Development Specialist

Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. in Columbus, OH is seeking a Development Analyst to assist in various development roles including site development and financing applications. The ideal candidate should have experience with affordable housing programs and be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

This position requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with responsibilities ranging from real estate analysis to working with government agencies. A valid driver’s license is mandatory, along with a willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Experience presenting to local, county, and state governments.
• Experience working in affordable housing programs like LIHTC, USDA Rural Development.
• Willingness to learn if not already experienced.

Responsibilities

• Locate and secure real estate development sites.
• Draft and negotiate purchase contracts.
• Travel to find potential sites and meet with partners.
• Analyze affordable housing documents.
• Work with governments to secure necessary approvals and financing.
• Maintain knowledge of state QAPs and regulations.
• Complete funding application documents.
• Assist with data analysis and strategy for development.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Experience in affordable housing programs

Job description

Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. is a rapidly growing development, construction, and property management organization dedicated to the creation of quality affordable housing to benefit those who need it most. We are an employee‑owned, passion‑driven group that changes each community of which we are a part. We manage over 16,000 housing units in 19 states, proudly serving seniors, veterans, and other economically challenged groups. We seek ambitious, talented individuals who want to grow with a rapidly expanding company whose success is not only measured in dollars and cents, but in lives changed. With a development portfolio of $1.5 billion, Woda Cooper consistently ranks among the top affordable housing developers and owners in the country by Affordable Housing Finance.

Position Summary

The Development Analyst will assist with a wide variety of roles within the development team, including but not limited to, finding sites to develop, land use and zoning analysis, producing applications for financing and approvals, data analysis, and data visualization. This role will assist in developing affordable and/or supportive housing including usage of low‑income housing tax credits (LIHTC), tax exempt bonds, state/federal capital programs, and mixed‑financed deals.

Who You’ll Report To

The Development Analyst reports to Senior Vice President and Director of Development Clay Cooper.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Locate and secure real estate development sites.
• Draft and negotiate purchase contracts.
• Travel to search for potential development sites and meet with partners, government entities, and more.
• Analyze affordable housing documents from various municipalities, states, and other public and private sources.
• Work with local governments to secure necessary approvals (zoning, entitlements, etc.) and financing for the development of affordable housing.
• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of state Qualified Allocation Plans (QAPs), scoring criteria, and other government regulations and guidelines.
• Complete documents and forms required for applications for funding or other.
• Assist with data mining, data entry, and data analysis.
• Assist in setting the strategy for the development team.
• Acts as backup coverage for VP of Development and Development Specialists as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).
• Strong critical‑thinking skills.
• Careful attention to detail.

Education and Experience

• Experience presenting and interacting with local, county, and state governments (or willingness to learn the same).
• Experience working in affordable housing programs including one or more of the following: LIHTC, USDA Rural Development, Section 8, HOME, etc. (or willingness to learn the same).

Physical Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and insurance.
• Willingness to travel to our 18‑state footprint and beyond.