Great Lakes Housing Services (GLHS) Housing Development Consultant

Position Title:  Housing Development Consultant

Reports To: Executive Director

Organizational Overview

Great Lakes Housing Services (GLHS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building equitable, community-centered housing solutions across Michigan. We offer technical assistance to local governments, support strategic initiatives, and support efforts like the Building Michigan Communities Conference (BMCC).

Position Summary

The Housing Development Consultant works side-by-side with local units of government, nonprofits, emerging developers, and other community partners as they design, structure, and deliver affordable housing  units.  This role supports statewide housing development capacity, with respect to the eastern region of Michigan, by providing hands-on technical assistance, coaching, training, and project management support. At different times, the Consultant may function as a coach, teacher, advisor, thought partner, navigator, matchmaker, project manager, or facilitator. 

The Housing Development Consultant also contributes to organizational strategy, business development, and cross-functional initiatives that advance GLHS's mission and consulting practice.

A successful candidate will be a trusted advisor who can translate complex housing challenges into practical, community-centered solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Assistance and Advisory Support

• Assist communities in accessing resources for the purpose of creating comprehensive housing strategies and equitable housing solutions.
• Provide direct technical assistance to local governments and organizations focused on housing development and preservation, including:  Basic land-use planning; data and basic market analysis; identifying opportunities for zoning reform; development team identification and management; project predevelopment, including site selection and control; and creation of development budgets and pro formas.

Training and Capacity Building

• Design, structure, and deliver training on housing development processes and programs (virtual and in-person).
• Serve as a coach and thought partner to stakeholders seeking to understand or expand their development capacity.

 Community Engagement and Representation

• Attend public meetings as requested and support engagement efforts.
• Represent GLHS in meetings with local governments, partners, and stakeholders.

 Resource Navigation and Grant Support

• Connect development teams to housing finance resources.
• Assist with grant applications and other funding opportunities.
• Support partners in navigating federal, state, and local housing programs.
• Coordinate with other state agencies to ensure balanced used of available resources (MEDC, LEO etc.)
• Provide technical assistance in accessing MSHDA and other gap financing sources

Business Development

• Support development of new technical assistance opportunities through relationship building, proposal development, and client engagement.
• Contribute to scopes of work, project budgets, and consulting proposals.
• Identify opportunities to expand GLHS's impact through new partnerships and projects.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local governments, nonprofit organizations, developers, and other partners that strengthen GLHS's consulting practice.

 Internal Support and Strategic Contributions

• Contribute to organizational strategy, program development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support grant development, reporting, and cross-functional organizational priorities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in affordable housing, municipal experience, community development, planning, real estate development, housing finance, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with local governments, nonprofit organizations, developers, or public agencies preferred.
• Experience facilitating meetings, trainings, or stakeholder engagement processes preferred.
•  Familiarity with affordable housing financing tools (LIHTC, HOME, CDBG, MSHDA programs, Brownfield TIF, etc.) preferred.
• Strong communication and project management skills
• Comfort working in a virtual and collaborative environment; Self-directed and takes initiative
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with digital tools (CRM, cloud file management, etc.)
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessible housing

Preferred Residence: Candidates should reside within MSHDA Regions G, H, K, L, M, N, or O (highlighted on the map).

Compensation

• The salary requirements will be aligned with experience.
• Range of the position is $1000,000 to $115,000 with benefits.

Additional Details

• This position is remote; however, candidates must reside within the preferred geographic service area shown above due to regular travel requirements.  (~30 – 50 % travel)
• Requires access to reliable transportation; mileage is reimbursed

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This role operates primarily in a remote office environment. Applicants must be able to:

• Work at a computer for extended periods
• Occasionally travel to meetings or site visits
• Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the ADA

EEO & Non-Discrimination Statement

GLHS is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status.