Senior Director - Affordable Housing

Department Background: Catholic Homes New York (Catholic Homes), encompassing the Association of New York Catholic Homes, Inc. (ANYCH) and the New York Institute for Human Development (IHD), is a cornerstone in the provision of affordable housing within the Archdiocese. Overseeing a robust portfolio, Catholic Homes has successfully developed over 2,900 affordable housing units, with an additional 2,000 units in various stages of construction and pre-development.

  

  

Position Description: The Senior Director of Development is a pivotal addition to the Catholic Homes housing development team. This role is designed for strategic leadership in the creation and execution of affordable housing projects across 10 New York counties: Putnam, Bronx, Dutchess, Orange, Manhattan, Sullivan, Westchester, Ulster, Staten Island, and Rockland. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, encompassing developers, financial consultants, legal entities, architects, owner’s representatives, and construction professionals, is fundamental to this role.  

  

Catholic Homes is undergoing a period of significant evolution, marked by an expanding and varied real estate portfolio. Our ventures extend beyond the New York City limits, incorporating both LIHTC and non-LIHTC initiatives while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the communities and individuals we serve. Investment in our residents and their well-being is paramount, as is the synergy with Catholic agencies dedicated to providing assistance and hope. With a substantial legacy portfolio, we are actively reviewing opportunities for revitalization through refinancing and repositioning, the Senior Director will find Catholic Homes an environment ripe with potential for impactful work.  

  

The Senior Director's mandate includes comprehensive project management, overseeing the development lifecycle, maintaining clear lines of communication, and proactively addressing challenges. This role is more than managing a pipeline; it is about proactive engagement in diverse projects and tapping into the creative energies to fulfill the organizational mission.  

  

The successful candidate will demonstrate a rich background in financial analysis and adeptness in handling complex project management tasks. This individual will operate under the guidance of the Development, bringing a balance of autonomy and collaboration to the table, driving multiple projects to fruition amidst tight timelines and evolving priorities.  

  

  

Job Duties:  

• Spearhead affordable housing development projects, guiding them from inception to completion, including acquisition, pre-development, construction, and lease-up.
• Conduct rigorous underwriting analysis and due diligence, ensuring financial viability and alignment with organizational goals.
• Engage with communities through outreach programs, fostering positive relationships and maintaining communication channels.
• Coordinate with external design teams and consultants to prepare and review design and construction documents.
• Manage the bidding and selection process for consultants, preparing contract scopes and overseeing agreements.
• Navigate and comply with municipal, state, and federal regulatory requirements, including zoning and land use processes.
• Drive negotiations for regulatory, redevelopment, and municipal agreements, securing favorable terms.
• Liaise with lenders and equity investors, serving as the primary point of contact and ensuring project financing is secured and maintained.
• Work with the team on financial projections, operating budgets, and lease-up strategies.
• Directly responsible for the financial performance of each development, maintaining budgets and schedules to ensure profitability.
• Lead the development team, setting priorities and ensuring key milestones and annual targets are met within established timeframes.
• Foster professional relationships with funding agencies, joint venture partners, investors, and municipal planners to procure funding and approvals.
• Guide the transition from construction to operational phases, including refinancing and handoff to property management.

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field; Master’s in Real Estate, Planning, or Business preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in housing/community development, project planning, and construction management.
• Proven track record in team leadership, business development, and industry engagement.
• Knowledge of LIHTC Year 15 exit strategies and tenant-in-place substantial rehabilitations is advantageous.
• Strong communication skills and a deep understanding of affordable housing.
• Ability to work with diverse professional groups.
• Excellent communication, writing, and analytical skills.
• Commitment to affordable housing and community development.
• Willingness to travel to housing sites and new construction locations.

Pay: $150,000 - 180,000 per year