Job Description

About Northwest Housing Alternatives

For over 35 years, Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) has been a leading not-for-profit developer of affordable housing in Oregon. Our mission is to create opportunity through housing by developing, building, and managing rental housing designed for Oregonians with extremely limited incomes. These homes help families live healthy and stable lives, allow older adults to age in place, and give people with special needs a dignified residence. Along with providing affordable housing, NHA provides services that connect tenants to critical health and community resources, work to prevent homelessness before it begins, and offer emergency shelter and services for families experiencing homelessness. 

Position Summary: The Housing Developer I position performs work in the real estate development of housing projects to further the Northwest Housing Alternatives’ (NHA) mission to provide affordable housing to those with low incomes including families, seniors, people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.

The Housing Developer I takes a lead role in managing the real estate development process—e.g. identifying sites, evaluating project feasibility, securing financing, supervising construction, and transitioning new construction / rehab projects to NHA’s Asset Management Department.  These tasks include providing direction to a large team of varied partners. 

Key Responsibilities:

1.    Assess feasibility of project development and operation.

2.    Conduct research on housing needs and market conditions for specific projects.

3.    Obtain financing for projects including grants, loans, tax credits and other subsidies.  Prepare funding applications, negotiate financing agreements and lead real               estate closings.

4.    Assemble and manage development teams (architects, contractors, attorneys, construction managers and other consultants).

5.    Obtain bids for professional services, enter into contracts and supervise performance of project partners such as general contractors, architects, surveyors, geotech,         soils engineers, etc.

6.    Work with social service providers and other community resources to develop appropriate support services agreements for each housing project.

7.    Manage community input and land use review processes.

8.    Oversee the construction management process including preparation of requisitions and draw requests, collaborating with Finance department and accounting firms         regarding cost certifications, and leading project closeout.

9.    Produce reports required by funders and investors.

10.  Coordinate transition of completed projects to the Asset Management team.

11.  Ensure the implementation of and adherence to all NHA policies, procedures and protocols; and actively work to implement NHA equity goals.

12.  Establish and maintain records of all activities.

13.  Participate in cross departmental committees such as operation logistics, technology, safety, sustainability or equity.

14.  Other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1.    Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance, Community Development, Real Estate Development, Construction Management, or related field or equivalent related work           experience.

2.    At least three years of professional experience in real estate development, underwriting, affordable housing development, construction management, or related field.

3.    Ability to lead a project team to the successful completion of a real estate development project.

4.    Knowledge of affordable housing financing tools and concepts including LIHTC. Familiarity with compliance and regulatory requirements of affordable housing.

5.    Skill in structuring viable financing packages and presenting them in standardized real estate development and operating proformas.

6.    Ability to prepare competitive funding applications.

7.    Ability to manage complex and time-critical processes, funding requirements and relationships to complete projects on time and on budget.

8.    Ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic, and changing team environment.

9.    Demonstrated ability to work with, and connect with, a diverse stakeholder community.

10.  Excellent oral skills and a comfort in public speaking environments.

11.  Excellent written communication skills with an emphasis on technical writing.

12.  Excellent computer skills including advanced proficiency in Excel and online research.

13.  Ability to travel to remote jobsites and spend long hours on your feet.

14.  Valid driver’s license, good driving record and own reliable transportation with current insurance. Frequent travel within the Portland-Metro area can be expected.

15.  Demonstrated deep commitment to social and community service.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1.    Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.

2.    Knowledge of affordable housing financing tools including OAHTC, Housing Trust Fund, CDBG, HOME, FHLB, etc.  Familiarity with compliance and regulatory                   requirements of various sources.

3.    Understanding of construction contract delivery systems and contract types.

4.    Understanding of building systems and construction management practices.  Ability to evaluate construction risk and develop risk management plans for projects.

5.    Bilingual skills and proficiency.

NHA is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment and is actively seeking to recruit a diverse applicant pool.  NHA offers a great work environment and an opportunity to work with a group of committed and passionate coworkers just seven miles south of downtown Portland.  NHA provides a full range of benefits, including but not limited to the following:

• Excellent health coverage through Kaiser Permanente, including multiple medical and dental plan options; NHA contributes 100% of the cost of coverage for the employee each year, plus an additional $250/month if the employee adds dependents. Alternative care and vision included.
• 7% match, after the first year of employment, for our 403(b) plan with T. Rowe Price
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave

Northwest Housing Alternatives is committed to supporting a diverse workforce and does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other status protected by law.