Position Summary
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will plan, direct, and review the activities and operations of the Development & Modernization Department and oversee the Authority's long-term strategic planning. The incumbent will coordinate Moving-to-Work plans and activities, promote private/public sector relationships that enhance the Authority’s goals and objectives, and promote economic development activities. The CDO is accountable for creating capacity for innovative, efficient, and effective development and modernization projects, including redeveloping existing properties, and pursuing development opportunities. The CDO oversees design and construction, including providing direction and managing HACP employees and consultants. All activities must
support the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s (“HACP” or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned as needed.
• Oversee development and modernization opportunities of affordable housing on time and within budget.
• Provides focused leadership and expertise for project design, construction, and cost containment.
• Responsible for relationship management with peers, contractors, funders (equity and debt), regulatory entities, community leaders, and government partners.
• Manages staff work, including assigning, planning, and reviewing work; evaluating work performance and completing performance evaluations; coordinating activities; maintaining standards; allocating personnel; selecting new employees; training; acting on employee problems; and recommending and implementing discipline.
• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, performance objectives and standards, and reporting systems in conjunction with other departments of the Authority and with regulatory and funding agencies.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates the Development & Modernization department, Moving-to-Work Program, private/public sector partnerships, and economic development programs; deploys plans to deliver services most efficiently.
• Directs, oversees, and participates in developing department work plans.
• Develops and monitor operating and capital improvement budgets with the CFO and the Executive Director.
• Develops and recommends new approaches to service delivery within the areas of responsibility and assures coordination and communication Authority-wide
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships and regularly consults with tenant/resident organizations in a manner that demonstrates an understanding of and respect for diverse incomes and cultural backgrounds.
• Serves as a policy and program advisor to the Executive Director regarding development activities, strategic planning, and other Authority-wide complex issues; delivers verbal presentations and written reports and prepares resolutions in the area of responsibility for the Executive Director’s review and approval and presentation to the HACP’s Board of Directors.
• Reviews ACCs and updates records for new and renewal funding related to area of responsibility.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS
This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills:
• Experience developing successful real estate projects on-time and within budget, preferably in affordable housing.
• Experience in construction, design, or engineering, including a working knowledge of architectural plans, mechanical and building systems, rehab, new construction, multifamily construction, construction costs, and site plans.
• Proven capacity to direct and manage a talented team of development and modernization professionals and drive high performance from consultants. The ideal incumbent will be a team player with excellent interpersonal skills who can work effectively with neighbors, residents, board members, civic leaders, realtors, lenders, investors, staff, and development partners to achieve organizational goals.
• Focused, efficient, and results oriented. Strong organizational skills and self-directed work habits. Able to anticipate deadlines, review complex legal documents, identify key business points, and manage multiple complex projects, often with overlapping deadlines.
• Knowledge of housing finance preferred, including federal, state, and local housing programs. Capacity to analyze and manipulate complex financial models.
• Proficiency in computer software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Emphasys/Elite, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace.
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Able to make compelling presentations to political and civic leaders and diverse citizen groups.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, public administration, or another related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in neighborhood and community development activities.
• Minimum of 5 years in a senior-level leadership and administrative capacity