Community Land Trust Director

Community Land Trust Director

Tennessee Valley Community Land Trust (TVCLT)

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Board of Directors

Salary: $85,000

About the Tennessee Valley Community Land Trust

The TVCLT is a newly formed nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and preserving permanently affordable housing in the Chattanooga region and throughout the Tennessee Valley. Through the Community Land Trust (CLT) model, TVCLT will acquire and steward land to ensure long-term housing affordability, community stability, and pathways to homeownership for working families.

As a start-up organization, TVCLT will initially operate with a small staff and a hands-on board of directors. Partnerships with Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE) and Chattanooga in Action, Love, Equity, and Benevolence (CALEB), in consultation with Grounded Solutions Network (GSN), will provide administrative, community engagement and stewardship support. The founding Director will play a critical role in building the organization, establishing partnerships, launching development projects, and positioning TVCLT as a regional leader in permanently affordable housing.

Position Overview

The Director will serve as the founding leader of the TVCLT, responsible for building the organization’s partnerships and housing portfolio while working closely with the Board of Directors to set strategy and ensure financial and operational sustainability. In this highly entrepreneurial, development-focused role, the Director will identify and advance real estate opportunities, secure funding, and establish the systems and relationships needed to grow the organization’s impact. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven leader with experience in affordable housing, nonprofit leadership, community development, and/or community land trusts who is excited to launch a new organization and expand permanently affordable housing opportunities across the Tennessee Valley.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Start-Up Development

• Assist in the development and implementation of the organization’s first strategic and operational plans.
• Work with consultants to develop the organizational infrastructure necessary to support a growing CLT, including policies, procedures, and operational systems.
• Support and strengthen board governance, including committee coordination and board development.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and public representative of the organization.
• Build strong relationships with community organizations, housing partners, neighborhood leaders, and local governments across the Chattanooga region.

Financial Management & Resource Development

• Develop and manage the organization’s annual operating budget in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Establish financial systems and practices to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance.
• Lead fundraising efforts from sources including foundation grants, government funding, individual donations, and program-related investments.
• Build relationships with philanthropic partners, public agencies, and financial institutions.

Operations & Organizational Growth

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Hire and supervise staff as the organization grows.
• Manage consultants and contracted service providers in the early stages of organizational development.
• Establish systems for stewardship of TVCLT properties and homeowner support.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance, legal, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to housing affordability, community land trusts, and/or equitable neighborhood development.
• Experience in affordable housing development, real estate development, nonprofit leadership, or related field.
• Experience managing complex projects, partnerships, or programs.
• Strong organizational and financial management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including community members, government agencies, developers, and funders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort working in a start-up environment with limited staff and evolving systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the CLT model and/or shared-equity housing programs.
• Experience in fundraising and nonprofit development.
• Experience in real estate, housing finance, or project management.

Key Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A passion for expanding access to affordable homeownership and housing stability
• A collaborative leadership style and ability to build strong partnerships
• Strategic thinking combined with a willingness to work hands-on in a start-up environment
• Cultural competence and a commitment to inclusive community development
• Creativity and persistence in solving complex housing challenges

Location and Travel

The position will be based in the Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Tennessee Valley Community Land Trust serves communities throughout the Tennessee Valley and may require occasional regional travel.

Application Process

• Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing their interest in the position and relevant experience to MChambers@cneinc.org