Director, Real Estate

Location: DC Corporate Office – Washington, DC 20002, USA Work Arrangement This role will be hybrid, requiring two days each week in office, and can be based out of any of our Kansas City, MO; New York City, NY; or Washington, D.C. Corporate Offices. Work at a Glance Director, Real Estate Development – Create new partnerships, expand fundraising opportunities. This position offers an impressive total rewards package that includes a 401(k) match of up to 12%, 11 paid holidays, generous leave (including 40 hours of paid volunteer time) and industry-leading benefits. The Director, Real Estate Development serves as a senior program leader and subject matter expert responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of national initiatives that strengthen the real estate development capacity and sustainability of NeighborWorks network organizations. Working under the direction of the Vice President, National Real Estate Programs, the Director translates departmental strategies into effective programs, grants, training, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement activities. The position leverages data, industry trends, and network feedback to identify opportunities, improve program performance, and advance affordable housing development and preservation practices. The Director manages key programmatic partnerships, facilitates peer-learning and advisory activities, and provides technical expertise to support departmental goals and priorities. Lead the implementation, delivery, and evaluation of programs that support business sustainability and growth in alignment with departmental strategies and priorities established by the Vice President. Leverage internal and external data to inform strategic decision‑making and to identify trends in affordable housing development practices that foster innovation and timely responses to crisis. Manage technical assistance support for specific enterprise‑strengthening programs, including national, regional, district and on‑site trainings for the NeighborWorks Network and trainings to support growth in real estate knowledge across NeighborWorks America’s staff. Serve as a technical subject matter expert and provide programmatic guidance in engagements where real estate intersects with access to capital, portfolio management, resident services, climate resilience, and other initiatives. Support departmental thought leadership activities and strategic priorities. Manage and maintain relationships with an array of stakeholders, including institutions, industry groups, intermediaries, Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs), foundations, and leading like‑minded practitioners to elevate NeighborWorks America’s real estate development and preservation efforts to develop best practices and to support affordable housing related advancements. Manage the Real Estate Advisory Committee (REAC), a committee comprised of approximately 18 network real estate staff members, predominantly CEOs/Executive Directors. This committee is designed to foster connection, solutions‑oriented problem‑solving, and peer‑to‑peer information sharing. Collaborate and leverage engagement with select internal stakeholders who provide thought leadership and real estate subject matter expertise. Develop and administer grants programs that are designed to advance real estate development and preservation practices in coordination with the National Initiatives Operations team and the Field Operations division. Work closely with the Vice President of National Real Estate Programs to optimize strategic decision‑making during the annual budget process and throughout the fiscal year by prioritizing, advocating, and responsibly managing available operating funds. Ensure timely payment and efficient contracting of any required external vendors in collaboration with Procurement and Finance. Provide affordable housing development subject matter expertise and strategic advice for NeighborWorks America senior leadership. This may include participating in meetings with key external stakeholders and/or providing support for budget documents, discussions, and presentations. Work collaboratively with Marketing Communications to facilitate the creation of materials, such as articles, blogs, newsletters and to support external speaking engagements. Other duties as assigned. Nature of Work Contacts The Director of Real Estate Development will interact with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders to achieve NeighborWorks America’s strategic goals, programmatic effectiveness, and information‑based execution. Fiscal Responsibilities The Director of Real Estate Development will be responsible for managing budgets, overseeing grant development, and executing any necessary consultant/vendor contracts with Procurement. Required Minimum Qualifications (a) Education: Bachelor’s degree in real estate, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Community Development, or a related field required. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degrees. (b) Experience: Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in affordable housing development, management, or finance, including technical and leadership roles, or a relevant combination of education and experience. (c) Licenses, Certifications: None specified. Strong knowledge in real estate development and finance, including the Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit program (LIHTC), New Market Tax Credits (NMTC), etc. Significant work with and understanding of community‑based nonprofits and affordable real estate development. Demonstrated strategic change management for innovation along with ability to conceptualize and launch new strategies and programs over a period of years. Demonstrated experience with grants management, including developing and administering grant opportunities. Experience developing and managing a technical assistance program, including the creation of new tools, resources, trainings, and peer learning opportunities. Demonstrated project management experience, including independent management of budgets and timelines as well as coordinating with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, analyze quantitative and qualitative information, and make recommendations. Accomplishments that reflect innovation, teamwork, integrity, effectiveness, and efficiency, including demonstrated leadership, ability to influence and bring about consensus, to be flexible, and to work independently. Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships, coordinating with national and local partners and funders. Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and successfully interact with people at all levels, as well as people of diverse backgrounds. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaker. Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience conducting research/surveying and data analysis to improve program design and delivery. Commitment to advancing equity, social justice, and positive community impact. Preferred Qualifications Considerable knowledge of the philosophy and work of NeighborWorks America and the NeighborWorks America network. Familiarity with climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in real estate development. Working Conditions Travel: Up to 30 percent. Physical/Sensory Demands: Fast‑paced work environment. Work is performed in an office and field setting; extensive computer usage, including extensive use of video conferencing. Hybrid work environment – requires two days in the office. Salary Range $101,000 – $128,000. The salary offered for the role will be based on a variety of factors, including geographic location, internal equity, and the candidate’s qualifications/professional experience. Equal Opportunity Employer. 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