Director of Community Development and Housing

SUMMARY

The Director of Community Development and Housing provides strategic, operational, and visionary leadership for the Grand Traverse Band's housing, community development, and infrastructure-related planning initiatives within the Infrastructure Division. This senior leadership position is responsible for advancing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing opportunities for tribal members while supporting long-term community development on tribal lands. The Director oversees federally funded housing programs, development projects, and planning activities in alignment with tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and Tribal Council priorities, and works collaboratively across divisions to support coordinated infrastructure growth.

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, Real Estate Development, or a related field required.
• Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in housing, community development, or real estate development, including at least five (5) years in a management or leadership role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal housing programs and regulations, including NAHASDA, IHBG, HUD requirements, and tribal housing policies.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex development projects, construction initiatives, and multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and intergovernmental coordination skills.
• Knowledge of tribal sovereignty, federal Indian housing policy, and government-to-government relations.

• Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all housing and community development programs serving tribal members.
• Administer and ensure compliance with federal housing programs, including NAHASDA and IHBG, in accordance with HUD regulations and tribal policy.
• Develop, implement, and update comprehensive community development and housing plans aligned with tribal strategic goals.
• Oversee housing construction, rehabilitation, maintenance, and capital improvement projects.
• Manage rental assistance, home ownership, mortgage, and housing support programs for tribal members.
• Coordinate planning and development of housing-related infrastructure in collaboration with the Public Works Director and Infrastructure Division leadership.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and tribal housing regulations, building codes, environmental requirements, and accessibility standards.
• Prepare, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, grant funding, and financial reporting for housing and development programs.
• Coordinate with the Tribal Planning Commission, Infrastructure Director, and other stakeholders on land use planning and housing development initiatives.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with financial institutions, developers, contractors, funding agencies, and governmental entities.
• Oversee required environmental review processes for housing and development projects in coordination with the Natural Resources Division.
• Conduct housing needs assessments, manage waiting lists, and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Supervise and support housing department staff, including project development, occupancy, administrative, and maintenance personnel.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and presentations for Tribal Council, CEO, and Infrastructure Director related to housing needs, program outcomes, and development initiatives.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with developers, contractors, consultants, and service providers.
• Coordinate housing development activities with Legal Affairs, Natural Resources, Environmental staff, and the Land Records Officer.
• Lead community engagement and outreach efforts related to housing planning and development in coordination with Tribal Citizen Engagement.
• Ensure quality control, safety standards, and performance expectations are met across all housing projects.
• Manage housing loan default prevention, foreclosure mitigation, and compliance monitoring programs.
• Promote sustainable, energy-efficient, and culturally appropriate building practices for tribal housing.
• Coordinate with utilities, county, state, and regional agencies on infrastructure planning and service connections.
• Collaborate with Facilities Management, Public Works, and Automotive departments within the Infrastructure Division.

• Visionary leadership skills with the ability to develop and implement long-term community development strategies.
• Strong project management expertise with the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Financial acumen including budget development, grant administration, and fiscal oversight.
• Knowledge of real estate development, construction management, and property operations.
• Understanding of environmental regulations, land use planning, and building code compliance.
• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and partnership development skills.
• Grant writing, reporting, and compliance experience.
• Strong intergovernmental…