PLK Communities is the largest locally based multifamily owner-operator in Greater Cincinnati. We own and manage more than 8,000 apartment homes across Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida, we are expanding into Tennessee, and we have more than 250 employees.
We are a long-term owner. We build to hold, not to flip. We have done a LIHTC development through a joint venture, and we own and manage a 240-home LIHTC community today. Now we are building our own 4% LIHTC platform, and we need the person to lead it.
Position Summary
This person builds and runs PLK's 4% LIHTC program. You report directly to the Chief Development Officer.
You will build the systems and processes, put PLK's in-house resources to work, and lead deals from site control through award, closing, and construction start. The first target is breaking ground on a PLK-led deal in 2028, then starting two projects a year, with more as the systems prove out.
Whether you run a division today or are ready to lead your first, we want a proven developer who has taken 4% deals from award to construction start and knows how to set up systems and processes.
Responsibilities
Your job is to build the systems that win tax-credit awards, get approvals and close deals, then do it again faster.
Build the Platform
- Set up a repeatable process for every application: templates, checklists, schedules, and standards.
- Use PLK's in-house architecture, construction, and land acquisition teams instead of building duplicate staff.
- Identify personnel gaps as the pipeline grows and fill them only where needed.
Win Awards and Approvals
- Own the application calendar with each state housing finance agency, starting with Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, with Florida and other markets to follow.
- Lead 4% bond and LIHTC applications from preapplication through the 42(m) letter and final award.
- Secure local approvals, including zoning, site plan, and public hearings.
- Build working relationships with state agencies, bond issuers, housing authorities, and city staff.
Get Deals Closed
- Underwrite deals early and decide which ones move forward.
- Build and coordinate each deal's capital stack: tax credit equity, bonds, debt and soft funding. Find the gaps and the sources to fill them.
- Manage the third parties: market studies, environmental, architects, counsel, syndicators, and bond counsel.
- Drive each deal from site control to financial closing and construction start.
- Hand off cleanly to PLK's construction and property management teams.
Scale
- Break ground on the first PLK-led deal in 2028, then start two projects a year and grow from there.
- Track every deal against schedule and budget and report progress to the Chief Development Officer.
Qualifications
We require a track record of 4% LIHTC deals that were awarded and started construction, and the ability to set up the systems that let PLK repeat them. You do not need to have run a division before.
- You have personally led multiple 4% tax-exempt bond LIHTC deals that were awarded and went on to start construction.
- You know the LIHTC capital stack and have coordinated multiple funding sources through closing.
- You know how state housing finance agencies work. Experience with OHFA, Kentucky Housing Corporation, THDA, or Florida Housing is a plus.
- You have set up systems and processes that got deals across the finish line, not just into the pipeline.
- You have won local approvals and can stand in front of a planning commission or neighborhood group.
- You can run several deals at once without losing track of any of them.
- 5+ years in affordable housing development, with significant 4% LIHTC experience.
- Bachelor's degree in real estate, finance, planning, or a related field.
What This Role Is Not
This is not a capital raising or land development role. You will not raise equity for PLK or run horizontal land development.
You will structure and coordinate each deal’s capital stack, but PLK’s finance and capital markets team leads lender relationships and debt financing. Your job is leading a team that wins tax credit awards efficiently, gets approvals, and closes deals. It is not about building a large staff.
Why PLK Communities?
- A chance to step up and lead a platform of your own, backed by an established owner-operator.
- Direct access to the Chief Development Officer and fast decisions.
- In-house architecture, construction, finance, land acquisition, and property management, so deals do not stall at handoff.
- A long-term owner that builds to hold.
- A fast-paced environment with real room to grow as the platform grows.
- Competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and benefits.
How to Apply
With your application, include a list of the 4% LIHTC deals where you played a significant role that were awarded and construction started. For each deal, include the project name and location, unit count, financing structure, your specific role, award date, financial closing date, and construction start date.