Job Description

 

Director of Housing Development

Sacramento Mountains Foundation

Alamogordo, New Mexico (Hybrid Position)

 

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Sacramento Mountains Foundation to recruit the organization's Director of Housing Development.

Position Summary

The Sacramento Mountains Foundation seeks an experienced Director of Housing Development to establish and lead comprehensive housing initiatives across Otero County, New Mexico. This senior leadership position offers significant growth potential, with the opportunity to build and lead a dedicated program office as initiatives expand. The successful candidate will have the authority to develop their team, bringing on additional staff as programs scale to meet community needs. The Director will develop housing strategies, work with local governments and nonprofit partners to implement programs, and oversee Foundation-funded initiatives while building the organizational infrastructure to support long-term growth. This role encompasses the full housing continuum from homelessness to homeownership, including innovative financing strategies for abandoned, vacant, and distressed (AVD) properties, with the vision to create a robust housing program office that can serve as a model for rural housing development leadership. 

About the Sacramento Mountains Foundation

The Sacramento Mountains Foundation is a newly established hospital conversion foundation created from the sale of Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center to CHRISTUS Health. With substantial assets available for community investment, the Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life and healthcare in Otero County. 

While new to operations, the Foundation is well-positioned to make transformative investments in housing as a critical determinant of health and quality of life. The Director of Housing Development will be Sacramento Mountains Foundation's first housing professional and will have the unique opportunity to build the Foundation's housing strategy from the ground up. This includes developing funding priorities, creating innovative programs, establishing partnerships, and setting the strategic direction for all housing initiatives. 

The Foundation believes strongly in capacity building - both for the communities served and within the organization itself. The Director will shape how the Foundation approaches housing across the full continuum from emergency shelter to homeownership, with particular focus on innovative solutions to rural housing challenges. A current partnership with the Lakota Group will help develop strategies for abandoned and distressed properties, representing the Foundation’s first major housing initiative. This is an exceptional opportunity for a housing professional to design and implement a comprehensive housing strategy backed by significant philanthropic resources. 

About Otero County, New Mexico

Otero County , population about 70,000, is a hidden gem in the Southwest, offering a unique blend of career opportunities, outdoor adventure, and a welcoming community. Alamogordo is the county seat and largest town in the county. Nestled at the base of the Sacramento Mountains, this city of 30,000-plus provides stunning desert landscapes alongside lush mountain scenery. With 285 days of sunshine and an average annual high temperature of 75 degrees, it is an ideal place for those who love nature and exploration. Founded in 1898 as a railroad junction, Alamogordo is neighbors to Holloman Air Force Base, the White Sands Missile Range, and White Sands National Park.

Alamogordo offers a desirable place to live and work, including:

• Affordable Living – The cost of living in Alamogordo is 15% lower than the national average, with median home prices significantly below national rates. 
• Outdoor Recreation – With proximity to White Sands National Park, the Sacramento Mountains, and numerous hiking trails, Alamogordo is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Community & Culture – The city offers a small-town feel with a strong sense of community, local festivals, and cultural attractions, including the New Mexico Museum of Space History.

Key Responsibilities 

Housing Development & Finance

1. Develop and implement housing strategies utilizing Foundation resources and leveraging external funding sources 
2. Design Foundation programs and facilitate partner participation in financing tools such as: 

• Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs (4% and 9% credits)
• HUD programs such as Sections 207, 220, 221(d)(4), and 223(f), and Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance and Housing Choice Vouchers
• New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) programs and Housing Trust Fund resources 
• HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds 
• Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program (AHP) 
• Tax-exempt bond financing and other creative financing structures 

1. Structure Foundation-funded loans, grants, and guarantees for housing projects 
2. Provide technical assistance to nonprofit partners and local governments pursuing housing development 
3. Oversee financial structuring and underwriting for Foundation-supported projects 
4. Ensure partner compliance with applicable regulatory requirements 
5. Develop innovative financing models using Foundation assets 

Abandoned, Vacant & Distressed (AVD) Properties Initiative  

Lead implementation of strategies developed in partnership with the Lakota Group for addressing AVD properties, potentially including the following: 

• Design Foundation-funded loan and grant programs for developers to rehabilitate distressed properties 
• Create acquisition funds and patient capital strategies for problem properties 
• Develop market-rate rehabilitation models for AVD properties in higher-value neighborhoods, ensuring financially sustainable solutions that address blight while preserving neighborhood character 
• Explore lobbying efforts for the New Mexico legislation authorizing receivership and land banking programs, condemnation and tax lien redemption reform 
• Structure public-private partnerships using Foundation resources for neighborhood stabilization 
• Provide technical assistance to communities addressing blight and abandonment

Homelessness & Housing Stability Programs

1. Develop comprehensive strategies addressing homelessness in partnership with service providers 
2. Create Foundation initiatives and assist partners in accessing programs such as: 

• Rapid Rehousing (RRH) providing short to medium-term rental assistance 
• Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for individuals with disabilities 
• Transitional Housing programs 
• Coordinated Entry systems for streamlined access to services 
• Emergency shelter and street outreach programs 

1. Structure Foundation support and guide partner participation in veteran and military programs including: 

• HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) models 
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) approaches 
• Grant and Per Diem transitional housing concepts 
• Military housing privatization initiatives 

1. Provide grants and technical assistance to nonprofit partners delivering homeless services
2. Support implementation of Housing First approaches and evidence-based practices 

Homeownership & Community Development  

1. Develop Foundation strategies and support partner engagement in homeownership programs such as: 

• MFA FirstHome and FirstDown program models 
• MFA HomeNow second mortgage assistance approaches 
• FHA 203(b) and 203(k) rehabilitation loan structures 
• Appraisal Gap Assistance 
• USDA Rural Development Section 502 program concepts 
• Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program benefits 
• Down payment assistance and closing cost programs 

1. Create innovative workforce housing strategies for active-duty military and military families 
2. Develop lease-to-own and shared equity programs 
3. Partner with lenders to create homebuyer assistance products 
4. Support nonprofit partners in delivering homebuyer education and counseling 

Partnership Development & Collaboration

1. Build and maintain relationships with: 

• Municipal governments and Otero County officials 
• Nonprofit housing developers and service providers 
• Private developers and property owners 
• New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA/Housing New Mexico) 
• Regional housing authorities 
• Mescalero Apache Tribe and housing entities 
• Holloman Air Force Base leadership and housing office 
• Military family support organizations 
• Banking institutions and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

1. Represent the Foundation at state and local housing coalitions
2. Coordinate with economic development entities on workforce housing needs 
3. Develop partnerships addressing unique housing challenges for active-duty military families 

Qualifications

Education & Experience: We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds who bring relevant expertise to this role. Ideal candidates will have: 

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant field such as Urban Planning, Public Administration, Finance, Real Estate, Business, or equivalent professional experience
• 7+ years of experience in housing development, finance, community development, or related fields 
• Track record of successfully managing complex housing or community development projects 
• Experience with affordable housing programs such as LIHTC, HUD multifamily financing, or similar programs 
• Demonstrated ability to structure and close financial transactions 

We encourage applications from candidates with non-traditional backgrounds who have gained relevant expertise through different pathways. 

Key Competencies: The successful candidate will demonstrate: 

• Strong financial and analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex transactions
• Strategic thinking and creative problem-solving abilities 
• Excellent project management capabilities 
• Outstanding communication skills for engaging diverse audiences 
• Knowledge of housing finance tools and regulatory environments 
• Commitment to addressing housing challenges across the full continuum 
• Ability to build productive partnerships and collaborations 

Additional Assets 

While not required, the following will be valued: 

• Professional certifications (HCCP, CPA, NAHRO, HDFP, CEcD) 
• Experience with rural housing programs 
• Knowledge of New Mexico housing markets 
• Grant writing experience 
• Experience with innovative housing models 
• Familiarity with military housing needs, BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), and unique challenges facing active-duty families 
• Understanding of military community partnerships and privatized military housing 

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The annual salary range for this position is expected to be in the $200,000 range, commensurate with experience. Higher compensation will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

Benefits Package:  

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance 
• Retirement plan with employer matching 
• Life and disability insurance 
• Generous paid time off and holidays 
• Professional development opportunities and conference attendance 
• Flexible work arrangements 

Work Location: Position based in Otero County, New Mexico. Relocation assistance available.

Application Process

To apply for this position, submit resume and cover letter to Bruce Scott, The Moran Company, through the link below. The cover letter should describe relevant experience, and detail qualifications related to the Position Summary and “ideal candidate” traits. The resume should include housing projects completed, funding secured, and units produced. (A portfolio of completed housing projects with project summaries may be submitted also but this is optional). Application Deadline: November 28, 2025. 

The Sacramento Mountains Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Tags

Daily paid, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Work at office, Local area, Relocation package, Flexible hours,

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