Director of Housing Development (Oakland or Foster City or Watsonville)

MidPen Housing•Oakland, CA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

At MidPen, we build communities that change lives. Since 1970, we have been committed to our mission: to provide safe, affordable housing of high quality to those in need; establish stability and opportunity in the lives of residents; and foster diverse communities that allow people from all ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds to live in dignity, harmony, and mutual respect. We develop affordable housing, provide professional property management for all our communities, and coordinate robust onsite support programs that help residents thrive. We are active in 12 Northern California counties and have earned recognition as one of the nation’s leading non-profit developers and stewards of affordable housing. Our current portfolio of more than 130 properties is home to 20,000 working families, seniors, and people with special needs. We take pride in delivering affordable housing solutions, and we invite you to join us on a journey toward social, economic, and racial equity. MidPen is, once again, proud to be certified as an official Great Place to Work® in 2025. Location: Oakland or Foster City or Watsonville POSITION OVERVIEW The Director of Housing Development is responsible for managing a team of Real Estate Development personnel including Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, Associate Project Managers and/or Project Associates. The team is responsible for executing, under the guidance of the Director of Housing Development, all aspects of the development process for new construction and/or acquisition/rehabilitation projects, ensuring a financially and operationally viable development in a timely and cost-efficient manner. The Director of Housing Development is responsible for training and mentoring members of the Development Team.

Requirements

Graduate or Professional degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Architecture, or related fields with an emphasis on real estate development or an equivalent combination of education and experience
At least seven (7) years prior development experience
Previous work experience managing personnel
Thorough knowledge of Federal, State, Local, and Private sources of financing for low-income housing
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated skill in making effective presentations at public forums and facilitating community group discussions
Strong negotiating skills and sound political judgment
Excellent organizational and project management skills
Ability to prepare in-depth financial feasibility analyses, conduct research, and prepare narrative reports and proposals
Knowledge of real estate and tax law as it pertains to the development of low-income housing
Proven ability to work effectively with lenders, investors, public officials, and low-income tenants
Familiarity with standard architectural and construction practices and demonstrated ability to effectively supervise the design and construction of at least two low-income housing developments in coordination with the Construction Manager
Proven ability to support, grow, and guide direct reports
Strong computer skills, including Excel, Word, Power Point, and Project
Ability to develop standard internal tax credit proformas and to train other staff in their use
Ability to work in fast-moving, flexible environment
Commitment to the goals and mission of the organization

Responsibilities

Lead a Development Team through the development process as outlined below providing strategic advice, training and guidance as appropriate to minimize MidPen’s risk, ensure adherence to MidPen standards, and fulfillment of MidPen’s mission.
Site Identification & Acquisition: In collaboration with other team members, the Director of Housing Development will support: Identifying sites for potential housing developments, Leading site acquisition negotiations with property owners, Preparing Letters of Intent to property owners, Negotiating site acquisition documents, Providing support and overall guidance during the land acquisition process to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and schedule.
Project Conceptualization & Feasibility Analysis: Assist and support staff in completion of site feasibility analysis including risk review of potential transactions, Review due diligence reports for potential sites and assist team in identifying potential areas of exposure for MidPen that require mitigation or re-negotiation, Working with the Project Manager, review, refine and modify as necessary conceptual financial analysis for potential sites, Working with the Project Manager, review refine and modify as necessary the project’s critical path schedule ensuring key project milestones can be achieved.
Project Financing: Assist team in preparation of funding applications. Review and sign off on financing plan prior to application submittal to ensure adherence to MidPen underwriting standards, Support Project Manager in closing the financing for the development, including taking the lead in negotiations with lenders and investors on critical issues, as necessary and appropriate, Ensure clear documentation of loan and partnership terms for file and for approval via MidPen’s Term Sheet process, Ensure proforma that accurately reflects the project expenses and financing plan are up to date and accurate so that decisions during construction can be made efficiently.
Entitlements, Permitting and Pre-Construction: Assist Project Manager in selection of architects, design consultants and general contractor. Assist Project Manager in negotiation of all contracts as needed. Review and approve any deviations from MidPen’s standard AIA contracts for both architect and general contractor, Review and approve entitlement package submittal before submission, Guide and support community engagement plan.
Project Close-out & Transition to Operations: Ensure adherence to MidPen’s standard process for preparation of project summary and execute file transfer to central files.
Represent the corporation before public bodies as needed, Network with appropriate groups and individuals, Develop and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external entities, Provide technical assistance to other non-profit organizations, Represent the organization at public hearings and other speaking engagements.
Mentoring and Management: Be available for advice, meetings, and consultations, Review work of team members weekly including review of budget and schedule and troubleshoot problems with a focus on critical path, Conduct formal group trainings as requested, Work with Senior Vice President(s) of Housing Development to develop systems and written procedures for the department, as requested, Participate actively as a member of the Development Department’s Leadership Team.
Internal Coordination: Support team in coordination with all internal stakeholder departments including property management and services. Ensure team adheres to established internal protocols for cross departmental collaboration. Ensure that the building program, financing plan, and operating budget/reserves meet MidPen standards, Ensure that project budgets and critical path schedules are updated regularly and accurately for review by the Senior Vice President(s) of Housing Development and other internal partners, Schedule and budget changes are communicated in a timely manner, Ensure team adheres to established procedures and requirements for reporting to MidPen’s Board of Directors and Development Committee including review and/or preparation of monthly board memos and project summary report, Ensure team adheres to MidPen’s Development Guidelines and Real Estate Investment Guidelines.
Performs other assignments as requested.