Project Executive - Development

Rippowam Corporation Overview

The Housing Authority of the City of Stamford, d/b/a Charter Oak Communities (COC), established its wholly-owned real estate development affiliate, Rippowam Corporation (RC), in 2003. RC is a tax-exempt non-profit organization, designated under 509(a)3 of the IRS code as a supporting organization. The purpose of RC is to undertake development, create entities to serve as general partner in public-private development partnerships, and perform asset management services in support of the COC portfolio. Its mission is intended to serve the affordable housing needs of COC’s residents and to benefit the Stamford community.

Your Job

As a Project Executive – Development, you will lead a small team that is responsible for the successful execution of all development projects from inception to completion. This key role achieves portfolio objectives while contributing to the financial performance and mission of Charter Oak Communities (COC). You will collaborate effectively as an engaged member of the RC team, as well as establish and maintain strong, positive relationships with all COC departments and external partners.

You will develop and mentor members of the RC team in support of continuous professional development. You will report to the President of Rippowam Corporation who jointly reports to the Rippowam Corporation board of directors and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Charter Oak Communities. Your position has the support necessary to perform to your full potential and may be afforded the opportunity for ongoing growth and advancement. Being a Project Executive can be rewarding in many ways: making a lasting difference in residents’ lives by providing high quality housing; opportunities to identify and recommend development projects and business opportunities; maintaining a work-life balance; and enjoying an attractive compensation package.

Benefits

• This job is a full-time position, Monday – Friday.
• After six (6) months of successful employment, this role may be eligible for a hybrid schedule (4 days office/1 day remote) or ‘flex time’.
• Competitive salary and generous paid time off (12 holidays, 12 vacation days, 9 sick days and 5.5 personal days annually; thereafter 1 additional vacation day annually, not to exceed 25 days)
• Company paid short- & long-term disability and life insurance.
• Family-like work culture, wellness activities and team building experiences.
• Employer paid 401(k) contributions.
• Commitment to ongoing learning, development, and professional advancement.

Your Job Responsibilities

• Manage project development teams from land use approvals through construction, marketing, lease- up and close out.
• Ensure projects are delivered within budget, on time and of the highest quality condition and service standards, while adhering to all safety standards, regulatory requirements and building codes.
• Provide support as needed for project cost certifications and annual financial audits.
• Identify funding sources for the development and operation of affordable and mixed-income housing, including Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Housing Choice Voucher Program (HVCP), commercial financing and Federal, State and Local subsidies.
• Develop trusted, collaborative relations and investors and private and private institutions.
• Engage with the community and garner neighborhood support as it relates to housing development projects.
• Work collaboratively with the COC Finance Department on accounting, reporting, financial modeling and long-term project planning.
• Complete special projects assigned by the President of Rippowam Corporation.

Who You Are

• Knowledge and experience with the entire real estate development process including project conception, design, land use approvals, financing, construction, and closeout.
• Extensive experience with new construction of multifamily housing and renovation of existing housing properties.
• Proven advanced project management, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of State of Connecticut, or similar, state housing assistance programs.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to convey, in presentation and written form, complex information to internal management and boards along with external partners in a concise manner.

Mandatory Education/Experience Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree is mandatory, with specialties in engineering, architecture, construction management and/or finance preferred.
• A master’s degree in construction management, real estate development, finance, business administration or a related field is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in related positions with progressive increases in responsibility, with three (3) of those years in a supervisory capacity is mandatory.
• Experience in affordable housing and real estate development is mandatory.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills is mandatory.
• Experience working with operating and financial partners is mandatory.    
• Strong financial and analytical acumen.

Additional Requirements

• An exam may be administered which will assess competency level in accordance with position description criteria.
• Writing Samples: Two examples of at least two pages each.
• Spreadsheet Samples: Examples sufficient to demonstrate ability to create and manipulate financial information for complex real estate transactions.
• Presentation: Present a summary project plan, not to exceed 20 minutes, describing process and results to the interviewing committee.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug test and physical, educational background, reference, and background check.
• Charter Oak Communities has a COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate, proof of vaccinations at the time of the acceptance of a contingent offer or submittal of a religious or medical exemption request to Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunities Statement

COC is deeply committed to sustaining a workplace and global community where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, neurodiversity, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other non- merit based or legally protected grounds.

Who we are - Our Mission

The mission of Charter Oak Communities (COC) is to bring about social benefit through innovation to create a healthier and stronger Stamford. Charter Oak Communities begins by helping families and individuals live comfortably in safe, attractive, and cohesive neighborhoods. It moves further by striving to develop, test and institutionalize creative approaches to social wellbeing that unlock full human potential. Innovations aim to raise the accessibility and effectiveness of education, social services, health care, employment, and environmental livability among other core goals.

Physical Requirements

Provided under separate cover.