Real Estate Development Officer

Avesta • Portland, ME

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Avesta Housing is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Development Officer to help expand and preserve high-quality, affordable multifamily housing across Maine and New Hampshire. In this critical role, you’ll lead development projects from early site feasibility through financing, design, construction, and transition to operations. You’ll collaborate with internal teams and external partners, manage budgets and timelines, and navigate public approvals and complex financing structures to deliver successful outcomes. Every project you advance will directly support Avesta’s mission to improve lives by creating safe, stable, and affordable homes for people in need. This role is a great fit if you: Enjoy managing multifaceted projects from vision to reality Bring strong skills in real estate finance, underwriting, and problem-solving Thrive in a collaborative environment with multiple stakeholders Want your work to have a lasting, tangible impact on communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Thorough knowledge of multifamily housing finance including proficiency with pro formas.
• Thorough knowledge of the real estate development process and relevant regulations, including land acquisition, municipal approvals, zoning, environmental review, design, and construction.
• Demonstrated ability to execute successful real estate development projects, manage multiple work streams simultaneously, and operate with a high degree of independence.
• At least 3 years of financial underwriting, project management, real estate development, or other relevant experience.
• Experience with LIHTC, HUD, RD, State housing finance agencies or other housing finance entities.
• Strong project management and financial underwriting skills.
• Well-organized.
• Creative and proactive problem-solver.
• Good communication skills, including public comment and presentations.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in real estate, urban planning, finance, business, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development projects from early site feasibility through financing, design, construction, and transition to operations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Manage budgets and timelines.
• Navigate public approvals and complex financing structures to deliver successful outcomes.
• Advance projects that support Avesta’s mission to improve lives by creating safe, stable, and affordable homes for people in need.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health and dental plans for employees
• Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with immediate vested match of up to 6%
• Employer-paid basic life, long-term and short-term disability
• Free wellness services for benefits-eligible employees and their dependents
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous earned time, starting with 22 days in first year of employment
• Professional development assistance
• Employee referral bonus program
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level