Description

The Director of Real Estate Development at Forest Forward is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing all aspects of real estate projects within the organization, from conception to completion. This includes assisting the Development department with securing funding, engaging with the community, managing confidential information, collaborating with department heads, developing real estate strategies, ensuring compliance with grants and funding. This role demands strong leadership, strategic thinking, financial acumen, and exceptional communication skills to interact with contractors, developers, financial institutions, and various stakeholders.

Real Estate Project Management:

Lead and manage current and future real estate development projects from inception to completion, with particular emphasis on mixed-income housing development projects.

Develop and execute project plans, budgets, and timelines.

Oversee all phases, including site acquisition, design, permitting, construction, and occupancy.

Funding and Grant Management:

Identify and secure funding opportunities for real estate projects, with emphasis on housing finance sources.

Manage relationships with funders and ensure compliance with financing and grant requirements.

Assist with the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications, particularly with preparation of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) applications.

Community Engagement:

Foster positive relationships within the community.

Collaborate with community stakeholders to align projects with community needs and values.

Board of Directors Interaction:

Report regularly to the board on project status, financial performance, and strategic initiatives.

Lead the Board Real Estate committee.

Leverage board engagement and provide connections to support the successful execution of Forest Forward projects and initiatives.

Confidential Information Handling:

Safeguard sensitive and confidential information related to Forest Forward, real estate transactions, contracts, and financial data.

Collaboration with Department Leaders:

Collaborate with other department leaders to align real estate projects with organizational goals.

Ensure cross-functional coordination and effective communication throughout the organization.

Real Estate Strategy Development:

Develop and implement a comprehensive real estate strategy aligned with the organization's mission and objectives, with emphasis on a realistic pipeline of mixed-income rental and affordable for-sale housing development.

Analyze market trends and opportunities for growth and investment.

Contractor and Stakeholder Interaction:

Interface with contractors, developers, and financial institutions to negotiate contracts and agreements.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Requirements

Financial Acumen: Strong financial analysis skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling for real estate projects. Skill in development and analysis of pro formas for affordable housing finance is required.

Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with the community, funders, the board, and other stakeholders.

Leadership: Proven ability to lead and manage a team effectively, foster collaboration, and provide mentorship and guidance.

Project Management: Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies to oversee multiple projects simultaneously and ensure they are completed on time and within budget.

Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation and contract management skills to secure favorable terms with contractors, developers, and financial institutions.

Community Engagement: An understanding of community development principles and experience in engaging with communities to align projects with their needs.

Real Estate Strategy: Strategic thinking and the ability to develop and implement a comprehensive real estate strategy that supports the organization's goals.

Confidentiality: A high degree of integrity and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Stakeholder Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with contractors, developers, funders, and other stakeholders.

Strategic Thinking: Ability to think long-term, set clear objectives, and align real estate projects with the organization's strategic vision.

Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving skills to address challenges and obstacles that may arise during real estate projects.

Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate changing market conditions and project dynamics.