Vice President of Affordable Housing bei The Habitat Company

Description

The Habitat Company, LLC is a leader in residential multi-family real estate management and development. We are looking for talented individuals to join our team as we continue to expand and develop our company nationwide. We are a multi-state organization of approximately 500 team members specializing in the asset management, property management and project management of market rate, affordable rentals, condominiums and commercial real estate.

At The Habitat Company, we believe that it is the quality and experience of our team members that make a difference. Our professional team provides us with the depth of talent and ability that is so crucial to our success.

The Habitat Company provides comprehensive compensation to our team members. In addition to wages, this position is eligible for participation in a performance-based bonus structure as well as medical, dental, vision, 401k, and other benefits offered through Habitat, detailed here: https://www.habitat.com/our-benefits

Job Scope:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Affordable Housing to provide strategic and operational leadership for our expanding affordable housing portfolio, currently exceeding 3,000 units across the Midwest. Based in Chicago, this senior leader will drive portfolio growth through third-party management contracts and a robust development and acquisition pipeline, while ensuring excellence in compliance, operations, and resident satisfaction.  This role oversees Regional Managers and Community Managers to ensure communities are achieving their occupancy and income goals, including leasing, collections, resident services, maintenance, administration and compliance, while supporting the communities' established goals by providing high quality customer service. This role is also responsible for the oversight and leadership of our current and future clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Set vision, strategy, and goals for affordable housing operations to achieve growth and performance objectives in alignment with company goals.
• Portfolio Oversight: Oversee all aspects of property management for a diverse and growing portfolio, including financial performance, asset preservation, and resident relations.  Communicate and administer ownership directives.  Make recommendations to the owners and Executive Management regarding policy and property management.  Negotiate contracts for bulk purchases and common service contracts utilizing company’s volume, obtain necessary approvals if needed.
• Compliance & Regulation: Ensure full compliance with LIHTC, HUD, and other federal, state, and municipal subsidy programs, including oversight of all reporting and recertification processes.
• New Construction & Lease-Up: Provide hands-on leadership in the new construction process and the critical lease-up path for LIHTC developments, ensuring successful delivery, stabilization, and occupancy in alignment with regulatory timelines and requirements.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of regional managers and compliance professionals, fostering accountability and professional growth. Perform written evaluations of team members, making recommendations for salary increases, transfers and/or promotions.  Develop and maintain a positive and productive team environment, providing guidance and motivation to maximize portfolio value and streamline reporting.  Review and participate in hiring, performance management and termination decision.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact with government agencies, investors, developers, and institutional partners; build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders.
• Performance Management: Monitor and drive key performance indicators (KPIs) for both internal and client-facing objectives, ensuring continuous improvement across all operational metrics.  Responsible for financial controls, people management, facilities, quality and general business operations.  Must possess the organizational agility to report on these measures, both internally and with external clients on a regular and timely basis.
• Growth & Development: Support acquisition and development teams in due diligence, underwriting, and onboarding of new assets; facilitate smooth transitions and rapid lease-up/stabilization of new properties.
• Resident Experience: Champion initiatives that enhance resident satisfaction, engagement, and community well-being.  Establish and maintain relationships with community stake holders beneficial to the property and residents. 

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or related) is a plus but not required.
• At least ten years of proven progressive experience in overseeing a large multi-family affordable housing portfolio, with at least five years in a leadership or executive capacity.
• Deep expertise in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and related subsidy platforms (HUD, state and local).
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of the new construction process and critical lease-up path for LIHTC developments.
• Strong understanding of affordable housing compliance, finance, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations.
• Strong quantitative, financial analysis and modeling (MS Excel) skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management skills, results-driven, adaptable with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency or familiarity with Yardi is a plus.
• Certifications for housing programs including but not limited to Project-Based Section 8, Low Income Housing Tax.
• Real Estate license required, undergraduate degree preferred.
• Flexibility for travel is essential for this position, as the Vice President is responsible for assets in out-of-state markets.