Director of the Office of Housing

County Of Albemarle•Charlottesville, VA

1d•$127,266 - $140,662•Onsite

About The Position

Albemarle County is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of the Office of Housing to lead the County’s housing programs, policy, and strategic initiatives. Reporting to the Chief of Human Services, the Director will help shape how the County responds to evolving housing needs while leading a diverse portfolio of affordable housing programs and initiatives. The role combines strategic leadership with operational responsibility, including oversight of federally, state, and locally funded programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. This is an opportunity for a leader who can see both the possibilities and the path required to achieve them. The Director will work across sectors, engaging residents, community organizations, nonprofit agencies, housing developers, governmental entities, and regional stakeholders to build support, leverage resources, and advance meaningful housing solutions. As the County’s principal advisor on housing matters, the Director will also provide strategic recommendations to County leadership and help translate complex housing issues into informed policy and action. The successful candidate will bring both vision and execution: the ability to recognize opportunities, develop sound strategies, navigate regulatory and organizational complexities, and carry initiatives from concept through implementation. We are looking for someone who is as interested in determining how an idea can be accomplished as what should be done.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of affordable housing along with the leadership, judgment, and practical problem-solving skills necessary to move complex work forward.
Ability to turn housing priorities and promising concepts into achievable plans, identify the steps and resources needed to move forward, navigate obstacles, and maintain momentum from concept through implementation.
Ability to understand the broader housing landscape, recognize emerging needs and opportunities, and develop innovative approaches while considering regulatory requirements, available resources, land use and development processes, and community impact.
Ability to establish productive relationships across sectors and work effectively with residents, community organizations, developers, government agencies, elected and appointed officials, and other stakeholders. Ability to listen to differing perspectives, build consensus where possible, and know how to move work forward when interests do not fully align.
Comfort working within complex regulatory, funding, policy, and organizational environments, including situations involving competing interests or political sensitivity. Ability to exercise discretion, weigh competing considerations, communicate recommendations clearly, and make thoughtful decisions when the path forward may not be obvious.
Ability to establish clear expectations, support employee development, encourage collaboration, and hold yourself and others accountable for results. Understanding that strong leadership includes creating the conditions for others to do their best work.
Considerable progressively responsible experience in affordable housing, housing programs, housing policy, human services, or a related field, including progressively responsible supervisory or leadership experience.
Substantive knowledge of affordable housing programs, policy, and funding.
Experience with HUD-funded affordable housing programs and requirements, LIHTC and other state-supported affordable housing tools, community-based housing programs, land use and development processes, community engagement, and relationship-building.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in public or business administration, social work, sociology, housing, urban planning, or a related field is preferred.
Experience in government or within Virginia and the surrounding region is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

Shape and advance the County's housing priorities by developing strategies, policies, and initiatives that respond to evolving community needs. Translate priorities into actionable plans and guide initiatives from development through implementation and evaluation.
Lead a diverse portfolio of affordable housing programs and initiatives, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program and other federally, state, and locally funded programs. Ensure effective service delivery while maintaining compliance with applicable regulatory and funding requirements.
Lead the Housing Division's staff and operations, establishing priorities, allocating resources, developing employees, and promoting accountability and continuous improvement. Provide oversight of the division's budget, funding sources, grants, contracts, and other resources entrusted to the Office of Housing.
Build productive relationships with residents, nonprofit organizations, housing developers, governmental entities, regional organizations, and other stakeholders. Bring people and resources together to identify opportunities, address challenges, and advance effective housing solutions.
Serve as the County's principal advisor on housing matters, providing informed recommendations on emerging issues, programs, policies, and strategic priorities. Represent the County with community organizations, governmental agencies, advisory bodies, and other stakeholders, communicating complex housing issues clearly and building support around a path forward.