Housing Development Manager, Land Trust

Title: Housing Development Manager, Land Trust

Reporting to the Director, Affordable and Transitional Housing, the Housing Development Manager, Land Trust will be responsible for the establishment and ongoing operations of the Housing for All Land Trust, a program initiated by Blue Door. The incumbent will play a key role in establishing the land trusts operations, asset management as well as acquisition, efforts to ensure the land trust amasses and preserves a portfolio of affordable housing assets in perpetuity. The Housing Development Manager, Land Trust will work closely with partners, including government agencies, landowners, non-profit housing operators, and the broader community to achieve the land trust's objectives.

Land Acquisition and Development

• Identify and engage with potential landowner partners (e.g., local governments, developers, non-profit organizations.
• Conduct research to stay up to date on community land use needs and priorities.
• Identify potential properties (including land parcels, buildings, and scattered units) for acquisition.
• Manage the development of a portfolio of affordable housing projects.
• Employ acquisition criteria and a decision matrix for evaluating properties.
• Conduct research, feasibility review, and due diligence for potential land acquisitions.
• Assist in negotiations with landowners.
• Lead and support early site identification activities and be responsible for the planning, consultant procurement, design, municipal approvals, review of complex residential and mixed-use financial pro forma, risk assessment, construction oversight, the project draws, and occupancy turnover to operations.
• Develop comprehensive project plans outlining timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate with legal teams to ensure all property development activities comply with local, provincial, and federal regulations.
• Procuring and managing architects, contractor/construction manager, solicitor, and other contracts. Overseeing the development of the project concept, from initial design to final working drawings and construction specification teams.
• Liaise with funders to secure necessary financing and ensure adherence to funding requirements.
• Applying for project funding and securing project financing.
• Responsible for the initiation of new development projects as well as pre-construction activities.
• Managing the municipal approvals process, including undertaking studies required, applying for major planning approvals, and obtaining the building permit.
• Identify potential risks related to legal and financial aspects of property development.
• Monitor and report on risk status throughout the project lifecycle.
• Analyze and identify risks and opportunities associated with each project with a focus on expedited resolutions to keep projects on schedule and on budget while maintaining a level of quality.

Operations and Asset Management

• Collaborate on and support the implementation of operational plans for the land trust, monitoring progress and reporting on key milestones.
• Coordinate and oversee activities related to property maintenance, such as the annual maintenance calendar, assessing and approving major repairs.
• Collaborate with Construct, Blue Door’s social enterprise as contractor to manage minor repairs as applicable.
• Oversee the coordination of maintenance requests and scheduling maintenance activities, including emergency, preventative, and day-to-day maintenance coordination.
• Manage the long-term capital plan and budget for all properties.
• Oversee third-party consultants, contractors and tradespeople to conduct building condition assessments and capital plans as well as capital repair work.
• Scheduling capital repair projects as well as preparing plans, scopes of work and contracting vendors.
• Verify and confirm completion of work and payment for trades, consultants, and other key partners.
• Develop operational standards and guidelines, and a process for operators to express interest in land trust housing units.
• Manage operating agreements with non-profit housing partners.
• Ensure land trust assets are in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate asset management of HALT’s portfolio by engaging relevant professionals.
• Support the development and growth of the land trust structure and operational procedures.
• Oversee unit leases and collection of rental revenue.
• Manage landlord tenant relationship with operators and direct tenants as applicable, including responding to any issues that escalate to the Landlord Tenant Board.
• Act as on-call for support for maintenance and other issues related to Blue Door/HALT’s assets.
• Ensure effective administration of HALT and work collaboratively with Blue Door staff.

Administration and Reporting:

• Ensure policies, agreements, and other necessary documentation remain updated.
• Develop and manage the land trust's operating budget, financial records, and administrative systems in collaboration with Blue Door’s finance department.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of land acquisitions, property management, project budgets, and other operational activities.
• Participate in board meetings, prepare materials for review, and provide support to the board of directors as required.

Community Engagement

• Engage with local communities, politicians, government officials, funders, developers, landowners, non-profit organizations, and other partners to build and maintain collaborative partnerships.
• Represent the land trust at community events, public meetings, speaking events and conferences.
• Consult with experts and build partnerships for in-kind support and technical/strategic advice.
• Remain actively engaged with the broader Canadian land trust movement by connecting with other land trusts and networks to share knowledge and increase capacity.

• Maintain professionalism in the workplace.
• Working cooperatively alongside and supporting all Blue Door team members and departments.
• Adherence to the mission, vision, policies and procedures of the agency.
• Able and willing to promote harm reduction practices in accordance with core standards.
• Attend internal staff meetings and staff training as required.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all client and agency information.
• Utilizes effective conflict resolution skills in accordance with (Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training.
• Fosters positive and appropriate relationships with clients, colleagues, community partners and volunteers.
• Provides referrals and follow-up as necessary.
• Meets with supervisor on a regular basis and participates in completion of annual performance evaluation.

• All employees are responsible for carrying out work in a way that does not adversely affect their own health and safety and that of others.
• All employees shall learn and understand health and safety policies and procedures and will comply with them.

• Bachelor's degree in project management, construction management, real estate, business administration, urban planning or a related field. (Master's degree preferred).
• 5+ years of recent, related experience in project management, construction, development management or planning.
• Knowledge of the provincial land use planning system, legislation, policies, and plans including Places to Grow, Provincial Policy Statement, and the Planning Act
• Strong background and knowledge in building science, construction and/or operations of a large multi-unit family portfolio
• Knowledge of building codes, construction methods, building renovations and retrofits and relevant safety regulations.
• Proven experience in land trust management, or related fields, is an asset.
• Certification in project management an asset.
• Strong understanding of legal contracts and title documents
• Strong understanding of municipal governance structures, as well as where provincial and federal authorities can impact development and funding opportunities.
• Strong planning and organizational skills in a complex and fast-paced environment with the ability to meet intensive and changing deadlines.
• Effective negotiation, facilitation, influencing, persuasion, conflict resolution, and consensus-building skills
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and decisive ability to evaluate and problem- solve (sometimes with limited information)
• Strong writing and editing skills for reports and documents with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Time management skills with a keen ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Knowledge of Microsoft products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) as well as project management applications.

We are always working towards continued improvements with the hope of creating and fostering a work culture where people want to be and see the impact of their work.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and Blue Doors AODA Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

All applications will be reviewed as received, and interviews will begin for qualified candidates as soon as possible. The position may be filled before this job posting ends. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@bluedoor.ca