Community Development Director

Lakeshore Advantage Community Development Director Holland, MI
· Full time Company website Apply for Community Development Director

We’re seeking a strategic, relationship-driven leader to lead housing-focused community development initiatives in the West Michigan lakeshore region of Ottawa and Allegan counties. The ideal candidate is a connector and problem-solver who thrives on helping partners navigate resources and tools. You’ll be the go‑to expert for local municipalities, a trusted partner to housing stakeholders, and a catalyst for priority housing projects.

In this role, you’ll also work with developers on pro formas and capital stacks, ensuring projects are positioned for success. If you’re passionate about supporting communities, unlocking funding tools, and guiding stakeholders through the financial aspects that accelerate housing solutions, we want to meet you.

Lakeshore Advantage serves current and prospective companies in Ottawa and Allegan Counties, providing one‑stop assistance for location, innovation, and growth. Our team specializes in assisting companies in the advanced manufacturing, life sciences, information technology, agribusiness, and aerospace and defense industries.

Lakeshore Advantage is a non‑profit organization catalyzing economic growth in West Michigan. Our team is guided by a set of unique core values that drive our culture:

• Always Evolving
• CEO of Our Own Responsibilities
• Come to the Rescue
• Do the Right Thing
• Lead the Standing Ovation

These values are the foundation around which we conduct our everyday work and define the expectations of our team.

• Strategic Direction: Provide strategic direction to Lakeshore Advantage’s workforce housing effort and coordinate the necessary stakeholders in the implementation of that strategy.
• Resource Navigation & Technical Assistance: Navigate communities and developers to local, state, and federal funding tools. Provide technical assistance on priority projects via the development of pro formas, capital stack assistance, and guidance on use of applicable tax credits.
• Local Unit of Government/Developer Liaison: Serve as the primary resource and subject matter expert for local units of government and developers. Build trusted relationships, provide education, and guide communities through the use of housing tools and zoning opportunities.
• Priority Project Identification & Support: Work with stakeholders to identify communities and housing projects ready for activation. Provide strategic support, track progress, and accelerate implementation where possible.
• Stakeholder Collaboration Leadership: Cultivate and maximize relationships with key stakeholders including county partners, employers, developers, and nonprofits.
• Data & Project Tracking: Maintain accurate records of project status, stakeholder engagement, and funding outcomes. Use data to inform strategy and communicate impact.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, economic or community development, real estate, finance, or related field
• 6+ years of experience in housing, economic or community development, urban planning, real estate development, or local government
• Familiarity with real estate development process and experience working with the financial tools used to support projects
• Proven success in managing multi‑stakeholder projects and navigating public sector processes
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship‑building abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and CRM systems

• Understanding of how to layer complex local, state, and federal tools together to make projects successful
• Financial aptitude and the ability to provide technical assistance to local governments and developers
• Ability to learn new technology and systems
• Experience with data tracking platforms and reporting tools

Full‑time, 40 hours per week

Some evenings and early mornings required.

Supervisor:
Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

• 160 hours of paid time off, 10 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday
• 401k 3% contribution up to 7% match
• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare for full‑time employees