Executive Director, Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions

The University of Denver seeks to hire a distinguished scholar and/or practitioner with a deep understanding of housing markets, practice, research, and policy to serve as the first Executive Director of a new interdisciplinary Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions. The Executive Director will join existing DU faculty from law, business, public policy, and social work, as well as a new Center staff economist and legal fellow, to develop a strategic plan and to build out key new programs and projects.   In addition to deep expertise in housing policy, industry practice and research, our ideal candidate must have a proven track record in fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational leadership, and be equipped to serve as a leading expert on housing research and policy on behalf of the Center and the University of Denver.     

The successful candidate will be an appointed, non-tenured faculty member in the University’s Research Professorial series in either the Sturm College of Law or the Daniels College of Business.  Assuming adequate funding, appointment, annual review, reappointment, and promotion opportunities shall be made in accordance with the University Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure Policies and Procedures. Candidates must have a strong background in law and public policy, housing economics, real estate development, urban planning or related fields.

The Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions

The Center is a collaborative effort led by the Sturm College of Law (through the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute) and the Daniels College of Business (through the Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management) and including expertise from the Scrivener Institute for Public Policy and the Center for Housing and Homelessness Research, among other units of the university.  

The Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions will be guided by a singular goal: to foster vibrant, sustainable communities with the right mix of housing to meet the needs of the region’s future. Our focus will span the entire housing continuum—from affordable to market-rate—recognizing that market-rate housing production plays a central role in shaping overall affordability and supply.

With deep expertise in real estate, land use law, public policy, and social work—and strong partnerships with policymakers, industry leaders, and peer academic institutions, the Center will provide research leadership, structure, and administration while collaborating broadly with partners across the state and region through affiliate faculty appointments, sub-grants, and joint research projects.

Position Summary

The Executive Director will provide strategic vision and leadership for the Center in the realms of housing policy and industry.  Working closely with the Center’s Housing Economist, Legal Fellow, Faculty Affiliates and Advisory Board, they will lead all research initiatives, operations, fundraising, and public outreach efforts to fulfill the Center's mission. A key responsibility is translating academic research into actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders. 

Additionally, the Executive Director will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, building partnerships both within the university and with external organizations and academic institutions to enhance the Center’s research capabilities. They will be responsible for identifying emerging trends in housing and development policy, real estate markets, and demographic changes and leveraging these insights to shape research priorities, program development and policy recommendations.  

This position is grant-funded for a term of 3 years; renewal is dependent on continued funding.   

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Collaborate with the Faculty and Research Affiliates and external stakeholders to set the strategic vision and priorities for the Center.
• Ensure research programs align with the Center's mission to advance understanding of housing issues and promote vibrant, sustainable communities with the right mix of housing to meet the needs of the region’s future.
• Represent the Center at a local, national, and international level to increase its visibility and impact. 

Operational and Financial Management

• Lead all day-to-day operations, including work plans, staffing and financial management.  
• Manage the Center's budget, resources, and grant funding to ensure long-term financial health and sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with all university policies and procedures. 

Fundraising and External Relations

• Develop and execute fundraising strategies, including