Housing Development Director

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region is seeking an experienced professional to lead its real estate development and construction activities in support of affordable homeownership. This role will focus on managing the full scope of Habitat's housing projects, from site identification and acquisition to development, construction and completion.

The ideal candidate is a strategic project leader who can coordinate partners, manage budgets, timelines and move complex housing projects

Qualifications

• Strategic planning and leadership of complex housing projects.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Knowledge of budgets, schedules, compliance and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead housing development projects from preconstruction through completion.
• Develop and manage budgets, schedules and bid packages; solicit bids and manage subcontractors.
• Oversee contracts, change orders, invoices and project documentation.
• Monitor progress with site visits, addressing cost, schedule and safety issues.
• Coordinate permits, inspections and approvals with municipalities and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

People leadership

Financial management

Stakeholder communication

Project coordination

Education

PM certification (PMP/CCM)

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

REPORTS TO: Operations Director

DIRECT REPORTS: Construction Manager and RePair Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region is seeking an experienced professional to lead its real estate development and construction activities in support of affordable homeownership. This role will focus on managing the full scope of Habitat's housing projects, from site identification and acquisition to development, construction and completion. The ideal candidate is a strategic project leader who can coordinate partners, manage budgets, timelines and move complex housing projects forward.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Strategic Project Leadership: Establishes priorities, anticipates risks and keeps complex projects aligned with organizational goals, budgets, schedules and quality standards.

People Leadership and Accountability: Maintains appropriate oversight of day-to-day operations while empowering managers to lead their team and projects effectively.

Financial and Operational Management: Uses sound judgment and timely problem solving to address cost, schedules, quality, compliance and resource challenges.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Communication: Builds strong working relationships across departments and with municipalities, consultants, subcontractors, vendors, funders, community partners, volunteers and homeowners. Communicates project status, challenges, decisions and expectations clearly to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Housing Development Director serves as the primary liaison between Habitat’s Construction, RePair, Real Estate Development, Finance, Homeowner Services and Executive teams while coordinating the work of subcontractors, field staff, volunteers, consultants, vendors and future homeowners.

The Director supervises the managers responsible for the day-to-day project operations and must remain sufficiently informed to communicate effectively about project status, progress and challenges.

Project Planning and Preconstruction

Lead housing development projects from preconstruction through completion, ensuring alignment with habitat standards, project scope, budgets, schedules, quality, safety and regulatory requirements.

Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, procurement plans, scopes of work and bid packages; solicit and evaluate bids and manage subcontractor and vendor relationships.

Project Delivery and Administration

Oversee construction contracts and administration, including subcontract agreements, purchase orders, change orders, invoices, commitments, contingencies and project documentation.

Monitor project progress and performance through regular site visits and reporting; proactively address cost, schedule, quality, safety and coordination issues.

Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including projects in both preconstruction and active construction phases, while maintaining accurate project records and documentation.

Project Closeout and Compliance

Coordinate permitting, inspections, regulatory approvals, sustainability requirements and project closeout with municipalities, consultants, subcontractors, supplier and homeowners.

Leadership and Organizational Support

Supervise, support and develop housing development staff and managers, fostering effective communication and collaboration between field and office teams.

Collaborate with Executive Director and leadership team to ensure housing development activities advance Habitat’s mission, strategic plan and organizational goals.

Strategic Development and Partnerships

Lead the planning and development of multi-home communities, including evaluating land acquisition opportunities and coordinating with municipalities, landowners, engineers and other development partners.

Lead the growth and implementation of Habitat’s factory-built housing program, including dealership operations, affiliate partnerships, home procurement, estimating, contracting, technical support and education.

Represent Habitat with public agencies, funders, consultants, contractors, vendors, community partners and homeowners; contribute to organizational strategy, process improvement and advocacy for affordable housing solutions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

2-3 years of experience in the non-profit field preferred.

Passion for volunteering and helping people.

Experience with housing developments and related compliance requirements.

Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or similar professional certification.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s mission and passion for expanding access to affordable homeownership.

Experience supervising construction field staff and multidisciplinary project teams.

Familiarity with zoning laws, permitting processes and construction regulations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Strong problem-solving skills and time management skills.

Strong computer skills and familiarity with software applications including MS Office, Excel, Word and Power Point.

Valid Driver’s License, ability to drive affiliate vehicle(s), and insurable under affiliate driver’s policy.

High school diploma or GED required.

Evening and/or weekend meetings may occasionally be required.

The Housing Development Director works in a professional office setting the majority of the time.

POSITION INFORMATION AND COMPENSATION:

This is a permanent, full-time exempt, salaried position. Habitat offers paid holidays, a generous PTO plan, affiliate-supported dental and vision insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Annual salary range: $75,000 - $85,000