DescriptionThe Housing Development Executive Director will plan, direct, and supervise the execution of the County’s plans for affordable and workforce housing. The position implements County Council’s vision for housing development, meeting the needs of the community, and promoting a strong housing climate to ensure a high-quality built environment. Directing a team of two professionals, managing a $8 million dollar budget, the Executive Director ensures effective execution of initiatives, reporting directly to DCA-Community Services and maintaining collaborative ties with the County Administrator and Council. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a passion for fostering affordable housing.
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $134,576 To $176,280 (Salary based on qualifications/experience)OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELYDuties and Responsibilities- Plans, organizes, and directs the programs, operations, activities, budget, and employees of the Housing Development Department as set forth by County Council and the County Administrator.
- Work closely with the Economic Development Director to ensure appropriate housing solutions for existing and new businesses locating in the Charleston region.
- Develop and execute comprehensive housing development strategies aligned with Charleston County’s goals and priorities.
- Identify opportunities for housing development attraction, retention, and expansion.
- Work with leading businesses to develop fund mechanisms to provide necessary workforce housing to local industries.
- Lead negotiations with prospective businesses and developers to secure incentive packages aligned with housing development goals.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and legal counsel to draft and finalize incentive agreements, contracts, and legal documents to prepare them for County Council’s approval.
- Oversee the administration of financial incentive programs (e.g. MCIP, FILOT, SSRC, CCED grants) to ensure compliance with guidelines and reporting requirements.
- Oversee accommodations tax implementation in partnership with local project partners.
- Initiate and develop mechanisms to implement adaptive reuse projects.
- Oversee the administration of grants approved for Housing Development projects and accepted by Charleston County Council.
- Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations.
- Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to leverage resources and support housing development initiatives.
- Develop and manage the department’s $8 million budget, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and fiscal responsibility.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Business, or Public Administration, Urban Planning, Economic Development, or a related field.
- Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) or Business (MBA) or similar field preferred but not required.
- Minimum of seven years or more of experience in housing development, housing assistance, public facility or infrastructure development, commercial development, public/private finance, fiscal planning, budget preparation, and economic tools and incentives, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity at an executive level of an organization.
- Certification as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and SC Economic Developers Association are a plus.
- Any equivalent combination which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities- Possess excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.
- Work requires the ability to read complex legal documents, development agreements and contracts, executive business letters and communications, development-related documents, master plans, design guidelines, construction site plans, budget documents, business magazines, journals, newspapers, and technical reports, strategic or operational plans.
- Work requires the ability to write concise and professional communication with executive management, County Council, and business executives, preparing marketing documents, assisting with housing development agreements.
- Exercise tact, discretion, and sound judgment in addressing sensitive or confidential matters.
- Work is widely varied, involving analyzing and evaluating many complex and significant variables. Organization-wide policies, procedures, or precedents are developed and/or recommended.
- Demonstrate logical and creative thought processes to identify issues and develop solutions.
Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to: - Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
- Optional Life and Disability Insurance
- Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
- Annual and Sick Leave
- Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
- South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
- Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
- Optional Deferred Compensation Program
- Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
- Optional Federal Credit Union Membership
- Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Well-being Program
For more information, visit our
benefits page.