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Housing Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Housing Development information

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$30K

$70.3K

$120.7K

How much do housing development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for housing development in Tennessee is $70,284.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $82,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is housing development?

Housing development is the process of planning, financing, constructing, and managing residential properties such as single-family homes, apartment complexes, or affordable housing projects. It involves multiple stages, including site selection, securing permits, obtaining funding, and overseeing construction. Housing developers work with architects, contractors, local governments, and community organizations to ensure the project meets regulatory requirements and serves the community's needs. The goal is to create safe, sustainable, and accessible housing options for individuals and families.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in housing development projects?

Professionals in housing development often encounter challenges such as navigating complex zoning regulations, securing project financing, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including local governments, architects, and contractors. These projects require balancing community needs with budget constraints and regulatory requirements, which can sometimes delay progress. Strong project management and communication skills are essential for addressing unexpected issues and ensuring that developments are completed on time and within scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in housing development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Housing Development, you need a solid background in urban planning, real estate finance, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree such as in urban studies, real estate, or business. Familiarity with project management software, financial modeling tools, and knowledge of zoning and permitting systems is typically required. Strong negotiation, collaboration, and communication skills set top professionals apart in managing stakeholders and community interests. These abilities are crucial for successfully navigating complex projects, securing funding, and delivering quality housing solutions on time and within budget.

What is the difference between Housing Development vs Housing Coordinator?

AspectHousing DevelopmentHousing Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, real estate, or related field; experience in development projectsBachelor's degree; experience in housing programs or community outreach
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, project planning, and community engagementOffice and fieldwork, coordinating with residents and agencies
Employer & Industry UsageReal estate developers, government agencies, non-profitsHousing agencies, non-profits, community organizations

Housing Development professionals focus on planning, financing, and executing housing projects, while Housing Coordinators manage day-to-day operations and resident relations. Both roles are essential in the housing industry but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How do you become a housing development specialist?

To become a housing development specialist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, real estate, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in real estate or development firms, along with knowledge of zoning laws, project management, and financial analysis, is also important. Professional certifications, such as the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) or Project Management Professional (PMP), can enhance career prospects.

Is housing development a good career?

Housing development is a viable career that involves planning, designing, and managing the construction of residential projects. It requires skills in project management, knowledge of zoning laws, and often a background in real estate or architecture. The field offers opportunities for growth, but job stability and income can vary based on market conditions and experience.

What are popular job titles related to Housing Development jobs in Tennessee?

For Housing Development jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Housing Development jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Housing Development jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Housing Development jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Housing Development job openings:

Housing Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Housing Development job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,284 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Chief Development Officer

Knoxville's Community Development Corporation

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

With a mission to collaborate with the Knoxville community to create and preserve housing opportunities and strengthen neighborhoods, Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) is the housing authority and the redevelopment agency driving change throughout Knoxville.
KCDC is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the organization's housing development and neighborhood redevelopment initiatives. From revitalizing residential neighborhoods to catalyzing investment in commercial corridors, this position serves as a strategic and operational leader working in close partnership with the CEO and executive leadership team. KCDC serves as its own development lead and this role will actively guide projects through pre-development, design, and construction-working directly with architects, engineers, and contractors to deliver high-quality developments.
The CDO will provide leadership for KCDC's internally driven real estate development initiatives, guiding complex housing and redevelopment projects from early planning and financing through construction and stabilization. This leader will work closely with public and private partners to assemble sophisticated capital stacks, structure transformative projects, and deliver developments that will shape Knoxville's neighborhoods for generations to come.
This is a unique opportunity for a development leader to apply their expertise in affordable housing finance, redevelopment strategy, and public-private partnerships to projects that create lasting community impact.
The CDO will join a tight-knit executive leadership team that includes a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Housing Officer, and Chief Strategy Officer. Together, this leadership team is shaping the future of Knoxville's communities.
Priorities
  • Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with the CEO, executive leadership, and staff to support KCDC's mission and long-term success.
  • Provide executive leadership for KCDC's housing and redevelopment initiatives, guiding projects from concept through completion while advancing strategic redevelopment opportunities and neighborhood investment.• Lead the structuring and execution of complex financing strategies and capital stacks to successfully fund and deliver KCDC's development and redevelopment projects.
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight to the development team while establishing systems that ensure projects are delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget.
  • Collaborate across internal teams and external stakeholders to align development efforts, engage the community, and communicate progress to leadership and the Board.
  • Drive innovative redevelopment strategies that expand housing opportunities, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities
Lead Housing Development and Redevelopment
  • Provide leadership for KCDC's housing development and redevelopment initiatives, including mixed-income housing, neighborhood revitalization, preservation of existing affordable housing, and large-scale redevelopment projects.
  • Serve as primary development lead, directly guiding KCDC through the full development lifecycle including concept planning, site acquisition, community engagement, financial structuring, design, construction oversight, lease-up, and stabilization.
  • Identify opportunities to redevelop KCDC-owned properties and catalyze neighborhood investment through strategic development initiatives and public-private partnerships.
  • Support the Authority's role as Redevelopment Agency for the City of Knoxville, helping evaluate redevelopment opportunities and facilitating projects that strengthen neighborhoods and expand housing opportunity.

Structure and Secure Development Financing
  • Lead the structuring and negotiation of complex financing strategies that support KCDC's development and redevelopment initiatives.
  • Oversee the development of project budgets, financial models, proformas, and capital stack structures utilizing a variety of financing tools and incentives including tax credits, bonds, tax increment financing, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs, state and federal funding, public grants and subsidies, and conventional debt and equity investments.

Build Public-Private Development Partnerships
  • Develop and maintain strong partnerships with private developers, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies to advance KCDC's housing and redevelopment initiatives.
  • Collaborate closely with the City of Knoxville to evaluate redevelopment opportunities, coordinate incentives, and implement development strategies that align with community priorities.
  • Represent KCDC in negotiations involving development agreements, financing structures, and public incentives related to housing and redevelopment initiatives.

Lead the Development Team
  • Provide leadership and oversight for KCDC's development team, including the Director of Real Estate and Redevelopment and other development staff responsible for project implementation.
  • Mentor and coach team members while strengthening the organization's capacity to manage complex housing development initiatives.
  • Establish systems and processes to monitor development progress, manage risk, track project performance, and ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within budget.

Coordinate Across the Organization
  • Work collaboratively with internal departments including finance, housing operations, strategy, and communications to ensure alignment across development initiatives.
  • Engage residents, community organizations, and neighborhood stakeholders to inform development planning and ensure redevelopment efforts reflect community priorities.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for the CEO, Board of Commissioners, and external stakeholders regarding development initiatives and progress.

Advance Redevelopment and Community Impact
  • Identify innovative development approaches and financing strategies that expand affordable housing supply and promote neighborhood revitalization.
  • Evaluate redevelopment opportunities and help implement projects that strengthen Knoxville's neighborhoods, increase housing opportunity, and support long-term economic growth.
  • Ensure development initiatives comply with all applicable federal, state, and local housing policies, financing requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Compensation and Benefits
  • The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. KCDC provides competitive benefits for health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance, with 8.8% contributions made to a retirement plan.

How to Apply: Applications are accepted electronically at kcdc.org and will require an online application, resume, cover letter, and references. The position is open until filled with a first review of applications beginning May 11, 2026.
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in affordable housing development, real estate finance, and construction management, with the ability to lead projects as an active owner's representative through pre-development, design, and construction. This individual will demonstrate strong command of complex capital stack structuring and redevelopment financing tools, along with a thorough understanding of Tennessee housing regulations and programs such as those administered by THDA or similar state housing finance agencies. The successful candidate will exhibit exceptional leadership, negotiation, and partnership skills, with the ability to manage diverse stakeholders, drive large-scale development initiatives, and clearly communicate complex financial and technical concepts to a wide range of audiences.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in real estate development, urban planning, finance, public administration, construction management, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
  • A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in affordable housing development, real estate development, construction management, or redevelopment is required, including demonstrated success in:
  • Leading development projects in an owner-driven environment, with direct oversight of pre-development, design, and construction
  • Structuring and closing complex, multi-layered development transactions
  • Utilizing financing tools such as LIHTC, tax-exempt bonds, Opportunity Zones, TIF, and PILOT programs
  • Navigating state and federal housing regulations and development compliance requirements
  • Leading redevelopment initiatives involving public-private partnerships and governmental agencies

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