Director of Community Development and Housing

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians•Suttons Bay, MI

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Community Development and Housing provides strategic, operational, and visionary leadership for the Grand Traverse Band's housing, community development, and infrastructure-related planning initiatives within the Infrastructure Division. This senior leadership position is responsible for advancing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing opportunities for tribal members while supporting long-term community development on tribal lands. The Director oversees federally funded housing programs, development projects, and planning activities in alignment with tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and Tribal Council priorities, and works collaboratively across divisions to support coordinated infrastructure growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, Real Estate Development, or a related field required.
Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in housing, community development, or real estate development, including at least five (5) years in a management or leadership role.
Comprehensive knowledge of federal housing programs and regulations, including NAHASDA, IHBG, HUD requirements, and tribal housing policies.
Demonstrated experience managing complex development projects, construction initiatives, and multi-million-dollar budgets.
Strong leadership, strategic planning, and intergovernmental coordination skills.
Knowledge of tribal sovereignty, federal Indian housing policy, and government-to-government relations.
Direct experience administering NAHASDA, IHBG, or other federal Indian housing programs required.
Experience working with tribal governments or demonstrated understanding of tribal housing systems essential.
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.
Ability to pass a criminal history background investigation and drug and alcohol screening.
Strict adherence to confidentiality, ethical standards, and GTB fiscal and personnel policies.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Background in construction management, real estate development, or infrastructure planning preferred.
Professional certifications such as AICP, PHM, CPM, or similar credentials desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all housing and community development programs serving tribal members.
Administer and ensure compliance with federal housing programs, including NAHASDA and IHBG, in accordance with HUD regulations and tribal policy.
Develop, implement, and update comprehensive community development and housing plans aligned with tribal strategic goals.
Oversee housing construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, and capital improvement projects.
Manage rental assistance, homeownership, mortgage, and housing support programs for tribal members.
Coordinate planning and development of housing-related infrastructure in collaboration with the Public Works Director and Infrastructure Division leadership.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and tribal housing regulations, building codes, environmental requirements, and accessibility standards.
Prepare, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, grant funding, and financial reporting for housing and development programs.
Coordinate with the Tribal Planning Commission, Infrastructure Director, and other stakeholders on land use planning and housing development initiatives.
Develop and maintain partnerships with financial institutions, developers, contractors, funding agencies, and governmental entities.
Oversee required environmental review processes for housing and development projects in coordination with the Natural Resources Division.
Conduct housing needs assessments, manage waiting lists, and evaluate program effectiveness.
Supervise and support housing department staff, including project development, occupancy, administrative, and maintenance personnel.
Prepare reports, analyses, and presentations for Tribal Council, CEO, and Infrastructure Director related to housing needs, program outcomes, and development initiatives.
Negotiate and manage contracts with developers, contractors, consultants, and service providers.
Coordinate housing development activities with Legal Affairs, Natural Resources, Environmental staff, and the Land Records Officer.
Lead community engagement and outreach efforts related to housing planning and development in coordination with Tribal Citizen Engagement.
Ensure quality control, safety standards, and performance expectations are met across all housing projects.
Manage housing loan default prevention, foreclosure mitigation, and compliance monitoring programs.
Promote sustainable, energy-efficient, and culturally appropriate building practices for tribal housing.
Coordinate with utilities, county, state, and regional agencies on infrastructure planning and service connections.
Collaborate with Facilities Management, Public Works, and Automotive departments within the Infrastructure Division.