Status: Full Time 

Reports to: Vice President of Strategy 

Submit all inquiries and resumes to: Dr. Christopher Dowdy, Vice President of Strategy, cdowdy@forestforward.org 

Forest Forward is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that partners with the community to drive equitable development, economic mobility, and improve outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community. 

Launched in 2019, Forest Forward focuses its efforts on accelerating the advancement and achievements of Black and marginalized people by developing a sustainable road map towards economic growth and progress in South Dallas. Forest Forward’s mission is to drive equitable development, economic mobility and improved outcomes for children, residents, and families of the 75215 community through the restoration of the historic Forest Theater. 

• Reporting to the Vice President of Strategy, the Director of Real Estate at Forest Forward is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing all aspects of real estate projects within the organization, from conception to completion. This includes assisting the Development department with securing funding, engaging with the community, managing confidential information, collaborating with department heads, developing real estate strategies, ensuring compliance with grants and funding. This role demands strong leadership, strategic thinking, financial acumen, and exceptional communication skills to interact with contractors, developers, financial institutions, and various stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Real Estate Project Management: 

• Lead and manage current and future real estate development projects from inception to completion, with particular emphasis on mixed-income housing development projects. 

• Develop and execute project plans, budgets, and timelines. 

• Oversee all phases, including site acquisition, design, permitting, construction, and occupancy. 

Funding and Grant Management: 

• Identify and secure funding opportunities for real estate projects, with emphasis on housing finance sources. 

• Manage relationships with funders and ensure compliance with financing and grant requirements. 

• Assist with the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications, particularly with preparation of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) applications. 

Community Engagement: 

• Foster positive relationships within the community. 

• Collaborate with community stakeholders to align projects with community needs and values. 

Board of Directors Interaction: 

• Report regularly to the board on project status, financial performance, and strategic initiatives. 

• Lead the Board Real Estate committee. 

• Leverage board engagement and provide connections to support the successful execution of Forest Forward projects and initiatives. 

Confidential Information Handling: 

• Safeguard sensitive and confidential information related to Forest Forward, real estate transactions, contracts, and financial data. 

Collaboration with Department Leaders: 

• Collaborate with other department leaders to align real estate projects with organizational goals. 

• Ensure cross-functional coordination and effective communication throughout the organization. 

Real Estate Strategy Development: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive real estate strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and objectives, with emphasis on a realistic pipeline of mixed-income rental and affordable for-sale housing development. 

• Analyze market trends and opportunities for growth and investment. 

Contractor and Stakeholder Interaction: 

• Interface with contractors, developers, and financial institutions to negotiate contracts and agreements. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders. 

Skills and Qualifications: 

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree in real estate, Construction, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required. A master’s degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CCIM, PMP) is preferred. 

Experience: 

• 5+ years of proven experience in real estate development and project management, preferably in a leadership role. 

• Prior experience securing funding, managing grants, and working with financial institutions; specific experience in affordable housing finance of projects with a value in excess of $10 million. 

• Experience managing affordable housing development projects; significant recent experience with the Texas LIHTC program is a job requirement. 

• Experience in community engagement and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. 

• Experience partnering with public housing authorities, HUD, and/or other public agencies. 

• Familiarity with real estate laws, regulations, and zoning codes.