Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an RHFA Division Director

🎯 Role Definition

As the Division Director for the Regional Housing & Finance Authority (RHFA), you will provide executive-level leadership and management for all divisional programs, operations, and staff. You will be at the forefront of developing and executing long-range strategic plans, securing complex funding streams, and ensuring the fiscal integrity and regulatory compliance of our housing and finance initiatives. This position requires a dynamic leader adept at navigating the complexities of public policy, financial markets, and community relations to achieve the organization's mission of creating sustainable and equitable housing solutions.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Deputy Director or Assistant Director within a public agency
Senior Program Manager (Housing, Finance, or Community Development)
Director of Finance or Planning in a smaller municipality or non-profit

Advancement To:

Executive Director or Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a housing authority or non-profit
Deputy City/County Manager or Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
Regional Administrator for a state or federal agency (e.g., HUD)

Lateral Moves:

Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Director of Economic Development
Public Sector or Real Estate Development Consultant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct and oversee all operational activities of the RHFA division, including program management, financial administration, and personnel management, to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive long-range strategic plans, translating broad organizational goals into actionable divisional objectives and measurable outcomes.
Provide strong fiscal leadership by developing and managing the division's multi-million dollar annual budget, performing complex financial analysis, and ensuring sound stewardship of public funds, grants, and bond proceeds.
Spearhead the development and administration of innovative housing finance programs, including bond issuance, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) allocation, and down payment assistance initiatives.
Ensure strict compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, particularly those from HUD, the U.S. Treasury, and other governing bodies.
Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, financial institutions, developers, and community leaders to advance the RHFA's mission.
Represent the RHFA in public forums, legislative sessions, and industry conferences, effectively articulating the organization's vision, programs, and policy positions to diverse audiences.
Lead complex negotiations for major contracts, inter-agency agreements, and real estate development deals, ensuring favorable terms and mitigating organizational risk.
Provide expert policy analysis and recommendations to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on critical issues affecting affordable housing and community development.
Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, diversity, and continuous improvement by mentoring, coaching, and developing a dedicated team of professional staff.
Direct the preparation and presentation of detailed reports, policy briefs, and financial statements for the Board, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
Oversee the division's portfolio of loans and investments, monitoring performance, managing risk, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of revolving loan funds.
Champion the integration of data-driven decision-making processes to assess program effectiveness, identify market trends, and optimize resource allocation.
Lead community outreach and engagement efforts to ensure divisional programs are responsive to the needs of the diverse populations and neighborhoods we serve.
Manage the procurement and administration of professional service contracts, including legal counsel, financial advisory, and underwriting services.
Drive innovation in program design and service delivery, consistently exploring new models and technologies to increase efficiency and impact.
Serve as a key member of the organization's senior leadership team, contributing to overall agency strategy, policy formulation, and collaborative problem-solving.
Resolve highly complex and sensitive issues, inquiries, and complaints from stakeholders, elected officials, and the public with professionalism and diplomacy.
Oversee the complete lifecycle of housing development projects funded or facilitated by the division, from initial underwriting to construction completion and long-term compliance monitoring.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for all divisional activities, holding staff accountable for achieving ambitious performance targets and service levels.
Direct the division's risk management framework, proactively identifying potential legal, financial, and operational risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
Guide the legislative advocacy strategy for the division, working with government relations staff to influence policy that supports the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

Secondary Functions

Serve as acting Executive Director in the absence of the incumbent, providing leadership continuity for the entire organization.
Participate in and lead cross-functional task forces and committees to address organization-wide challenges and opportunities.
Mentor emerging leaders within the organization, contributing to succession planning and broader professional development initiatives.
Review and approve high-level communications, press releases, and public-facing materials related to the division's activities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Public Finance (Municipal Bonds, LIHTC)
Strategic Planning & Execution
Budgeting & Financial Modeling
Policy Analysis & Development
Regulatory Compliance (e.g., HUD, Treasury)
Contract Negotiation & Management
Real Estate Development & Underwriting
Grant Writing & Administration
Data Analysis & Performance Metrics
Project Management Methodologies

Soft Skills

Executive Leadership & Vision
Stakeholder Management & Engagement
Public Speaking & Presentation
Strategic & Critical Thinking
Complex Problem-Solving
Political Acumen & Diplomacy
Team Building & Mentorship
Decisive Judgment
Negotiation & Influence
Interpersonal Communication

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Public Administration (MPA) or Business Administration (MBA)
Finance, Urban Planning, or Public Policy

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in public administration, housing finance, or a related field, including at least 5-7 years in a significant management or supervisory capacity.

Preferred:

Direct experience working with a board of directors, elected officials, and diverse community groups. Proven track record of managing complex financial transactions and large-scale development projects.