About the job:
The Director of Community Empowerment for the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston leads the strategy, design, and execution of initiatives that connect residents to employment, income growth, and wealth-building opportunities. This role integrates housing redevelopment, real estate activities, and resident services to ensure that development outcomes translate into measurable economic mobility. The position works closely with development, asset management, and property management teams to embed economic inclusion into all housing and real estate activities.
Core Responsibilities:
· Develop and implement an Economic Inclusion Strategy aligned with housing redevelopment and real estate investments
· Integrate workforce and economic mobility goals into RAD, Section 18, and mixed-income development initiatives
· Establish partnerships with major employers, workforce boards, and educational institutions
· Design and implement sector-based workforce pipelines tied to regional economic demand
· Oversee Section 3 compliance and develop contractor and small business development programs
· Align economic inclusion initiatives with resident services programs such as FSS and ROSS
· Embed community empowerment requirements into development RFQs, RFPs, and developer agreements
· Track and report key performance indicators including employment, wage growth, and participation outcomes
· Identify and secure funding sources including grants, philanthropy, and employer contributions
· Collaborate with housing, real estate, and asset management teams to ensure economic inclusion is integrated into all projects
Organizational Alignment
· Report directly to the Chief Housing and Real Estate Officer
· Work cross-functionally with Real Estate Development, Asset Management, Property Management, and Resident Services
· Coordinate closely with Compliance and Performance Management functions
Key Competencies:
· Knowledge of HUD programs including FSS, ROSS, and Section 3
· Experience in workforce development and economic mobility initiatives
· Understanding of real estate development and affordable housing finance
· Ability to build and manage public-private partnerships
· Strong data analysis and performance management skills
· Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
First 12 Months Priorities
· Develop and launch an Economic Inclusion Strategic Plan
· Establish employer partnerships in key industries
· Modernize and expand Section 3 program implementation
· Create workforce pipelines tied to active development projects
· Expand participation and outcomes in FSS and related programs
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have a valid South Carolina driver’s license.
OUR OUTSTANDING BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Free medical insurance for employee
Free dental insurance for employee
Free life insurance for employee
18 days PTO plus 13 holidays
Membership in the SC Pension System (you contribute 9%, the CHA contributes 18.56% to the general fund
Optional 401k through Empower
Free parking at our modern downtown facility
Pay: From $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What are your salary expectations? A range is fine.
- Do you have experience with HUD or public housing?
- Based upon your experience, what makes you the best candidate for this position?
- How many years of director-level experience do you have with self-sufficiency, or workforce development ?
Work Location: In person
