, and ongoing asset management and compliance for the City’s affordable housing portfolio. Work includes funding affordable housing development and preservation; partnering with for-profit, nonprofit, and quasi-governmental organizations; negotiating affordable units in market-rate developments; acquiring and evaluating real estate for future housing; and investing in programs that connect residents to housing opportunities.

Working with HOST colleagues, elected officials, developers, and community partners, the Deputy Director advances policies and strategies that promote equitable access to affordable rental and ownership housing, including opportunities to build wealth through homeownership. The role calls for strong leadership, customer service, judgment, problem-solving, and communication skills to respond to changing community needs, system barriers, and political realities while improving outcomes for residents experiencing homelessness or seeking to find or remain in their homes.

The position is based at the Wellington Webb Building in Denver and follows a hybrid workplace model. Employees are expected to work onsite at least three days per week and spend ample time in the community; off-site work must be performed within Colorado.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an applicable education and experience substitution under the stated equivalency rules.
• Five years of leadership experience, including director-level management responsibilities.
• At least one year of management experience involving budget and fiscal oversight, business-process evaluation, policy and decision-making, and planning and organizing multiple programs, projects, operations, or functions.
• Valid driver’s license at the time of application; licenses and certifications must remain current as a condition of employment.
• 10 or more years of progressively responsible managerial or administrative experience in housing (listed among the ideal candidate qualifications).
• Five or more years of managerial experience leading a diverse team in a highly competitive market, including mentoring, coaching, and consistent communication with staff (listed among the ideal candidate qualifications).
• Experience with housing policy and investment, including pro forma review, underwriting, and partnerships involved in successful housing development and asset management.
• Experience developing or preserving affordable housing in a high-cost housing market through a for-profit, nonprofit, or quasi-governmental organization, including multifamily rental and homeownership programs.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local housing programs and regulations.
• Ability to diplomatically resolve sensitive and complex program compliance issues.
• Commitment to public service and experience working with and serving diverse communities.
• Experience leading diverse, high-performing teams with attention to employee engagement, inclusion, and career growth.
• Experience preparing and implementing strategic plans for housing programs and initiatives.
• Experience with complex loan workouts or modifications, achieving positive results, and working with legal counsel.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations, build trust with senior leaders, and develop relationships among diverse stakeholder groups.
• Familiarity with government operations, systems, and practices, including implementation of local ordinances.
• Familiarity with Denver’s diverse communities and current context.
• Applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter describing director-level experience overseeing federal, state, and local housing programs and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with property development or asset management, including supportive housing programs.
• Experience developing or preserving affordable housing through a for-profit, nonprofit, or quasi-governmental organization in a high-cost housing market.
• Familiarity with Denver’s diverse communities and current context.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage divisional budgets and establish and maintain systems for investment decisions, implementation, outcomes-based contracting, oversight, review, and reporting of housing funds.
• Work with staff to develop and maintain consistent project and program review and development procedures while retaining flexibility for unique issues.
• Support development of HOST’s multi-year strategic plan, including community engagement and strategic policy and program development advancing Housing Opportunity division goals.
• Lead and empower department employees by clearly and consistently communicating expectations and providing coaching, guidance, and mentorship.
• Lead, manage, and direct staff and resources in development, programs and policies, finance, compliance, preservation, and reporting to create and preserve housing opportunities.
• Serve as a chief City representative and key resource on affordable housing.
• Provide leadership on affordable housing issues at the City, state, and federal levels; develop partnerships with relevant housing organizations and represent HOST at external events and engagements.
• Work with HOST, City leaders, and external stakeholders to manage homeownership and rental financing program pipelines and ensure timely loan closings, construction draws, project conversions, and long-term monitoring.
• Oversee reports on housing investments, programs, and policies and support relevant HOST advisory bodies and committees.
• Establish effective working relationships with executive management at City agencies involved in housing finance, development, preservation, community planning, and permitting.
• Contribute to strategic leadership initiatives and help create a collaborative, inclusive culture that supports staff development.

Benefits

• Guaranteed lifelong monthly pension after vesting following five years of service.
• 457B Retirement Plan.
• 140 hours of PTO earned within the first year, 12 paid holidays, one personal holiday, one Wellness Day, and one volunteer day per year.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within one month of the start date.

What This Job Offers

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