Development Director Jobs in Oakland, CA

INTRODUCTION

At MidPen, we build communities that change lives. Since 1970, we have been committed to our mission: to provide safe, affordable housing of high quality to those in need; establish stability and opportunity in the lives of residents; and foster diverse communities that allow people from all ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds to live in dignity, harmony, and mutual respect. We develop affordable housing, provide professional property management for all our communities, and coordinate robust onsite support programs that help residents thrive. We are active in 12 Northern California counties and have earned recognition as one of the nation’s leading non-profit developers and stewards of affordable housing. Our current portfolio of more than 130 properties is home to 20,000 working families, seniors, and people with special needs. We take pride in delivering affordable housing solutions, and we invite you to join us on a journey toward social, economic, and racial equity. MidPen is, once again, proud to be certified as an official Great Place to Work® in 2025.

LOCATION

Location: Oakland or Foster City

Position Summary

The Director of Housing Development (Rebuild) is responsible for leading the planning and execution of a large, multi-phase rebuild of a public housing site. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Housing Development, the Director of Housing Development (Rebuild) will provide strategic and hands-on leadership for all aspects of the development process. This role requires balancing long-term master planning with near-term project delivery, integrating housing, infrastructure, open space, and community facilities, and coordinating closely with public agencies, community partners, and resident-serving organizations. The Director ensures that each phase is financially sound, operationally viable, delivered in a timely and cost-efficient manner, and aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and principles.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Oversee an inter-departmental team responsible for delivering multiple phases of housing, community relations, and related infrastructure, providing guidance, training, and oversight to ensure adherence to organizational standards and risk management practices.
- Lead master planning for rebuilding public spaces, including feasibility analysis, phasing strategy, entitlement and permitting coordination, financing, design, construction, and project closeout.
- Oversee financial structuring and underwriting for each phase, including review and approval of pro formas, funding applications, and negotiation of loan, grant, and partnership terms with public funders, lenders, and investors.
- Guide consultant and contractor selection through competitive processes and oversee contract negotiation, ensuring alignment with standard agreements and organizational policies.
- Coordinate closely with the City agencies, staff, property management, and resident services teams to integrate resident relocation, right-to-return, and lease-up planning into development schedules.
- Represent the organization before public bodies, at community meetings, and with key stakeholders, maintaining strong and productive working relationships.
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting to senior leadership and boards, including budgets, schedules, risk assessments, and project status updates.
- Support continuous improvement of development systems, procedures, and cross-departmental coordination.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Graduate or professional degree in urban planning, community development, architecture, real estate, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Seven or more years of progressively responsible real estate development experience, with a strong preference for affordable or mixed-income housing.
- Prior experience managing staff and multidisciplinary consultant teams.
- Proven ability to work effectively with lenders, investors, public officials, and low-income individuals.
- Thorough knowledge of federal, state, local, and private financing sources for affordable housing.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively represent the organization in public and community settings.
- Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and project management skills, including financial feasibility analysis.
- Proficiency with standard office and development tools, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and project management software.
- Commitment to the mission, values, and resident-centered approach of the organization.
- Ability to easily adapt to change and remain flexible in fast moving environment.

PAY RANGE

$193,600 - $217,800 Annual Salary - Pay based on applicable experience and qualifications

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

- Health Insurance
- Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Investment
- Employee Education Reimbursement Program
- Paid Parental Leave
- FSA for Childcare, Medical, and Commuter Benefits
- EAP Program
- Pet Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Company Holidays
- Wellness Days

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MidPen Housing Corp. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please notify your recruiter. Consistent with its obligations under the law, MidPen Housing Corp. will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.