Director, Affordable Housing Operations, Multifamily

Cushman & Wakefield•Chicago, IL

3d•$127,500 - $150,000

About The Position

The Director, Affordable Housing Operations is responsible for affordable compliance and operational performance across Cushman & Wakefield’s portfolio of affordable housing communities. The role partners with Regional Property Managers, Property Managers, clients, and internal business partners to deliver strong regulatory compliance, operational support, and client satisfaction. The Director leads, coaches, and oversees the existing affordable compliance team and acts as a key liaison between field operations, ownership groups, and support functions to promote consistent execution of company standards and affordable housing requirements. The Director oversees portfolio compliance and performance, works with property management leadership to develop compliance playbooks, identifies workflow improvements, monitors adherence to federal, state, and local affordable housing programs, and creates compliance reporting for executive leadership and operators. The role also evaluates and structures compliance billings, supports audits and agency reviews, develops staff, manages client relationships, participates in client and property meetings, and supports business development and client retention as needed. The position operates in a professional office environment and involves routine use of standard office equipment. Travel outside between properties in varying weather conditions is required. The role may involve extended standing and walking, climbing stairs, ladders, or step stools, and remaining stationary for much of the workday.

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 to ensure operational and compliance excellence.
Partner with property management leadership to develop and execute compliance playbooks.
Identify compliance challenges and opportunities to improve workflows.
Monitor and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local affordable housing programs.
Design and deliver compliance reporting for executive leadership and operators, including compliance KPIs and performance metrics.
Evaluate, structure, and ensure appropriate compliance billings.
Promote consistent compliance practices and keep teams informed of regulatory changes.
Coach team members, provide performance feedback, and support career development.
Foster accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and client-focused service.
Lead the compliance team in supporting audits, inspections, agency reviews, reporting requirements, and ad hoc requests.
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.
Pet insurance and pre-tax spending accounts.
Early access to pay.
Company discounts program.
Personal and professional development resources, including LinkedIn Learning.
Employee Assistance Program and counseling services.
Eligible employees may enroll in health, vision, and dental insurance; flexible spending and health savings accounts; retirement savings plans; life and disability insurance; and paid and unpaid time away from work.
Competitive pay.