Managing Director of Real Estate Development

Position Summary

The Managing Director of Real Estate Development (MD-RED) is a position of critical importance to Full Circle’s growth and stability. This position is responsible for driving the activities of the Real Estate Development (RED) team, emphasizing operations, policies, and procedures. The MD-RED works with other senior leadership to improve expertise and teamwork between departments in support of Full Circle’s mission: to increase access to affordable housing through preservation and development, thoughtful design, and the provision of significant and targeted services to our residents.

Direct Reports

• Senior Vice President of Real Estate
• At least two Senior Project Managers

Travel

Requires occasional travel throughout Chicagoland area, to Detroit, and Kalamazoo for key stakeholder meetings, public meetings, and construction oversight.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment with up to three remote days per week
• 11 days of paid vacation, plus 12 company holidays and 3 floating holidays
• Employer-supported medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid parental leave
• SIMPLE IRA with up to a 3% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Up to $5,250 annually for professional development and education assistance

Compensation

$185,000- $200,000. In line with our commitments to internal equity, we will not hire someone at this job level below or above the stated range.

Organizational Strategy & Leadership

• Partner with the CEO, leadership team, and Board of Directors to establish strategic priorities and organizational goals.
• Develop and implement business plans, work plans, policies, and procedures.
• Work collaboratively across departments to ensure alignment and effective execution of organizational initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the leadership team and help shape the organization's direction.

Talent Management & Staff Development

• Lead and supervise senior members of the Real Estate Development team.
• Define performance expectations and manage department staffing and workload allocation.
• Ensure appropriate training and professional development opportunities for staff at all levels.
• Recommend promotions, compensation adjustments, and succession plans for department personnel.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

External Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a senior ambassador for Full Circle Communities, cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with public agencies, elected officials, community partners, lenders, and industry stakeholders.
• Advance the organization's strategic priorities through active participation in local, regional, and state initiatives that shape affordable housing and community development policy.
• Lead community engagement efforts for development projects, representing FCC at neighborhood meetings, public hearings, and other forums while building trust and fostering productive partnerships.
• Assemble as an organizational spokesperson and thought partner, strengthening FCC's reputation and ensuring the organization is effectively represented across external audiences and key constituencies.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree or appropriate professional experience may be substituted for a degree
• 12+ years of direct experience in affordable housing development with extensive technical knowledge and demonstrated ability to structure complex private and public debt, equity, and grant funding for affordable housing development projects
• Substantial experience with architectural and engineering design and construction materials and methods, including the ability to read technical drawings
• Completed multiple affordable housing development projects in a leadership role such as Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, or Vice President
• Capacity to exercise considerable initiative, independent judgment, assess risk, and communicate around typical acquisition, financing, construction, legal, and design issues
• Effective communicator verbally and in writing, with well-developed analytical, negotiation and public speaking skills
• Prior supervisory experience in the affordable housing field with demonstrated ability to supervise staff, mentor, train and provide feedback
• Works productively under pressure and demonstrates ownership of work and outcomes