Director of Planning and Development

Keene Housing (KH) is seeking a qualified and experienced Director of Planning and Development.  KH is a nationally recognized leader in housing policy reform and affordable housing development.  The agency employs over 40 staff members, operates an annual agency budget of $20 million, owns or operates approximately 600 units of housing and administers over 800 HCV rental subsidies.

Summary: Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Planning and Development is responsible for leading Keene Housing’s real estate development and preservation activities. Consistent with Keene Housing’s strategic plan, this position will oversee all phases of development—from identifying and acquiring new development sites to leading the team that secures grants and financing, overseeing design teams, securing approvals, and navigating regulatory and financial closings. Equally important is the responsibility for repositioning and recapitalizing Keene Housing’s existing portfolio to ensure long-term sustainability, quality, and affordability. This position will collaborate with the Director of Facilities and Assets to ensure that projects meet construction timelines and budgets and the Director of Housing to ensure that relocations and lease-ups are timely and compliant with relevant regulatory, financial and contractual obligations.

This is a hands-on role for a strategic and experienced housing professional who can manage multiple complex projects, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and help push the organization towards its short and long-term development and preservation goals. The Director of Planning and Development acts as a key member of the senior leadership team, and collaborates closely with Keene Housing’s Facilities and Assets, Finance, and Housing departments.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following; however, other duties may be assigned:

     Development & Acquisition

• Identify and evaluate sites for potential acquisition and development for affordable and mixed-income housing.
• Lead pre-development due diligence including site control, feasibility, environmental review, and zoning.
• Select and manage development consultants.
• Coordinate project underwriting and financial modeling.
• With support from the Special Advisor for Planning and Development and consultants prepare and submit applications for funding in response to NOFAs, QAPs, RFPs, and other opportunities.
• With support from the Special Advisor for Planning and Development and consultants secure development financing, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, CDBG, HOME, tax-exempt bonds, bank loans, and other public and private sources.
• Manage real estate closings and related transactions needed to begin construction in coordination with lenders, investors, legal counsel, regulators and other parties.

     Portfolio Preservation & Repositioning

• Lead planning and implementation of preservation strategies for Keene Housing’s existing properties, including recapitalization and refinancing with a special focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and energy storage.
• Oversee HUD repositioning strategies as applicable (e.g., RAD, Section 18, Faircloth-to-RAD/Restore-Rebuild).
• Work closely with Directors of Finance and Facilities and Assets to plan and execute short- and long-term recapitalization strategies.

     Construction & Project Delivery

• Collaborate with the Director of Facilities and Assets to select architects, engineers, and general contractors or construction managers in compliance with applicable local, state and federal procurement requirements.
• Oversee project design, budgeting, permitting, and approvals.
• Coordinate with Director of Facilities and Assets to monitor construction progress against schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Collaborate with Director of Housing to develop and execute leasing and, when necessary, relocation plans.
• Manage real estate closings and related transactions needed to complete development in coordination with lenders, investors, legal counsel, regulators and other parties. 

     Organizational Leadership & Strategic Initiatives

• Advise the Executive Director on real estate strategy, funding trends, and development opportunities.
• Contribute to annual planning, budgeting, and Board updates related to real estate development and recapitalization activities.
• Maintain strong working relationships with local and state agencies, funders, consultants, elected officials, and community partners.
• Represent Keene Housing at national, regional and local meetings, conferences, and public forums.

     Supervisory Responsibilities:      

• Provides direct oversite of the Special Advisor of Planning and Development and consultants.
• Establishes annual goals, conducts regular and annual reviews with direct report.

Qualifications:

1. Education and/or Experience - Bachelor’s Degree required in urban planning, public administration, real estate, finance, architecture, or related field; Master’s preferred.   Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in affordable housing development, real estate finance, or asset repositioning.  Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.  Demonstrated success in completing multiple affordable housing developments (new construction and/or rehab), including securing and closing LIHTC financing.
2. Technical Skills - Deep knowledge of affordable housing finance tools and HUD programs (e.g., LIHTC, RAD, Restore-Rebuild, HOME, PBVs).  Ability to develop and review pro formas, capital budgets, and development schedules.  Strong project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.  Familiarity with public procurement and construction contract management.
3. Computer Skills – Must be proficient in Microsoft Office software including Outlook, Excel, and Word. Experience with real estate modeling tools a plus.
4. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations - Must possess a valid Driver’s license and have ability to travel to sites, meetings, and offsite partners.
5. Other requirements - Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.  Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.  Commitment to Keene Housing’s mission and values.

Behavioral Competencies:

1. Customer Service – Demonstrates professional service and commitment to both internal and external partners (KH employees, consultants, attorneys, policy makers, contractors, regulators and funders). Provides prompt, professional and courteous service as required.
2. Job Knowledge – Clearly understands the duties and responsibilities of her or his position and can execute them efficiently and accurately.
3. Initiative – Seeks new challenges and responsibilities. Actively works to remedy problems without having to be told by a peer or supervisor. Works well with minimal supervision.
4. Teamwork – Willingly shares responsibility for work with co-workers, strives to accomplish team goals and objectives.
5. Adaptability - Demonstrates flexibility in balancing job responsibilities and changes in the work environment.  Open to new ideas and approaches.
6. Communication – Demonstrates clear, effective verbal and written communication skills. Informs others of relevant information on a timely basis. Maintains on-going professional dialogue with others regarding business matters.
7. Dependability/Work Habits – Understands the importance of timeliness and accuracy in the workplace; meets deadlines and uses time efficiently.
8. Safety/Security – Follows safety rules and procedures.  Properly secures confidential information per Keene Housing's policies and procedures. 
9. Interpersonal – Builds positive and productive relationships with co-workers and management. Maintains confidentiality and trust. 
10. Cost Conscious/Fiscal Responsibility – Awareness of the cost of products and services without expending more resources than budgeted.
11. Problem Solving – Assists in finding solutions concerning problems relating to the job, department or Agency.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Primarily office-based with periodic visits to development sites and meetings with partners.

Benefits: Keene Housing offers an excellent compensation package including health and dental insurance, retirement, disability, life insurance, paid parental leave, time off benefits and much more.