Director of Housing Development

Description

Housing Forward, LLC, a fund of the Tulsa Community Foundation, is dedicated to advancing the preservation and expansion of affordable and workforce housing opportunities across Oklahoma. We achieve this through non-partisan policy initiatives, robust research, market data, and comprehensive capacity-building efforts. Our focus includes systems transformation, policy alignment, and innovative housing partnerships.

The Director of Housing Development will lead Housing Forward’s statewide efforts to strengthen housing development capacity by helping developers, municipalities, and partners navigate complex funding resources and programs. This role requires deep expertise in housing finance, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) development, and a strong understanding of federal and state housing programs.

Rather than managing individual development projects, the Director will focus on advocating for the effective use of federal and state programs, providing technical assistance, and shaping strategies that expand affordable and workforce housing across Oklahoma. The position also serves in a leadership role within the organization, ensuring Housing Forward’s initiatives are informed by data-driven insights and aligned with local and statewide priorities.

Job Purpose

The Director will:

• Serve as a statewide resource for developers and municipalities, providing guidance on financing tools, LIHTC, and other housing programs.
• Advocate for the effective use of federal and state housing resources, including tax credits, bonds, and grant programs.
• Lead housing strategy efforts to inform policy and program development.
• Build partnerships with developers, lenders, investors, and public agencies to advance housing initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to local partners and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise developers and municipalities on navigating housing finance programs, including LIHTC and other federal/state resources.
• Advocate for policy and program improvements that enhance the effectiveness of housing finance tools.
• Develop and disseminate best practices for leveraging federal and state programs to increase housing supply.
• Represent Housing Forward in public forums, workgroups, and policy discussions at local and state levels.
• Collaborate with internal teams on strategic planning, budgeting, and performance evaluation.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of affordable housing finance, including LIHTC, tax-exempt bonds, and layered funding structures.
• Proven ability to navigate and advocate for federal and state housing programs.
• Strong project coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including developers, financial institutions, and government agencies.
• Professionalism, diplomacy, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

• Undergraduate degree required; Master’s degree in real estate, finance, urban planning, public policy, or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in housing development, finance, or related fields, with significant experience in LIHTC and housing program advocacy.

Desired Strengths and Abilities

• Exceptional financial modeling and analytical skills.
• Effective communicator with strong negotiation and interpersonal abilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for advancing affordable housing solutions.
• Ability to translate research and data into actionable strategies for housing development and policy alignment.

Hours and Location

• In-office environment with some hybrid flexibility.
• Must live in or be able to relocate to Oklahoma.
• Full-time position, 40 hours per week, with weekly travel between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, with occasional travel across the state for stakeholder engagement.

About our Benefits

As part of our overall compensation package, we offer work/life flexibility, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and generous retirement contributions designed to support you and your family.

Details:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and long-term disability for full-time employees only. Option to add vision and dependents.
• 401K employee and employer contributions.
• Paid time off to support you while you are out of the office.
• Paid holidays so our employees can spend time with those they care about.
• Employer-paid AD&D life insurance, with employee option to add supplemental life insurance.