Housing Innovation Manager

The City of Durango’s Community Development Department is seeking a Housing Innovation Manager to create, implement, and oversee housing initiatives that enhance Durango’s quality of life through strategic housing development.

In this role, your focus will be aligning housing programs with the City’s Strategic Plan, Housing Plan, and Land Use and Development Code (LUDC). You will oversee the Housing Innovation Fund’s budget and financial reporting. Additionally, you will collaborate with existing partners and seek new opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels to expand affordable housing options that meet the community’s needs.

Leading the Housing Innovation Division, you will guide staff through hiring, training, and performance reviews, and encourage interdepartmental outreach to promote housing efforts. You will advise the Community Development Director, City Council, and other key stakeholders on housing matters, and ensure the success of community housing projects through effective project management and community outreach.

What You’ll Do in This Role: 

Leadership and Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the Housing Innovation Division, including programs, initiatives, budget, partnerships, and staff.
• Align division goals with the City’s Strategic Plan, Housing Plan, and Land Use and Development Code (LUDC).
• Provide leadership and direction to Housing Division staff, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Collaborate with other division managers and the Community Development Director to support broader department initiatives.
• Ensure exceptional customer service is provided by the division and department staff.

Strategic Housing Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to increase housing affordability and accessibility.
• Conduct housing market analysis, identify needs, and set housing goals and policies.
• Secure funding for housing initiatives through grants, partnerships, and other financial resources.
• Negotiate land acquisitions, development agreements, and contracts related to housing projects.
• Manage and oversee housing projects, including project management, budget oversight, and contract administration.
• Collaborate with HomesFund and other partners to develop and implement mortgage assistance programs.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders, including residents, developers, and government agencies.
• Conduct outreach and education on housing issues.
• Represent the City on housing-related matters at various boards and commissions.
• Gather and analyze housing data to inform decision-making.
• Develop and implement communication for community housing.

Financial Management and Analysis

• Develop and manage the Housing Division budget.
• Conduct financial analysis of housing projects and programs.
• Evaluate the financial feasibility of housing initiatives.
• Manage fee-in-lieu funds and other financial resources.

Housing Policy and Code

• Develop and recommend housing-related policies and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with existing housing regulations and ordinances.
• Review and update deed restrictions for affordable housing units.

You Have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, real estate development, land use/urban regional planning, economics, business administration, or similar field.
• Three years of professional-level experience in housing program administration, non-profit management, municipal government, economic development, or business assistance, including experience in program implementation, marketing, public information efforts, or related fields.
• A valid Colorado driver’s license.
• Experience in developing and implementing innovative housing and community development policies to address housing challenges and enhance community growth.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team.
• Expertise in overseeing and managing complex budgets and financial projects, including public/private partnerships, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of land use principles, policies, and regulations, including planning and zoning, building codes, and code enforcement.
• Effective public speaking skills with the ability to present housing information and policy decisions in public settings.
• In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local housing and community development regulations, applying this knowledge in all activities.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

Belong at the City of Durango: 

We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. 

The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.