Role Overview for President, Affordable Housing with a National Developer – New York, NY
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to conduct a search for a President of Affordable Housing on behalf of a premier, vertically-integrated national real estate developer. This is a rare and career-defining opportunity for a visionary leader to take the helm of a well-capitalized and rapidly expanding affordable housing division. Based in New York, NY, the President will have full P&L responsibility and strategic oversight for the company’s affordable housing platform across the United States. This executive will be responsible for setting the vision, driving the growth strategy, and ensuring operational excellence across all facets of the business, including deal sourcing, development, financing, construction, and asset management.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned real estate executive with an impeccable track record and a deep, nuanced understanding of the affordable housing landscape. You are not just a dealmaker; you are a strategic thinker, a mission-driven leader, and a community builder. You will be tasked with scaling the existing platform, entering new markets, and innovating on development models to address the critical need for affordable housing nationwide. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the President will be a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to the overall strategy and success of the parent organization. This role demands a leader who can navigate complex financial structures, build and maintain high-level relationships with public and private stakeholders, and inspire a talented team to achieve ambitious social and financial goals. Your leadership will directly impact the creation of thousands of high-quality, sustainable homes for low- and moderate-income families and individuals, leaving a lasting legacy on communities for generations to come.
Key Responsibilities of President, Affordable Housing with a National Developer – New York, NY
The President of Affordable Housing will be responsible for the following key areas:
Strategic Vision and Executive Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive long-term strategic plan for the affordable housing division. Identify and assess new market opportunities, product types, and innovative financing structures to drive sustainable growth and social impact. Serve as the primary external face of the division, representing the company at industry conferences, with capital partners, and in public forums.
Business Development and Pipeline Growth
Lead all business development efforts to build and maintain a robust and diversified development pipeline. Cultivate and manage deep relationships with a network of partners, including municipal and state housing agencies, non-profit organizations, lenders, equity investors, and community stakeholders. Aggressively pursue new acquisition and development opportunities that align with the company’s mission and investment criteria.
Deal Structuring and Financial Oversight
Spearhead the structuring and negotiation of complex transactions. Provide expert oversight on all financial aspects of the division, including underwriting, financial modeling, securing debt and equity, and managing project budgets from inception to completion. Possess deep expertise in leveraging sources such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), tax-exempt bonds, HUD programs, and various state and local subsidies.
Development and Construction Management
Oversee the entire development lifecycle for all projects in the portfolio. Ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Manage and coordinate with internal and external teams, including architects, engineers, general contractors, and legal counsel, to mitigate risk and ensure seamless execution.
Portfolio and Asset Management
Provide strategic oversight for the existing portfolio of affordable housing assets. Work closely with the asset management team to optimize property performance, ensure long-term financial health, and maintain compliance with all regulatory agreements and lender requirements. Focus on creating a positive resident experience and fostering stable, vibrant communities.
Team Building and Mentorship
Recruit, lead, and mentor a best-in-class, multidisciplinary team of professionals in development, finance, and asset management. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance culture that is aligned with the company’s core values. Empower team members through professional development and provide clear direction to achieve departmental and corporate objectives.
Policy and Regulatory Engagement
Serve as the company’s subject matter expert on affordable housing policy. Proactively monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory changes at the federal, state, and local levels. Actively engage with policymakers and industry groups to advocate for policies that support the creation and preservation of affordable housing. You will be expected to stay informed on the latest policies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other key agencies.
Requirements for the President, Affordable Housing with a National Developer – New York, NY
The successful candidate will be a proven leader with extensive experience in the affordable housing sector. Qualifications include:
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in real estate development, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP, SVP, Managing Director) focused specifically on affordable and mixed-income housing.
Track Record
A demonstrated and verifiable track record of successfully leading the development of a significant portfolio of affordable housing projects from acquisition through stabilization.
Financial Expertise
Unparalleled expertise in the financial intricacies of affordable housing development. Must be a master of structuring deals using 4% and 9% LIHTC, tax-exempt bonds, HUD/FHA financing, and a variety of other federal, state, and local funding sources.
Leadership Acumen
Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire a large and diverse team of professionals. Exceptional executive presence, with the ability to communicate effectively and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and holistically about the business, balancing mission-driven objectives with rigorous financial discipline. Experience developing and executing multi-year growth plans is essential.
Network
A robust and established network of relationships with key players in the affordable housing industry, including public agency officials, lenders, equity investors, and non-profit partners, particularly in the New York market and other key national markets.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA, MRED, or similar) is highly preferred.
Location
The position is based in New York, NY. The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to the New York metropolitan area. Regular travel will be required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package designed to attract and retain a top-tier executive. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) with carried interest or equity participation.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Company-paid life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability coverage.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match to help you prepare for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing education, industry conferences, and professional memberships to support your growth and leadership.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
Mission-Driven Impact
A unique opportunity to lead a major national platform dedicated to solving one of the country’s most pressing challenges, creating a tangible and lasting social impact.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. If you are a visionary leader passionate about affordable housing and possess the qualifications to drive a national platform, we encourage you to apply. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership accomplishments. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Real Estate Executive Search Practice page. Our client is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
