Director of Real Estate Development - The Hazelwood Initiative
Nonprofit Talent
August 17, 2014
Professional Area:
Economic Planning and Development
Real Estate Development
Experience:
5-7 years
Contact person:
Todd Owens
Email:
Todd@NonprofitTalent.com
Location:
Pittsburgh, PA
Application Materials Due By: 5 PM, Tuesday, September 2, 2014
The Hazelwood Initiative is a nonprofit community development corporation (CDC) operating in the Hazelwood and Glen Hazel neighborhoods. As a CDC, the mission of the Hazelwood Initiative is to be community driven, providing a shared stronger voice for greater Hazelwood by gathering community input to build a sense of hope, harmony, and promise as well as supporting human, spiritual and continuing community development. The Hazelwood Initiative is expanding in size, impact, and scale and has an immediate need for two key individuals to join the organization: one with expertise in residential and commercial real estate development and one in resident engagement and community organizing.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Real Estate Development (Director) is an essential member of The Hazelwood Initiative’s leadership team, and a key team member in the growth and development of the neighborhood. The Director manages and leads real estate (residential, commercial and other) and economic development activity for the organization, including business attraction, retention, expansion efforts, housing acquisition, redevelopment and construction initiatives, and implementation of the neighborhood housing strategy. This position will work to provide guidance to individuals and companies to establish, relocate, or expand their businesses within the community. The position will include assistance in the planning and coordination of community development projects, assist business and residential applicants with local and State permitting processes, and provide research for CDC sponsored projects.
The Director reports to the Executive Director and has no direct reports. However, this individual will work collaboratively with interns, consultants and others in the organization. More important however, is this individual’s ability to build on and further develop a strong foundation of planning, technical, strategic, and financial partners, as we well as existing business anchors, and unique strategic assets, to attract investments of scale and help improve and transform the residential and commercial fabric of the Hazelwood neighborhood.
The Director must be a flexible self-starter. S/he will make connections between residents to broaden and deepen the community network, support local advocacy, and develop an environment that supports neighborhood growth and improvement. This is an ideal position for someone who is passionate about neighborhood improvement, interested in the real estate development side of urban planning, and passionate about transforming communities!
This position is primarily responsible for the following:
- Maintaining a liaison with various local, State, and Federal agencies, coordinating projects with agencies as deemed necessary and appropriate (i.e. PHFA, URA, HUD, etc.).
- Performing a variety of administrative, technical, and professional work in preparation and implementation of economic and community development plans, programs, and services.
- Providing information and/or making presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the general public on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
- Maintaining familiarity with the existing inventory of available buildings and commercial and residential development sites within the community. This includes both public and private buildings and land areas. Preparing grant proposals and funding applications, contracts and other necessary documents as may be required for necessary community services.
- Providing assistance in the development of short and long term economic and community development plans, as well as in the gathering of information and preparation of studies, reports, and recommendations to achieve such goals. This will involve the preparation and maintenance of information on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, financing tools, and incentives, in order to respond to requests for information for economic development purposes, and the coordination with other departments and agencies as needed.
- Serving as the primary point of contact for prospective businesses and providing assistance with site selection, permitting, and inspections. Serving as the CDC’s expert on residential and commercial development processes and protocols. Maintaining an understanding and ability to communicate the guidelines and restrictions of the zoning code and other municipal parameters.
- Understanding the City permitting and inspection processes and guiding new businesses through them, working through any roadblocks.
- Coordinating the utilization of existing programs such as rehabilitation programs, existing state and federal funding sources and grant opportunities, administration procedures, political mechanisms, legal tools, etc., as appropriate to promote economic development.
- Remaining current and informed of best practices in the field of neighborhood and commercial development and participating in workshops and training when required
- Representing The Hazelwood Initiative at local and citywide meetings and events.
- Managing project schedules and budgets to ensure that programs operate within established timelines and budgets, or proper authorization is secured for spending variances or delays.
- Working in conjunction with state/local representatives and agencies to identify new opportunities for financing projects.
- Analyzing economic studies, financial statements, marketing studies, plans, specs, and bid documents.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Our ideal candidate has a demonstrated passion for residential and commercial development in a distressed community context. Additionally, they have a blend of the following:
- 5-7 years of experience, heavy in commercial/industrial real estate or brokerage; economic development; urban and regional planning; policy development, or related field (experience in private sector economic development is strongly desirable).
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in urban planning, business, or public administration, economics, or closely related field is required. An advanced degree is preferred. A real estate license is a plus.
- Demonstrated understanding of economic development and funding strategies, especially in the public sector; commercial and residential property development; and real estate and market analysis. Considerable knowledge of business development, community, and economic development. Working knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure, and planning programs and processes.
- Understanding of potential funding sources and tools such as New Markets, affordable housing, and Historic tax credits.
- Understanding of Main Street development methodologies and development in challenging environments.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with a broad range of people and groups including individuals, engineers, architects, contractors, developers, businesses, supervisors, employees, independent retailers, corporate retail executives, real estate agents, landlords, and the general public.
- Ability to prepare and analyze reports and data, and have skill in the operation of necessary tools and equipment, i.e. computer, word processing, spreadsheet software, and general office equipment.
- Data-driven, with an ability to utilize internet research, GIS, PNCIS, real estate, market and other data to inform decision-making.
- Adept at project management, particularly when juggling multiple projects with divergent timelines, stakeholders and funding sources.
- Efficient self-starter with strong analytical, research, written, organizational, client service, and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity to and collaboration with diverse client populations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment, as well as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build solid relationships and support among stakeholders, listen and provide assistance.
COMPENSATION
This position offers a competitive salary in the $60K range, and a generous benefits package, consistent with other nonprofit organizations of similar size, scope, and scale.
The Hazelwood Initiative has retained Nonprofit Talent to assist with this important organizational change process. Interested individuals wishing to confidentially discuss this opportunity may contact Todd Owens, Principal at 412.512.3879, or email Todd@NonprofitTalent.com. Please direct all inquiries related to this position to Nonprofit Talent and do not contact The Hazelwood Initiative.
The Hazelwood Initiative is an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring and supporting a diverse and qualified workforce.