Housing Director

Shape the Future of Housing in Alexandria

The City of Alexandria is seeking an accomplished and visionary housing leader to serve as its next Director of the Office of Housing.

Located along the Potomac River just minutes from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is a vibrant and historic community of approximately 160,000 residents known for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and commitment to creating housing opportunities for residents across a broad range of incomes.

The Director of the Office of Housing serves as a key member of the City's leadership team and is responsible for advancing Alexandria's housing affordability, preservation, development, and landlord-tenant initiatives. This position provides strategic direction for housing policy and programs while working collaboratively with City leadership, residents, developers, nonprofit organizations, housing providers, and regional partners to support the City's housing goals.

About the Office of Housing

The Office of Housing provides programs and services to renters, homeowners, home buyers, landlords, and property managers. The department administers affordable housing investments, housing preservation initiatives, landlord-tenant programs, and federal housing and community development funding.

The Director leads a team of approximately 16 employees and oversees the development, administration, and implementation of citywide housing policies and programs that expand and preserve housing opportunities throughout Alexandria.

The Opportunity

The Director serves as the City's principal advisor on housing policy and affordable housing initiatives and is responsible for:

• Developing, recommending, and administering affordable housing policies and programs for approval by the City Manager and City Council.
• Providing strategic leadership and policy direction for the Office of Housing's operations, activities, and programs.
• Leading major housing policy initiatives, including implementation of the City's housing goals and long-range planning efforts.
• Supervising and developing senior management staff while fostering a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
• Preparing and presenting reports, policy recommendations, and agenda items to City Council, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, boards, commissions, and other stakeholder groups.
• Keeping the City Manager and City Council informed of significant housing issues, emerging trends, and strategic opportunities.
• Overseeing the department's budget, financial operations, and administration of federal housing and community development funding programs, including CDBG and HOME.
• Working closely with the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) and other housing partners to preserve and expand housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households.
• Developing and administering policies related to developer housing contributions and affordable housing commitments.
• Negotiating with private-sector developers to secure affordable and workforce housing opportunities as part of residential and mixed-use development projects.
• Leading efforts to preserve existing affordable housing and prevent the loss of assisted and market-affordable housing throughout the City.
• Supporting nonprofit organizations and housing partners through funding, technical assistance, and strategic collaboration.
• Collaborating with Planning & Zoning and other City departments to integrate housing priorities into land use, development review, and community planning efforts.
• Representing the City on regional, state, and national housing organizations, committees, and advisory groups.
• Engaging residents, civic associations, community organizations, and other stakeholders on housing policies, programs, and initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate 

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and collaborative leader with extensive experience in affordable housing, housing finance, community development, and public administration.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of affordable housing policy, development, preservation, and financing.
• Experience structuring and negotiating complex multifamily housing transactions.
• Experience with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and other affordable housing financing tools.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local housing and community development programs.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders and navigating complex public policy issues.
• The ability to build consensus and lead through collaboration.
• A demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and public service.