Development Director

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region is seeking an experienced professional to lead its real estate development and construction activities in support of affordable home ownership. This role will focus on managing the full scope of Habitat's housing projects, from site identification and acquisition to development, construction and completion. The ideal candidate is a strategic project leader who can coordinate partners, manage budgets, timelines and move complex housing projects forward.

Strategic Project Leadership:
Establishes priorities, anticipates risks and keeps complex projects aligned with organizational goals, budgets, schedules and quality standards.

People Leadership and Accountability:
Maintains appropriate oversight of day-to-day operations while empowering managers to lead their team and projects effectively.

Financial and Operational Management:
Uses sound judgment and timely problem solving to address cost, schedules, quality, compliance and resource challenges.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Communication:
Builds strong working relationships across departments and with municipalities, consultants, subcontractors, vendors, funders, community partners, volunteers and homeowners. Communicates project status, challenges, decisions and expectations clearly to both technical and nontechnical audiences.

The Housing Development Director serves as the primary liaison between Habitat’s Construction, RePair, Real Estate Development, Finance, Homeowner Services and Executive teams while coordinating the work of subcontractors, field staff, volunteers, consultants, vendors and future homeowners.

The Director supervises the managers responsible for the day-to-day project operations and must remain sufficiently informed to communicate effectively about project status, progress and challenges.

Lead housing development projects from preconstruction through completion, ensuring alignment with habitat standards, project scope, budgets, schedules, quality, safety and regulatory requirements.

Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, procurement plans, scopes of work and bid packages; solicit and evaluate bids and manage subcontractor and vendor relationships.

Oversee construction contracts and administration, including subcontract agreements, purchase orders, change orders, invoices, commitments, contingencies and project documentation.

Monitor project progress and performance through regular site visits and reporting; proactively address cost, schedule, quality, safety and coordination issues.

Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including projects in both preconstruction and active construction phases, while maintaining accurate project records and documentation.

Coordinate permitting, inspections, regulatory approvals, sustainability requirements and project closeout with municipalities, consultants, subcontractors, supplier and homeowners.

Supervise, support and develop housing development staff and managers, fostering effective communication and collaboration between field and office teams.

Collaborate with Executive Director and leadership team to ensure housing development activities advance Habitat’s mission, strategic plan and organizational goals.

Lead the planning and development of multi-home communities, including evaluating land acquisition opportunities and coordinating with municipalities, landowners, engineers and other…