Director of Real Estate and Economic Development

Mission: ADC directs the revitalization of Avondale by developing housing, real estate, and economic initiatives while working collaboratively with residents and partners to address priorities that promote the well-being of Avondale residents as recommended in the Quality-of-Life Plan.

Vision: Avondale is a culturally rich community of choice where residents, businesses and partners are empowered to live healthy and thriving lives.

Description of Role 

The position of Director of Real Estate and Economic Development will work closely with the ADC’s Executive director, board of trustees, and a multitude of community stakeholders on key projects in Avondale. This position will be responsible for all ADC’s real estate and economic development activities.

The ideal candidate will have experience with the full spectrum of real estate responsibilities and should be able to take a project from concept to completion. The ideal candidate should have experience assembling complex finance packages using multiple finance sources including government sources, banks, CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution), tax credits, private equity, etc. The ideal candidate will have experience in all phases of development from acquisition, feasibility, pre-development, construction, and permanent finance. The ideal candidate will have experience working with all real estate development professionals as well as community stakeholders and residents. The ideal candidate should be able to work independently, adhere to project timelines, and manage a variety of projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities 

• Oversees and coordinates all stages of development including site research and acquisitions, feasibility analysis, pre-development, design, project financing, and construction
• Researches and secures funding to support feasibility, site acquisition, pre-development, construction, and financing phase of development
• Conducts feasibility studies and develops pro-forma financial projections. Develops detailed financial analysis and budget.
• Identifies project scope and recruits’ appropriate development partners when appropriate using Equity Toolkit and open RFP (REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS) processes.

• Helps to attract project partners by finding ways that further the mission of the ADC while reducing the risks associated with specific real estate deals. This could be through leading zoning changes, securing grant funding sources, primary leasing ground floor commercial spaces, or other creative ways to partner.
• Develops and manages relationships with federal, state, and local funders, government agencies, community and neighborhood groups, development partners, and industry professionals.
• Represent the ADC before government agencies, planning and zoning commissions, city council, and other community meetings to garner critical support and governmental approvals for potential projects.
• Oversees and monitors project schedules and budgets from acquisition through permanent financing
• Prepares all project payment applications to government and commercial lenders in coordination with the Chief Financial Officer or other accounting staff.
• Research new project opportunity in keeping with the ADC mission
• Partner with Avondale Business Group, Avondale Area Council to implement, the City of Cincinnati, and other stakeholders to implement the Avondale Quality of Life Plan.
• Supervise development team staff and provide direction and staff development to team.
• Other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

Qualifications 

• Minimum of Five Years of real estate project management experience, specifically in development finance, real estate development, real estate finance, or community development required.

• Experience working with public-private real estate projects is preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of MS, Excel, Adobe
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstrated public presentation skills.

• Has demonstrated leadership involving program and organizational oversight, neighborhood redevelopment, and community engagement.
• Exhibit a broad understanding of urban real estate development and the urban retail market.
• Experience with the review and analysis of Real Estate Project Pro-formas

Education 

• Master’s and or bachelor’s degree in relevant field. Extensive experience and training may substitute for education requirements.

Please email cover letter/resume to rhairston@growavondale.org and include your email address and phone number.