Description

Housing Forward Oklahoma, LLC is dedicated to advancing the preservation and expansion of affordable and workforce housing opportunities in Tulsa. We achieve this through non-partisan policy initiatives, robust research, market data, and comprehensive capacity-building efforts. Our focus includes systems transformation, policy alignment, and innovative housing partnerships. Our work amplifies the importance of affordable housing, shaping policies, programs, and initiatives that increase the supply of affordable, workforce, and mixed-income housing across the region. Housing Forward was founded with initial investment from The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation.

Job Purpose

The Director of Planning and Zoning will lead Housing Forward’s efforts focused on improving development processes through systems change at the local level. This position involves a dynamic blend of strategic leadership, policy development, and hands-on project management. Collaborating closely with the Executive Director, the Director will leverage their extensive experience and knowledge from the urban planning and zoning field to translate complex data and insights into actionable, data-informed program development and implementation strategies.

In this role, the Director will be responsible for managing third-party consultants, ensuring that their contributions align with Housing Forward’s goals and standards. This includes overseeing the selection, contracting, and performance evaluation of consultants to guarantee high-quality deliverables. The Director will also lead the development and execution of housing programs, providing expert consulting services to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing units.

Additionally, the Director will be instrumental in fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, developers, and community groups. By building and maintaining these relationships, the Director will facilitate collaborative efforts to address housing challenges and promote sustainable development practices. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for policy alignment and systems transformation, ensuring that Housing Forward remains at the forefront of innovative housing solutions.

The Director will also play a critical role in advocacy efforts, working to influence local and state housing policies to better support affordable housing initiatives. This includes engaging with policymakers, participating in public forums, and contributing to the development of legislative proposals. Through these efforts, the Director will help shape a supportive policy environment that enables the successful implementation of Housing Forward’s mission.

Overall, the Director of Planning and Zoning will be a key leader within Housing Forward, driving the organization’s efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive housing landscape in Oklahoma.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate urban planning and zoning expertise into data-informed program development and implementation strategies.
• Oversee the selection, contracting, and performance evaluation of third-party consultants to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Foster and maintain partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, developers, and community groups to support collaborative housing efforts.
• Advocate for local and state housing policies that support affordable housing initiatives, engaging with policymakers and participating in public forums.
• Lead the coordinated management of multiple, time-bound projects to ensure excellence in program implementation and housing development.
• Serve as a project liaison between internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Support annual budget development processes and manage project budgets to ensure efficient use of resources.
• Conduct research and analysis on housing trends, demographic changes, and policy impacts to inform program development and advocacy efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of urban planning and zoning administration.
• Proven project management and organizational skills, particularly in managing teams or organization-wide efforts requiring interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Experience working with City, State, or Federally directed community development programs.
• Proven ability to manage key third-party consultants through effective planning, organization, decision-making, and motivation.
• Demonstrated experience in contract and consultant administration.
• Professionalism, diplomacy, composure, flexibility, and adaptability.

Education

• Undergraduate degree required. Master’s degree in business, public policy, economics, urban planning, or real estate strongly desired.
• Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in relevant fields such as community development, public policy, government, banking and finance, non-profit, or real estate development.

Desired Strengths and Abilities

• Effective communicator with strong oral and written proficiency, adept at conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships and create alignment with staff and stakeholders from diverse perspectives.
• Creative mindset with the ability to proactively respond to a changing environment.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with high self-motivation.
• Deep understanding of challenges facing affordable and workforce housing development, with a passion for advancing public and private initiatives.

Hours and Location

• In-office environment with some hybrid availability and flexible schedules based on business needs and staff readiness.
• Must live in or be able to relocate to Tulsa, OK or the surrounding area.
• Full-time position with an expectation of working 40 hours per week.
• Typical hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional work outside these hours for events and meetings.

Benefits and Compensation:

As part of our overall compensation package, we offer work/life flexibility, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and generous retirement contributions designed to support you and your family. 

Details:

• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and long-term disability for full-time employees only. Option to add vision and dependents.
• 401K employee and employer contributions.
• Paid time off to support you while you are out of the office.
• Paid holidays so our employees can spend time with those they care about.
• Employer paid AD&D life insurance, with employee option to add supplemental life insurance.