SUMMARY     
This is a mid-senior level position that reports to the Sr. Development Director in the Real Estate Development Department. The Real Estate Development Manager will play a key role in planning, managing, and executing affordable housing and mixed-income real estate development projects for the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC). This position manages development initiatives from concept through completion, including new construction, substantial rehabilitation, and repositioning of existing public housing assets.  The desired candidate is extremely organized and has a robust understanding of real estate development processes included but not limited to rehabilitation, entitlements, predevelopment, environmental mitigation, public financing, and construction management. Experience or knowledge of urban planning, community development, public-private partnerships, or related subject matter is a plus. The desired candidate is a self-starter, with experience working in fast-paced environments. Duties include but are not limited to project management, disposition strategy, budget preparation, attending community meetings, making recommendations to leadership, overseeing financial proposals and funding applications, promoting and monitoring program compliance with regulations, budgets and schedules.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Public Administration, Real Estate Development, Finance, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in affordable or mixed-income housing development.
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, community development, grant administration, or project management
A minimum of 5 years of managing large-scale mixed-finance and mixed-use development also may be substituted for a Master’s degree.
Demonstrated experience with public housing, LIHTC, RAD, or HUD development programs is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) financing and City of Detroit permitting processes is a plus.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must have or be able to acquire a valid state driver’s license
Must pass federal, state, and local criminal investigation clearances, and pass a drug screening test administered by the Commission or its designated provider
Must be insurable under the agency’s insurance policy
Must be bondable and insurable 
Must be capable of obtaining Federal, State of Michigan and City of Detroit Police Department criminal investigation clearances
Must be willing to work traditional and non-traditional or weekend hours as required 
 

KNOWLEDGE 

Knowledge of real estate development processes from concept to construction
Knowledge of budgeting, project management
Knowledge of real estate finance, pro forma modeling, and layered financing structures.
Knowledge of local and state housing and community development policies
Knowledge of public financing tools and regulatory guidelines
Knowledge of affordable or public housing
Knowledge of the principles and practices of accounting, budgeting and budget administration
Knowledge of report preparation techniques
Knowledge of training methods for all levels of personnel, related to departmental initiatives
Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and institutional procedures
Knowledge of strategic planning and organizational development techniques
Knowledge of and participation in contract negotiations
Knowledge of basic office practices, procedures, and equipment
Knowledge of HUD rules and regulations that apply to property management: Fair Housing Laws, Michigan Real Estate Landlord-Tenant Law, OSHA Standards, Local and State Building Codes
Knowledge of HUD regulations and guidelines relating to Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and State and Local building and occupancy laws or regulation

REQUIRED SKILLS

Independent, self-starter
Analytical thinker 
Attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication 
Operates with compassion for residents and leads with empathy
Solution-oriented
Ability to manage multiple projects
Strong organizational skills
Think creatively
Relationship-building
Public-speaking
Negotiation
Project management experience from predevelopment through construction and close-out.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Commitment to community engagement, racial equity, and sustainable urban development.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with project management software preferred.
    
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Position does not have direct reports but requires some management of third-party consultants and contractors

REPORTS TO

Sr. Director of Real Estate Development

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

The fundamental job duties the individual must be able to perform, with or without accommodation; removal of these functions would fundamentally change the job.

Project Development & Execution

Manage all aspects of real estate development projects, including predevelopment, due diligence, design, entitlements, financing, construction oversight, and closeout.
Coordinate with external partners, including developers, general contractors, architects, legal counsel, and consultants.
Review and maintain project budgets, development schedules, and financial models.

Financing & Funding Strategy

Lead or support the preparation of funding applications, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), HOME, CDBG, RAD, and state and local funding sources.
Support debt and equity financing negotiations and financial closings with lenders, syndicators, and public funders.
Manage internal and external due diligence processes for project financing.

Stakeholder Engagement

Liaise with internal DHC teams, including but not limited to Real Estate Management, Finance, Operations, Capital, Legal, Rental Assistance, and Resident Services.
Engage community stakeholders, resident leaders, and neighborhood organizations to ensure inclusive and equitable project development.
Represent DHC at public meetings, community forums, and with elected officials.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

Ensure compliance with HUD programs, including Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Section 18, and Mixed-Finance Development requirements.
Oversee submission of documentation required by HUD, MSHDA, City of Detroit, and other regulatory agencies.
Track key development milestones, ensure reporting accuracy, and maintain audit-ready records.

Strategic Development Planning

Identify redevelopment opportunities within DHC’s existing portfolio and on surplus/public land.
Assist in long-term development planning, including site disposition, portfolio repositioning, and public-private partnerships.
Monitor real estate market trends, policy shifts, and funding opportunities relevant to DHC’s mission.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS 

These are job duties the individual must be able to perform, with or without accommodation; removal of these functions would NOT fundamentally change the job.

All other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND DEMANDS

Sitting
Standing
Discerning colors
Visual acuity
Walking
Ascending/descending stairs
Reaching
Bending
Kneeling

EQUIPMENT

Phones
Scanners
Computer/laptop
Copiers/printers
Monitors
Projectors

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Indoor environments
Outdoor environments

SOFTWARE

Outlook 365
Microsoft Teams
Smartsheet
Zoom
Microsoft Office Suite
DocuSign
Yardi
PIC
RAD Resource Desk

Disclaimer

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor or manager to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. All principle duties and responsibilities of this position are essential functions of the position. Job descriptions are reviewed on a regular basis and may be revised at any time. Revisions will be communicated to employees within the classification. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment; therefore, the company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.