Director, Affordable Housing Operations, Multifamily

Cushman & Wakefield•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Director, Affordable Housing Operations is responsible for the affordable compliance and operational performance of Cushman & Wakefield’s portfolio of affordable housing communities. The role partners with Regional Property Managers, Property Managers, clients, and internal business partners to deliver regulatory compliance, operational support, and client satisfaction. The Director leads, coaches, and oversees the existing affordable compliance team and acts as a liaison between field operations, ownership groups, and support functions to support consistent execution of company standards and affordable housing requirements. The position oversees portfolio performance, compliance practices, compliance reporting and billings, and regulatory updates. It develops and executes compliance playbooks with property management leadership and identifies opportunities to improve workflows. The Director also develops team members and builds client relationships, communicates compliance performance and risks, and supports client retention and business development as needed.

Requirements

7–10 years of multifamily and affordable compliance experience with a clear track record of increasing responsibility.
Demonstrated expertise with affordable housing programs, including HUD, LIHTC, and other federal, state, and local housing programs.
Strong knowledge of affordable housing regulations and compliance requirements.
Proven financial and operational management skills.
Ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, Real Estate, Finance, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee Cushman & Wakefield’s portfolio of affordable housing communities, ensuring operational and compliance excellence.
Partner with property management leadership to develop and execute compliance playbooks.
Identify compliance challenges and opportunities to improve existing workflows.
Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local affordable housing programs.
Design and deliver compliance reports for executive leadership and operators, measuring compliance KPIs and performance metrics.
Evaluate, structure, and ensure appropriate compliance billings.
Promote consistent compliance practices across communities and keep teams informed of regulatory changes.
Coach team members, provide performance feedback, and support career development.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and client-focused service.
Lead the compliance team in supporting audits, inspections, agency reviews, reporting requirements, and ad hoc requests from operating partners or clients.
Develop and maintain relationships with clients, asset managers, investors, and internal business partners.
Participate in client meetings, property reviews, and strategic planning sessions.
Communicate compliance performance, risks, and opportunities in a timely and structured manner.
Support business development and client retention efforts as needed.

Benefits

120 hours of paid time off annually, prorated upon hire.
40 hours of sick time annually, prorated upon hire.
Two volunteer days annually.
12 or more company holidays annually.
Paid parental leave.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with supplementary benefit options including pet insurance and pre-tax spending accounts.
Company discounts program.
Personal and professional development resources, including LinkedIn Learning.
Employee Assistance Program and counseling services.
Eligible employees may enroll in benefit programs generally including flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, disability insurance, and paid and unpaid time away from work.
Competitive pay.