Director of Community Led Development

Position Overview:

United for Brownsville (UB) seeks a Director of Community-Led Development to serve as a strategic architect for East Brooklyn’s future, driving the delivery of high-impact housing and infrastructure. This leader will oversee the successful lease-up of 372 Livonia, specifically ensuring seamless coordination between property managers and service providers to support resident success. The Director will oversee the delivery of all internal program support at The Rise, ensuring that residents in our co-developed supportive housing building have access to essential resources. Simultaneously, they will serve as a bridge to the Brownsville community, sharing hyperlocal opportunities to ensure residents feel fully included and engaged in their neighborhood. Additionally, the Director will establish the Brownsville Community Land Trust (BVCLT) as an independent entity that supports the community's desire to educate and empower residents on community land stewardship.

Grounded in the belief that stable, high-quality housing is the essential foundation for racial equity and economic mobility, the Director will work alongside residents and housing resources to spearhead homeownership preservation and maintain generational wealth in East Brooklyn. The role also provides vital advisory stewardship for the Gregory Jackson Center, evolving it into a mission-aligned neighborhood hub that serves the broader community. By fostering deep collaboration between residents and local partners, the Director will ensure that UB’s housing initiatives remain a permanent cornerstone of a thriving, equitable East Brooklyn.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Development

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure the successful delivery and community impact of all current and proposed development initiatives.
• Champion UB’s mission by moving from a project-by-project model to a multi-year strategy that drives financing and partnership opportunities.
• Act as the lead internal advisor on the feasibility and planning of capital improvements to ensure facility upgrades support community services.
• Evaluate potential capital investments for ROI, sustainability, and impact on community service delivery.

2. Development Execution of 372 Livonia & Community Facility Programming Management of The Rise:

• Monitor project milestones for 372 Livonia, an 82-unit project, to ensure property managers and service providers achieve a timely, well-executed lease-up, occupancy, and resident support process scheduled for January 2027.
• Ongoing management of the service providers and property management.
• Develop a long-term fundraising plan to keep over 3,000 sqft. of community spaces open, well-maintained, and growing.
• The Rise: managing the programming for the building and participating in property management duties as a co-developer.

3. BVCLT Independence & Housing Preservation

• Lead the transition of the Brownsville Community Land Trust (BVCLT) into a community-led structure for resident-stewardship of affordable housing and community assets.
• Support the creation of a multi-year business plan and model for the BVCLT to acquire and preserve affordable housing.
• Spearhead ambitious initiatives to preserve existing homeownership, ensuring East Brooklyn families can maintain and pass down their homes.
• Co-develop a long-term neighborhood housing plan to preserve deeply affordable units in collaboration with the Executive Director.

4. Gregory Jackson Center (GJC) Strategic Advisory

• Serve as the lead internal advisor on capital improvements, ensuring all physical upgrades directly support the programmatic needs of the Center’s community services.
• Work in tandem with the Property Manager to maintain the building's aesthetics and safety while prioritizing interior improvements that enhance the drop-in experience for visitors.
• Design spatial enhancements tailored for high-density occupancy to ensure the facility remains resilient, safe, and welcoming under heavy daily use.
• Meet regularly with the property manager and CFO to identify necessary upgrades or repairs that align with long-term growth.

5. Accounting Synergy & Administration

• Collaborate with the Accounting Department to manage capital funding streams, ensuring restricted funds and grants are used efficiently for facility upkeep and program-specific infrastructure.
• Manage annual capital and operating budgets related to facility management and real estate development, identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Oversee administrative records related to building safety, occupancy permits, and insurance, providing data-driven reports that correlate facility health with programmatic impact.
• Provide direct oversight and mentorship for future housing-related staff, fostering a high-accountability culture.

Professional Experience and Qualifications:

• 5+ years of affordable housing, mission-oriented real estate, or corollary community development experience
• Passionate about the power of civic and community engagement to make Brownsville the best place for its residents.
• Strong ability to listen and work with people to generate opportunities and solutions.
• Cultural competence working in diverse Black communities
• Knowledge of housing finance is required; experience with New York State, New York City, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit is capital and operating financing programs is a strong asset.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.