Brightside Community Homes Foundation (“Brightside”) is a private-sector, non-profit organization that owns and manages 26 buildings across the city of Vancouver, providing affordable housing to those who struggle to meet the demands of market housing.

 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

At Brightside, we envision a future where all people have access to homes within a safe, vibrant and healthy community. We are committed to recognizing and reflecting the diversity of the people we house, the communities we build, and the talent we employ. Brightside fosters an inclusive workplace culture where ideas, individual abilities and diverse perspectives are valued and each person is encouraged to learn, develop, and contribute in a meaningful way.

 

OPPORTUNITY

Brightside has articulated a goal of doubling the number of affordable homes we currently provide over the next 10 years; the Community Real Estate team is critical to realizing this goal. Brightside is currently looking for a results-driven, highly organized, and projects-focused individual to join this team in the role of Real Estate Project Specialist (REPS). This full-time, permanent position works closely with the Director of Community Real Estate to support the project planning process and delivery of affordable housing projects. The REPS will also assist with implementing the organization’s strategic real estate development (SRED) plan, which includes planning for significant Net Zero Retrofits to properties not currently slated for redevelopment.

To succeed in this role, project oversight and general project management including supporting long-range growth strategies will be required. This role would suit someone with a strong background in supporting real estate development-related work, a passion for building community through affordable rental housing projects, and the ability to work with a wide variety of project consultants. The successful candidate will possess excellent communication skills, great problem-solving and time-management skills, the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders and the tenacity to fulfil a varied, workload with a positive and results-driven focus.

 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Oversee and review the work of consultants and contractors to effectively implement the various stages of development of multiple projects (including supporting the Director’s hiring and overseeing the work of architects, consultants, contractors and other service providers);
  • Review and building design and city documentation packages and provide insights and recommendations;
  • Develop project schedules and budgets with stakeholders, and diligently manage tight timelines;
  • Align and schedule activities and milestones for each of the projects to measure progress and monitor internal capacity;
  • Provide feedback on tender documents and consultant proposals, and formulate recommendations for final approval;
  • Support cross departmental collaboration for work related to redevelopment;
  • Work with the Director of Community Real Estate in preparing and delivering presentations about Brightside, our projects, and our development model;
  • Serve as the secondary contact for redevelopment and correspondence with the municipality and various contractors;
  • Prepare meeting materials and documents for the Community Real Estate Committee;
  • Attend meetings of the Community Real Estate Committee and serve as the minute-secretary;
  • Attend meetings with the municipality, consultants, and contractors related to redevelopment;
  • Provide project updates and internal documentation to the city about progress on redevelopments and other information about Brightside’s portfolio;
  • Support communication plans for new projects, including stakeholder and project communication plans during various project stages;
  • Support development projects from an operational and strategic perspective, taking into consideration implications of project decisions;
  • Review documentation for accuracy and maintain detailed records related to the projects;
  • Monitor progress, prepare and provide status reports for internal and external stakeholders;
  • Collect and prepare feedback/input to be used to analyse pro forma budgets;
  • Assist in the application process for project funding and financing, as required;
  • Assist in the strategic direction of projects and support implementation; and
  • Conduct general research and market analysis, while maintaining a strong, ongoing knowledge of the industry.

The preceding job description is not exhaustive and may change from time to time depending on the needs of the Foundation.

 

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & DESIRED QUALITIES

The successful candidate will bring strong development, quantitative/ budgeting, and project coordination experience. The person will be highly skilled at developing and maintaining strong relationships with project consultants, funders and community groups and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. They will be a motivated self-starter, excellent collaborator, with a meticulous eye for detail. The successful candidate will possess proven negotiation and problem-solving skills and a background in managing medium to large capital projects with competing demands and priorities. Ideally, the successful candidate will possess a background in project management, real estate, planning, urban land economics, or equivalent combination of education and experience, with a minimum of two (2) years of related experience. Previous experience working in non-profit real estate and/or affordable housing would be an asset.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • The successful incumbent will be a self-starter with well-developed time management skills and the proven ability to meet tight deadlines. They will be personable, possess excellent communications skills (both written and verbal), and be accustomed to working with the general public and individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds. Ideally, the successful incumbent will be highly detail-oriented and have a desire to work for a mission-driven organization.
  • Brightside has pledged a “Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion”; the successful incumbent will be aligned with this commitment and the Foundation’s core values.
  • A criminal record check for working with vulnerable children and adults is required for this position.
  • Brightside is proud to be a certified Living Wage employer. Expected salary range for this position: $79,500-$83,000/year (to commensurate with experience) with a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit. A competitive extended health, dental, and vision package is provided to qualified employees upon hiring. An employer matching RRSP program (as well as other additional benefits) is offered after three (3) months of successful employment.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Brightside is an inclusive employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, First Nations, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our organization are encouraged to apply. If you think you’d be a good fit for Brightside and this position, we invite you to submit your resume and cover letter in PDF format to careers@brightsidehomes.ca with “Real Estate Project Specialist + {Your Name}” in the subject line. Postings will remain open until the specified submission deadline or until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest in these career opportunities, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest.

 

Posted March 31, 2025