Director of Housing and Community Development – Town of Chapel Hill, NC

Overview

Town of Chapel Hill invites you to apply for the Director of Housing and Community Development. The Director provides executive leadership and leads a mission-driven team dedicated to creating “a vibrant and inclusive community where all residents have access to affordable housing and opportunities to thrive.” This role offers an opportunity to provide steady, strategic leadership, guide staff through change, and foster a high-performing, collaborative culture.

The Director will lead both public and affordable housing challenges, support affordable housing redevelopment projects, and help expand housing opportunities in line with the Town’s vision of a Complete Community.

The Town of Chapel Hill was established in 1793 to support the University of North Carolina (UNC), the Nation's first public University. This thriving, multicultural university community has a population of about 62,000 and frequently appears in national "best place to live" listings. Located less than three hours from beaches and mountains and 30 minutes from RDU airport, Chapel Hill is part of the Research Triangle region with a robust cultural and educational landscape.

The Town operates a fare-free transit system and has a diverse economy, excellent schools, and vibrant community life.

The Affordable Housing and Community Development Department includes 2 divisions focused on providing affordable housing and building community. The Department’s affordable housing division oversees implementation of the Town’s affordable housing initiatives including housing created through the Council’s policies, development of housing on Town-owned land, federal Community Development Block Grant programs, transitional housing, and an employee housing program. The Town also manages a Public Housing program with 296 units in 11 communities throughout Town and one in Carrboro.

The Director of Housing and Community Development serves as the Town’s chief housing leader, providing strategic direction across affordable and public housing, as well as community development initiatives.

• Refine and execute a clear strategic direction for the department, aligning operations, capital planning, and resources with the Town’s housing and community development goals
• Lead the implementation of the Town’s Affordable Housing Strategy and Investment Plan
• Lead development and implementation of a Public Housing Repositioning Plan for the Town’s 12 Public Housing neighborhoods while maximizing use of federal and private resources
• Build and sustain a strong departmental culture through effective leadership, staff development, performance management, and organizational capacity building
• Develop and maintain relationships with community members, stakeholders, and partners to advance housing and community development initiatives
• Use data and analysis to inform decision-making, prepare reports, and identify innovative solutions to meet departmental objectives

A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree in planning, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred. Or, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership in affordable housing and community development is required. Local government experience and knowledge of public housing operations are desirable. A valid NC driver’s license and/or reliable means of transportation to and between job sites are required.

• A trusted and steady leader who exemplifies the Town’s Values of RESPECT
• Committed to building trust, empowering staff, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture
• Skilled at mentoring, coaching, and providing professional development opportunities
• Open-minded and innovative, applying best practices and creative solutions
• Adept at building strong relationships with employees, elected officials, community partners, and residents
• Collaborative in communication, able to engage diverse audiences and deliver clear public-facing messages
• Proficient in negotiation, conflict resolution, and facilitation
• Passiona…