Director of Housing Operations - Affordable Housing/Senior Housing

SCI, the Leader in Real Estate Executive Search®, has been retained by one of the Chicago area's largest non-profit, community-focused owners and operators of high-quality affordable seniors housing to recruit a Director of Housing Operations . Reporting to the Vice President of Housing, this role helps direct day-to-day operations across our client's entire portfolio of affordable housing communities — owning compliance, portfolio performance, and the systems that keep it all running, while leading and developing the Housing Operations team. Our client is committed to giving residents best-in-class communities to call home, so the ideal candidate pairs deep operational and regulatory command with genuine care, recognizing that a high-performing portfolio ultimately serves the people who live there. What you'll do Partner with the VP of Housing to oversee day-to-day operations across the full portfolio of affordable communities, keeping performance at or above industry benchmarks Own HUD, regulatory, partner, investor, and program compliance — including internal/external audits and annual management operating reviews Oversee property budgets, rent increase and utility allowance requests, and recommend spending-plan expenditures for repairs, replacements, and major improvements Partner with the VP and Facilities to keep communities inspection-ready and resident service requests resolved promptly Serve as the primary HUD Secure Systems Coordinator (EIV and TRACS) and administrator for OneSite and vendor/funder portals Help develop and enforce area policies, procedures, marketing, management, and tenant selection plans, and advance the VP's strategic initiatives Manage the legal and eviction processes for the portfolio in partnership with the VP Lead, coach, and develop the Housing Operations team into a high-performing, purpose-driven group Respond to emergencies as needed — including after hours and weekends What you bring Bachelor's degree in a related field with 3–5 years of relevant experience (Master's + 5 years preferred) Knowledge of compliance and reporting requirements, with strong organizational and time-management skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure Excellent written and verbal communication and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) Strong leadership and conflict-resolution skills, plus experience with compliance software or case management systems (preferred) Willingness to earn your NCHM Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) and Tax Credit Specialist (TCS) certifications within 12 months, and IREM Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) within 18 months #J-18808-Ljbffr Specialty Consultants Inc.