Director of Real Estate Development

CARE Communities; Fort Collins (CO); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, and life保险

SIMPLE IRA retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Employee stipends

Professional development

Job summary

CARE Communities in Northern Colorado is seeking an experienced Director of Real Estate Development to guide affordable housing development and preservation initiatives. You will oversee the portfolio from feasibility to operations, build public/private partnerships, and lead cross-functional teams in a hybrid work environment.

The role requires strong knowledge of LIHTC financing, project management across multiple phases, and a collaborative leadership approach aligned with CARE’s mission.

Qualifications

• Experience in real estate development, preferably affordable/multifamily housing.
• Strong knowledge of affordable housing financing, including LIHTC and public funding programs.
• Experience managing development projects through multiple phases.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate financial feasibility, manage project risks, and navigate complex decisions.
• Experience leading staff, project teams or external consultants; direct supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Collaborative leadership and commitment to CARE's mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead development strategy and advance new development and preservation opportunities aligned with CARE’s priorities.
• Oversee projects through feasibility, acquisition, financing, design, construction, and operations transition.
• Develop financing strategies with LIHTC, public financing, and other resources.
• Build strategic partnerships with municipalities, lenders, investors, landowners, and nonprofits.
• Manage project performance: budgets, schedules, risks, and major commitments.
• Lead and support development staff and consultants; foster professional growth.
• Collaborate across CARE to advance priorities and sustainable communities.
• Provide strategic guidance to the Executive Director and lead the Real Estate Development Committee.

Skills

Real estate development

Affordable housing

LIHTC financing

Financing strategies

Stakeholder relationships

Project management

Leadership & supervision

Negotiation & communication

Collaboration & teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in real estate, urban planning, business admin, finance or related field

Job description

CARE Communities is seeking an experienced, collaborative real estate development professional to join our leadership team and guide affordable housing development and preservation initiatives across Northern Colorado.

For more than 30 years, CARE Communities has worked to expand access to affordable housing across Northern Colorado. Through thoughtful development, preservation, and strong community partnerships, we remain committed to creating thriving communities.

Location and work arrangement

This position requires the employee to be based in Northern Colorado, with a hybrid work arrangement that includes regular in-person collaboration and meetings. Relocation assistance is not available.

The opportunity

As Director of Real Estate Development, you'll oversee CARE's development portfolio, from evaluating opportunities and structuring financing to guiding projects through construction and into operations.

You'll bring your experience and perspective to strategic development decisions, build relationships with public and private partners, and balance financial feasibility, long-term sustainability, and community needs.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you'll join CARE's leadership team, where directors bring their expertise together to guide organizational strategy, align priorities, and support CARE's long-term success.

What you’ll do

• Lead development strategy: Identify and advance new development and preservation opportunities aligned with CARE's mission and organizational priorities.
• Oversee projects: Guide affordable housing projects through feasibility, acquisition, financing, design, construction, and transition to operations.
• Develop financing strategies: Coordinate complex funding structures, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), public financing, and other development resources.
• Build strategic partnerships: Develop and maintain relationships with municipalities, lenders, investors, landowners, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Manage project performance: Evaluate budgets, schedules, financial risks, and major project commitments.
• Lead and support teams: Coordinate development staff and consultants, establish clear responsibilities, and support professional growth.
• Collaborate across CARE: Work alongside fellow directors and their teams to advance development priorities and support successful, sustainable communities.
• Provide strategic leadership: Advise the Executive Director on development priorities, provide project updates and recommendations, and lead the Real Estate Development Committee.

What you’ll bring

• Experience in real estate development, preferably in affordable or multifamily housing.
• Strong knowledge of affordable housing financing, including LIHTC and public funding programs.
• Experience managing development projects through multiple phases.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate financial feasibility, manage project risks, and navigate complex development decisions.
• Experience leading staff, project teams, or external consultants; direct supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
• A collaborative leadership approach and commitment to CARE's mission.

A bachelor's degree in real estate, urban planning, business administration, finance, or a related field is preferred. We will consider equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience.

Why CARE?

Founded in 1992, CARE Communities is an established nonprofit affordable housing organization dedicated to creating thriving communities throughout Northern Colorado. Today, CARE provides 440 apartments across eight communities, serving approximately 1,000 residents.

Our commitment to quality affordable housing is reflected in Heartside Hill, which the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition recognized nationallyin the Resilient and Healthy Housing category of the 2026 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards.

At CARE, our success is built on our people's collective expertise and cross-departmental collaboration. We value thoughtful leadership, different perspectives, and each team's contribution toward creating thriving communities.

We invest in our people through professional development, a collaborative work environment, and benefits that recognize the importance of life both inside and outside of work.

Compensation and benefits

Annual salary: $100,000–$117,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

CARE offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement benefits through a SIMPLE IRA
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee stipends
• Professional development and training opportunities

CARE Communities is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse staff and an inclusive, pluralistic workplace that supports our mission of creating thriving communities.