Director of Housing Development

The Moran Company•Alamogordo, NM

60d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sacramento Mountains Foundation seeks an experienced Director of Housing Development to establish and lead comprehensive housing initiatives across Otero County, New Mexico. This senior leadership position offers significant growth potential, with the opportunity to build and lead a dedicated program office as initiatives expand. The successful candidate will have the authority to develop their team, bringing on additional staff as programs scale to meet community needs. The Director will develop housing strategies, work with local governments and nonprofit partners to implement programs, and oversee Foundation-funded initiatives while building the organizational infrastructure to support long-term growth. This role encompasses the full housing continuum from homelessness to homeownership, including innovative financing strategies for abandoned, vacant, and distressed (AVD) properties, with the vision to create a robust housing program office that can serve as a model for rural housing development leadership. The Sacramento Mountains Foundation is a newly established hospital conversion foundation created from the sale of Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center to CHRISTUS Health. With substantial assets available for community investment, the Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life and healthcare in Otero County. While new to operations, the Foundation is well-positioned to make transformative investments in housing as a critical determinant of health and quality of life. The Director of Housing Development will be our first housing professional and will have the unique opportunity to build the Foundation's housing strategy from the ground up. This includes developing funding priorities, creating innovative programs, establishing partnerships, and setting the strategic direction for all housing initiatives. The Foundation believes strongly in capacity building - both for the communities served and within the organization itself. The Director will shape how the Foundation approaches housing across the full continuum from emergency shelter to homeownership, with particular focus on innovative solutions to rural housing challenges. A current partnership with the Lakota Group will help develop strategies for abandoned and distressed properties, representing the Foundation's first major housing initiative. This is an exceptional opportunity for a housing professional to design and implement a comprehensive housing strategy backed by significant philanthropic resources. Otero County , population about 70,000, is a hidden gem in the Southwest, offering a unique blend of career opportunities, outdoor adventure, and a welcoming community. Alamogordo is the county seat and largest town in the county. Nestled at the base of the Sacramento Mountains, this city of 30,000-plus provides stunning desert landscapes alongside lush mountain scenery. With 285 days of sunshine and an average annual high temperature of 75 degrees, it is an ideal place for those who love nature and exploration. Founded in 1898 as a railroad junction, Alamogordo is neighbors to Holloman Air Force Base, the White Sands Missile Range, and White Sands National Park. Alamogordo offers a desirable place to live and work, including: Affordable Living - The cost of living in Alamogordo is 15% lower than the national average, with median home prices significantly below national rates. Outdoor Recreation - With proximity to White Sands National Park, the Sacramento Mountains, and numerous hiking trails, Alamogordo is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Community & Culture - The city offers a small-town feel with a strong sense of community, local festivals, and cultural attractions, including the New Mexico Museum of Space History.

Requirements

Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant field such as Urban Planning, Public Administration, Finance, Real Estate, Business, or equivalent professional experience
7+ years of experience in housing development, finance, community development, or related fields
Track record of successfully managing complex housing or community development projects
Experience with affordable housing programs such as LIHTC, HUD multifamily financing, or similar programs
Demonstrated ability to structure and close financial transactions
Strong financial and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex transactions
Strategic thinking and creative problem-solving abilities
Excellent project management capabilities
Outstanding communication skills for engaging diverse audiences
Knowledge of housing finance tools and regulatory environments
Commitment to addressing housing challenges across the full continuum
Ability to build productive partnerships and collaborations

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications (HCCP, CPA, NAHRO, HDFP, CEcD)
Experience with rural housing programs
Knowledge of New Mexico housing markets
Grant writing experience
Experience with innovative housing models
Familiarity with military housing needs, BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), and unique challenges facing active-duty families
Understanding of military community partnerships and privatized military housing