ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Town of Chapel Hill, NC; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Chapel Hill is seeking a dynamic leader to guide the Affordable Housing Division within the Housing & Community Development Department. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, and drive strategies to expand affordable housing and equitable growth in Chapel Hill, leveraging local and federal funding sources.

You will collaborate with a diverse team, ensure HUD compliance, and participate in senior leadership discussions to advance council goals and community wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 5 years in affordable housing management, finance, programs, real estate, development or related field.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience with local government is desirable.
• Knowledge of LIHTC and mixed‑financing models welcome.
• Strong staff supervision, team building and organizational leadership.

Responsibilities

• Foster partnerships within the Town and across the community.
• Manage multiple housing initiatives concurrently.
• Supervise Affordable Housing staff and oversee evaluations.
• Develop, monitor and manage budgets and funding decisions.
• Ensure adherence to HUD regulations and applicable laws.
• Lead the development and implementation of affordable housing strategies.
• Serve on Senior Leadership Teams and act as Director when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Community engagement

Project management

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

We’re seeking a dynamic and mission-driven leader to guide our Affordable Housing Division within the Housing & Community Development Department. The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of team leadership experience, expertise in affordable housing and equitable community growth strategies, and familiarity with local government operations. In this role, you’ll help plan, organize, and direct division activities while collaborating with a high-performing, energetic, and diverse team.

We are dedicated to expanding housing opportunities and strengthening community wellbeing by creating and preserving affordable homes through both local and federal funding sources. Our strategies include generating mixed-income housing, leveraging town-owned land, providing gap financing, managing town-owned rental units, and investing in community partners to broaden our collective impact.

• Foster strong collaboration and relationship-building, creating effective partnerships within the Town and across the community.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple housing initiatives simultaneously.
• Supervise and mentor Affordable Housing staff, including oversight of work assignments, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Develop, monitor, and manage Affordable Housing budgets and funding decisions, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding requirements.
• Ensure adherence to HUD regulations and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and policies.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategies and plans aligned with the Council’s affordable housing goals and the department’s vision.
• Serve as an active member of the Department and Town-wide Senior Leadership Teams, as well as Acting Director of Housing and Community Development as needed.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local affordable housing regulations and funding programs.
• Experience with affordable housing development and preservation strategies, including LIHTC and mixed-financing models.
• Demonstrated skills in staff supervision, team building, and organizational leadership.
• A genuine commitment to public service, with strengths in community engagement, project management, and relationship‑building with residents, staff, and external partners.
• Proven ability to manage resources effectively and implement innovative solutions to support housing goals.
• Ability to model and uphold the Town’s Values of RESPECT in all interactions and decisions.

Education and Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties. Master’s Degree in related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in affordable housing management, finance, programs, real estate, development, property management, or a closely related field, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience with local government is desirable.
• A combination of years of experience and education that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties will be considered.

• Valid NC driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Employees will be subject to the Drug and Alcohol free Workplace Policy (Download PDF reader).
• Employees will be subject to the Safe Driving and Accident Policy.