Director Of Policy & Program Development

Position Overview
The Director of Policy and Program Development is responsible for providing strategic leadership and focused work on development and implementation of housing resilience strategies for GMHF. The focus of this work will be developing and implementing GMHF’s Green Housing Initiative, including new green lending programs and policies within GMHF and identifying systems gaps and new initiatives to support the green investment strategy in affordable housing throughout Minnesota.

The Director of Policy and Program Development will engage leaders in the housing and climate innovation and lending sectors to foster cross sector partnerships, knowledge sharing and coordination and expansion of “green” investments in affordable housing throughout Minnesota. The Director will support broader affordable housing resilience strategies, including, but not limited to supporting a coalition of non-profit housing providers and inter-agency collaboration to develop and advance new policy, programs, and strategies to stabilize affordable housing throughout Minnesota.

The successful candidate must be able to travel to meet with stakeholders throughout the state. This position will report to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities
The director will undertake and, in some cases, manage and coordinate the activities of consultants engaged in the work of the policy and program advancement, including:

•  Procure and manage consultants and other experts to assist GMHF in the development of its green lending strategy.
  
• Lead internal and external inter-disciplinary teams to establish and implement green lending strategies and identify and advance policy, programs, and initiatives needed to advance affordable housing field learning, identification and adoption of best practices, and gaps in the Minnesota housing and climate resilience ecosystem.
• Integrate climate friendly practices into GMHF programs, products, financing, and technical assistance to add value in achieving resilient and sustainable housing and communities, improving housing affordability, providing residents economic and health benefits, and leveraging federal funding to advance climate resiliency.
• Establish partnerships and collaborate with development partners and owners to increase awareness of green strategies in affordable housing.
• Establish partnerships with Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) grantees and other funders and establish financial products that can receive and deploy capital to advance climate resilient housing and communities throughout the state of MN.
• Develop a pipeline of projects to benefit from green lending and climate resilient housing investments.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategy including researching funding sources, developing strong relationships with funders, prepare and submit funding requests, and maintain funder relationships.
• Collaborate with the lending team to establish the products (loans and grants) that will be useful and incentivize changes in development practices in the affordable housing development sector.
• Complete pilot projects that inform the products, partnership, and practice to run effective programs in climate friendly development.
• Inform the affordable housing field in preparation for new opportunities, resources, and industry changes on the horizon.
• Build the narrative of changes necessary to address climate change and achieve continuing affordability in the housing market.
• Establish metrics and systems to measure, track, and communicate performance of GMHF green lending.
• Lead interagency collaboration and coordination with state agencies, other CDFIs and non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to advance partnerships, field learning opportunities, local and state green housing policy development and implementation.
• Engage low-income and communities of color to ensure equitable access to green housing funding programs and opportunities.
• Lead, engage, and collaborate with GMHF staff across the organization to build internal capacity for green lending and advancing GMHF’s green housing initiative.
• Lead and facilitate broader discussions with state and local government, philanthropy, housing and energy experts, and the development community to identify and advance statewide opportunities to develop climate resilient affordable housing throughout MN.
• Lead and facilitate capacity building, coalition building, policy and Program Development, coordination, and interagency partnership activities to create and implement strategies to support the health and resilience of the affordable housing sector in MN.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

The Director of Policy and Program Development will be an integral part of the GMHF team and work closely with staff at all levels to promote our mission and achieve our goals. If you are a highly motivated, creative individual with a passion for affordable and resilient housing, combatting climate change, social and racial justice, and coalition building, we encourage you to apply.

Required Experience

• Ten years of experience in community development, project management, public affairs, and public policy.
• Minimum 5 years supervision and management experience and/or leading multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required, master’s or juris doctor degree preferred.
• Proficient in using MS Office applications.
• Valid Driver’s License and auto insurance, and access to a car for scheduled travel.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of and experience in the fields of affordable housing financing programs and products and “green initiatives” in housing that focus on improved climate change resilience and energy efficiency, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and facilitate the work of a professional team.
• Ability to think and act strategically to identify and pursue opportunities that will advance the initiative and programs.
• History of managing growth and aligning operations to support strategic business priorities.
• Proven track record of problem-solving, resourcefulness and exceeding set goals.
• Effective project management skills to drive business management and operations.
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate future trends, consequences and build capacity to address evolving circumstances.
• Driven by mission to think creatively and collaborate with others with complementary goals.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, meeting facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong community, board, and committee relations.
• Ability to produce work products directly, including project plans, reports, proposals, written narratives, and project budgets.
• High tolerance for ambiguity and evolving responsibilities in an entrepreneurial environment.
  

About Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
GMHF is a 501(c)3 Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to creating strong communities and affordable homes through strategic investments and effective partnerships. Our Minnesota-based CDFI advances affordable housing throughout Minnesota by directly funding affordable housing projects, providing technical support to local communities and businesses, linking projects with financial resources, securing additional resources for affordable housing, and using research and Program Development activities to identify new and innovative ways of increasing affordable housing production.
GMHF is dedicated to social and racial justice and committed to advancing solutions that support equity for communities of color throughout Minnesota. We strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve by providing high-quality, affordable housing options, and community development services.
GMHF is an equal opportunity employer. We offer hybrid/flexible work schedules, competitive compensation and benefits, and a collaborative work environment.
About GMHF’s Green Housing Initiative
GMHF has a rich history in advancing Minnesota standards for building Green and Healthy Housing going back to 2005 through the MN Green Communities Initiative. The initiative prompted system change in building green affordable housing. Because of the Green Communities Initiative, affordable housing construction and rehabilitation in Minnesota became a national leader in building housing that promoted resident health, brought economic benefit through energy efficiency, and improved the environment. Today as the impact of climate change can be tangibly seen in weather events and news reports regularly, a new level response and changes in the housing development industry are needed. National and state policy has shifted to go far beyond energy efficiency to incorporate electrification and active decarbonization of the residential development sector.
In February 2024, the GMHF Board of Directors created the Green Housing Initiative to advance GMHF as a leader, critical partner, and systems change agent, helping to integrate the fields of affordable housing and climate solutions. This new initiative advances the GMHF 2022-2025 Strategic Plan commitment to foster green and sustainable development practices. It aligns with other strategic commitments including building community capacity, advancing policy and system change, and continuing our long path of innovation and growth to address new needs and opportunities.
Application & Salary Details
Salary range is $112,000 - $144,500, DOQ. Position will be posted through 4pm, Friday, May 17, 2024.
Please submit cover letter and resume to:
Barb Sporlein Chief Operating Officer bsporlein@gmhf.com