Director of Housing & Community Programs
Company: Habitat for Humanity Detroit
Reports to: CEO/Executive Director
Direct Reports: 4 Program Staff Members
Hours per Week: Full Time
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Travel: Moderate - local
Join Our Team: Ready to join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to expanding affordable housing opportunities across Detroit and surrounding communities? As the Housing & Community Programs Director, you will play a critical leadership role in helping families achieve housing stability, homeownership, and safe living conditions. This position offers the opportunity to drive innovative housing initiatives, strengthen community partnerships, and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in need.
Summary: The Housing & Community Programs Director is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, development, implementation, and evaluation of all client-centered housing and community programs. Reporting directly to the CEO/Executive Director, the Director will lead a team of four staff members and oversee homeownership, homeowner support, and various critical home repair initiatives. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in affordable housing, community development, mortgage lending regulations, and homeowner services. This leader will champion equitable housing solutions, foster strong community partnerships, and ensure programs effectively support families throughout their homeownership journey.
Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership & Management
· Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all housing and community programs, including Homeownership and Critical Home Repair programs.
· Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of four direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
· Establish program goals, performance metrics, and evaluation systems to measure impact and outcomes.
· Ensure program compliance with organizational policies, funding requirements, and applicable regulations.
· Identify opportunities for program innovation, expansion, and continuous improvement.
Homeownership Programs
· Oversee all aspects of homebuyer recruitment, outreach, selection, education, and long-term homeowner support services.
· Ensure that the team maintains a continuous pipeline of qualified homebuyers through innovative outreach and engagement strategies.
· Oversee a comprehensive homebuyer education program addressing financial literacy, mortgage readiness, home maintenance, and long-term housing stability.
· Ensure effective homeowner onboarding and ongoing support throughout the homeownership process.
Mortgage Lending & Regulatory Compliance
· Ensure agency compliance as a Qualified Loan Originator.
· Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local mortgage origination regulations.
· Oversee documentation, loan files, and compliance processes to support organizational risk management.
Communications & Advocacy
· Oversee homeowner communications, including newsletters, mailings, digital communications, and direct outreach.
· Ensure accurate and organized maintenance of homeowner financial, legal, and correspondence records.
· Develop and implement advocacy initiatives that advance affordable housing and community development priorities.
· Monitor housing policy developments and identify opportunities to support the organization's mission through public policy engagement.
Critical Home Repair & Aging in Place
· Oversee implementation and growth of critical home repair and aging in place programs
· Assist with securing and managing programmatic funding
· Manage overall program budget and ensure grant compliance
· Ensure proper workflows are in place and ongoing quality control
Community Engagement & Partnerships
· Build and strengthen relationships with public agencies, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, city government, and community stakeholders.
· Represent the organization at community meetings, conferences, and public events.
· Host/attend virtual and in-person informational sessions, workshops, and community engagement events.
· Develop collaborative partnerships that expand access to resources and services for program participants.
Organizational Leadership
· Participate as a member of the organization's senior leadership team.
· Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, grant development, and organizational decision-making.
· Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership, funders, and the Board of Directors.
· Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO/Executive Director in support of the organization's mission.
QualificationsRequired Education & Experience
· Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Social Work, Community Development, Business Administration, Housing, or a related field.
· Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in affordable housing, community development, housing counseling, mortgage lending, or related fields.
· Minimum of 3 years of supervisory and team leadership experience.
· Experience managing multiple programs and projects simultaneously.
· Knowledge of affordable housing programs, housing finance, and homeownership initiatives.
· Working knowledge of mortgage lending process such as pre-qualifications and closings.
Preferred Qualifications
· Master's degree in a related field.
· Experience working within the Detroit housing market and community development landscape.
· Housing counseling certification and/or Mortgage Loan Originator credentials.
· Experience with policy advocacy and coalition-building efforts.
· Experience securing and managing public, private and government funding sources.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
· Strong understanding of affordable housing, homeownership, housing stability, and home repair programs.
· Knowledge of federal and state mortgage lending regulations and compliance requirements.
· Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
· Excellent communication, public speaking, and relationship-building abilities.
· Strong strategic planning and program management capabilities.
· Ability to analyze data and use findings to drive program improvements.
· Well organized with the ability to develop and process workflows.
· Experience working effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and client/program management databases.
· Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as project require.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Detroit, MI 48205
