Development Director, Real Estate

Volunteers of American Greater New York•New York, NY

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Vice President of Real Estate, the Development Director will lead all aspects of the real estate development process for affordable and supportive housing projects, from conception and acquisition through financing, design, construction, and conversion to stabilized operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of direct, full-time professional experience developing and/or preserving affordable housing, specifically in New York City.
Experience securing sustainable financing for affordable housing new construction and/or preservation projects, with a strong understanding of local, state, and federal affordable housing programs.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial modeling is required.
A comprehensive understanding of local and federal housing and development regulations.
Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated experience conveying complex concepts in a clear, persuasive, and succinct manner. The candidate must have the ability to maintain strong, positive relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines are required.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in urban planning, public policy, real estate, business, or a related area of study is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of supportive housing service funding (e.g., ESSHI, 15/15) is a significant plus.
Familiarity with issues pertaining to homeless services, behavioral health and substance use disorders, and intimate partner violence is a plus.

Responsibilities

Project Management: Lead and manage the full real estate development lifecycle for assigned projects, including site acquisition/control, due diligence, pre-development planning, design, financing, construction oversight, lease-up, and conversion – in close collaboration with subject-matter experts within RED, VOA-GNY, and consulting professionals.
Financial Underwriting: Develop and maintain complex development budgets, including sources and uses and pro forma operations. Maintain strong knowledge of local, state, and federal affordable housing funding programs, including tax-exempt bonds, Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), capital grants, and rental and operating subsidies. Prepare and submit funding applications.
Closing Management: Coordinate and manage financial closings (construction and permanent) with lenders, equity investors, and government agencies.
Design & Consultant Management: Manage the design process, coordinating with architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure cost-effective, high-quality, sustainable, and program-compliant design.
Regulatory Oversight: Oversee all regulatory, land use, and other governmental approval processes.
Business Development: Proactively identify, evaluate, and develop responses to new project opportunities, including site acquisitions, partnerships, and competitive solicitations.
Relationship Building: Initiate and maintain strong professional relationships with key public and private stakeholders across the local housing ecosystem, including City and State agencies, design and real estate professionals, financial institutions, and service providers.
Strategic Planning: Conduct market research and policy analysis to inform development strategy and identify emerging trends and funding opportunities in the affordable and supportive housing space.
Organizational Development: Manage and develop assigned staff.