ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Town of Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Chapel Hill seeks a dynamic leader to guide the Affordable Housing Division within the Housing & Community Development Department. The role requires strong team leadership, deep expertise in affordable housing and equitable community growth, and familiarity with local government operations.

You will plan, organize, and direct division activities in collaboration with a high-performing, diverse team.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local affordable housing regulations and funding programs.
• Experience with affordable housing development and preservation, including LIHTC and mixed-financing.
• Staff supervision and organizational leadership experience.
• Commitment to public service with community engagement and relationship-building.
• Ability to manage resources and implement innovative housing solutions.
• Model Town values of RESPECT in all interactions.

Responsibilities

• Foster collaboration and partnerships within the Town and the broader community.
• Oversee multiple housing initiatives with strong organizational skills.
• Supervise Affordable Housing staff, including performance evaluations and development.
• Develop and manage Affordable Housing budgets and funding decisions.
• Ensure adherence to HUD regulations and other applicable laws.
• Lead strategies aligned with Council goals and department vision.
• Participate in Department and Town-wide Senior Leadership Teams; serve as Acting Director when needed.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff supervision

Community engagement

Project management

Budget management

HUD/funding knowledge

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.