Sr Development Manager Jobs in Cary, NC (NOW HIRING)

Harmony Housing Affordable Development Inc. (“HHAD”) is among the largest real estate developers of affordable rental housing in the United States. Our mission is to positively impact communities by creating and preserving quality affordable housing for low‑wealth households. HHAD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Harmony Housing, a 501(c)(3) not‑for‑profit owner and operator of affordable housing. Our fast‑growing organization is currently seeking an experienced Director of Development to join the expanding Development team in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Director of Development will oversee the strategic direction, planning, and execution of USDA‑financed rural affordable housing projects (“RD”) and the advancement of our multi‑family development portfolio. This leadership role involves managing a development team, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, and maintaining compliance with affordable housing regulations. The position works closely with Finance, Construction, and Executive teams, and reports directly to the Vice President of Development.

• Project Oversight & Management – Manage the full development lifecycle for multiple projects, ensuring all milestones are met.


• Oversee project schedules, funding applications, and entitlement processes.


• Facilitate and document all development‑phase meetings effectively.


• Financial & Legal Coordination – Negotiate purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, and other legal documentation.


• Identify, secure, and coordinate capital sources, including federal funding, LIHTC, and USDA programs.


• Ensure compliance with financing and regulatory requirements.


• Stakeholder & External Relations – Represent the organization in meetings with local and state government officials, planning commissions, and community stakeholders.


• Build strong relationships with governmental agencies, capital providers, and external partners.


• Lead community engagement efforts, including public meetings and hearings.


• Design & Construction Integration – Collaborate with internal construction teams and external designers to ensure project goals are met.


• Manage risk assessment and implement mitigation strategies throughout the development process.


• Team Leadership & Collaboration – Lead and coordinate a development team, fostering a culture of accountability and results‑driven performance.


• Work closely with internal teams across construction, finance, and accounting, ensuring seamless project execution.


• Report on project progress to executive leadership and key stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, finance, urban planning, or a related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.


• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive professional experience in affordable housing development, real estate investment, or a related field.


• Established relationships with developers, owners, management agents, and brokers throughout the region.


• Experience reviewing property documents (operating statements, rent rolls, audits, loan documents, etc.).


• Strong knowledge of affordable housing mechanisms (LIHTC, tax‑exempt bond financing, FHA mortgage insurance programs, agency debt products such as Fannie, Freddie, USDA) and familiarity with other affordable housing funding programs and compliance regulations.


• Proven ability to lead complex projects from inception through completion.


• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.


• Strong negotiation skills and risk mitigation ability.


• High‑energy, accurate, highly detailed, and results‑oriented professional capable of managing multiple projects under strict deadlines.


• Excellent written, oral, and public‑speaking communication skills.


• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, SharePoint, SmartSheet, and similar programs).


• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills with ability to build and maintain internal and external stakeholder relationships.


• Ability to manage daily responsibilities and projects with minimal direction while collaborating with a team.


• Strong ability to maintain a big‑picture focus while attending to detailed work and documentation.


• Resilient, flexible, and able to respond quickly for positive outcomes.


• Personal standards and values consistent with HHAD’s core values (entrepreneurial, integrity, caring, and excellence).

This job description is not inclusive of all responsibilities, skills, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this position. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, management reserves the right to modify the position or require other tasks as circumstances change.

HHAD is an EEO employer.

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, please call (212) 896-9169. A member of our recruitment team will respond.