Community Development Jobs in Cranston, RI (NOW HIRING)

Love building? Build a career with purpose while help shape the future of affordable housing in Rhode Island!

Housing Development Manager

Full-Time; Exempt

Rhode Island, (Office with regular on-site presence at housing properties)

$75,000 – $85,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Job Description

Real Estate Development & Capital Planning

We're looking for someone who enjoys building, improving, and leaving things better than

they found them.

At Sojourner House, we're growing—and with that growth comes the opportunity to help

shape our housing portfolio, strengthen our processes, and make a lasting impact on the

communities we serve.

This isn't just about managing projects. It's about preserving and expanding the places that

support individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human

trafficking, homelessness, and housing instability.

You'll have a seat at the table. We value people who bring thoughtful recommendations,

adapt to changing priorities, take ownership of their work, and help move projects forward

with confidence.

If you're excited to make a meaningful impact while helping shape the future of our

housing initiatives, we'd love to meet you.

Bring your experience. Bring your ideas. Bring your passion for building stronger

communities. We'll build the future together.

What You'll Do

No two days look exactly the same, and that's exactly what makes this role exciting.

You'll spend your time:

• Leading housing development, renovation, rehabilitation, mitigation, and capital improvement projects from planning through completion.

• Helping preserve and strengthen our real estate portfolio through thoughtful capital planning and long-term asset management.

• Managing contractors, architects, engineers, consultants, and vendors while ensuring projects remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with organizational expectations.

• Developing scopes of work, reviewing proposals, coordinating bids, and monitoring project progress.

• Preparing requisitions, maintaining project documentation, coordinating funding requirements, and helping ensure compliance with grant and procurement requirements.

• Tracking insurance renewals, claims, and property-related documentation that help protect our real estate portfolio.

• Conducting site visits, reviewing completed work, developing punch lists, and ensuring quality throughout every phase of a project.

• Identifying opportunities to improve systems, create efficiencies, and build sustainable processes that support organizational growth.

• Partnering with Operations, Finance, Property Management, Executive Leadership, and external partners to move projects forward successfully.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

This role is a great fit for someone who:

• Enjoys creating structure where things are still evolving

• Can adapt quickly when priorities shift without losing sight of the end goal.

• Doesn't wait for perfect conditions—you assess, adjust, and keep projects moving.

• Takes ownership and pride in your work.

• Brings thoughtful recommendations instead of simply identifying problems.

• Is comfortable making decisions while understanding that the best solutions come through collaboration.

• Can balance long-term strategic planning with day-to-day project execution.

• Builds strong relationships while confidently holding contractors and vendors accountable.

• Enjoys working independently but knows when to seek input or collaborate with others.

• Wants to make a meaningful difference through work that directly impacts our communities.

What You'll Be Bringing

Must-Haves

• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible professional experience managing construction, capital improvement, rehabilitation, facilities, housing development, or related projects.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Real Estate Development, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

• Demonstrated experience managing contractors, vendors, project budgets, schedules, and multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience developing scopes of work, reviewing proposals, and coordinating projects from planning through completion.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.

• Confidence to evaluate situations, develop recommendations, and present solutions to leadership.

• Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle with the ability to travel throughout Rhode Island. Company vehicles are not provided.

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time.

• Ability to bend, kneel, climb stairs, and occasionally climb ladders while visiting project sites.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to safely navigate active construction sites and occupied residential properties.

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Nice to Have

• Affordable housing, nonprofit, or community development experience.

• Experience with capital planning or real estate asset management.

• Knowledge of grants, requisitions, procurement, or funding compliance.

• Experience coordinating insurance renewals, claims, or property-related documentation.

• Familiarity with municipal permitting, inspections, and regulatory processes.

• OSHA, PMP, or other relevant professional certifications.

Why Sojourner House?

At Sojourner House, every project has a purpose. Unlike many organizations, we have the unique opportunity to own, develop, and preserve housing that directly supports our mission. Every improvement we make strengthens our ability to provide safety, stability, and opportunity for individuals and families rebuilding their lives after experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, homelessness, and housing instability. As our organization continues to grow, so does our opportunity to make an even greater impact—and we're looking for someone who wants to help shape what comes next.

When you join Sojourner House, you'll find:

• Meaningful work that creates lasting impact in Rhode Island communities.

• An opportunity to own your portfolio and see the direct results of your work.

• A collaborative leadership team that values initiative, innovation, and new ideas.

• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.

• Industry conferences, networking events, and affordable housing, construction, and project management training.

• Opportunities to grow alongside an organization that continues to evolve.

• A comprehensive benefits package.

The Details

This is a full-time, Monday through Friday position, typically working 9:00 a.m. to

5:00 p.m., with occasional flexibility to meet project or organizational needs.

This position is primarily office-based with regular travel to properties,

construction sites, meetings, and partner locations throughout Rhode Island.

Individuals interested in this position should send their resume, a cover letter that details

how they meet the requirements of the job by email, to holly@thehire.com with the subject

line "Sojourner House/Housing Development Manager"

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.

Sojourner House is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive

consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender

identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or

veteran status.