President & CEO

Position Title: President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Department: Executive

Reports To: Board of Commissioners (BOC)

Position Overview
The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Houston Housing Authority (HHA) provides visionary leadership and operational oversight to ensure the organization fulfills its mission of providing safe, affordable housing and programs that meet the needs of Houston's residents. The President/CEO is responsible for administering all programs, ensuring compliance with HUD regulations, driving real estate development, and maintaining effective communication with stakeholders. This position reports directly to the Board of Commissioners and oversees all strategic, operational, and financial aspects of the organization.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance:

1. Develop and implement strategic plans that align with the HHA’s mission and goals.
2. Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Commissioners, HUD, and other regulatory bodies.
3. Provide comprehensive updates to the Board, including financial performance, strategic initiatives, and compliance metrics.

Real Estate Development And Asset Management:

1. Lead the acquisition, development, and management of affordable housing projects, ensuring alignment with community needs.
2. Oversee capital planning and redevelopment initiatives to optimize housing portfolio performance.
3. Drive public-private partnerships to secure funding and expand housing development opportunities.
4. Ensure adherence to best practices in property and asset management, safeguarding organizational investments.

Operational Oversight:

1. Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to program delivery, housing quality, and financial health.
2. Establish performance benchmarks for organizational efficiency and compliance with HUD and local standards.
3. Conduct regular evaluations of housing projects and operational practices to identify areas for improvement.
4. Collaborate with the Board to review and refine annual performance targets across strategic, operational, and financial domains.
5. Manage all housing programs, including public housing, Section 8, and other special initiatives, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
6. Direct the safekeeping of HHA’s assets, including properties, records, and financial resources.
7. Develop and enforce internal policies, organizational structures, and operational priorities.

Financial Leadership:

1. Oversee budget development, financial planning, and the approval of expenditures to maintain fiscal responsibility.
2. Monitor funding streams and implement strategies to secure new revenue sources.
3. Review and approve financial reports, ensuring effective use of funds and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Human Resources And Organizational Development:

1. Lead and develop a high-performing team to ensure operational excellence and alignment with the organization’s mission.
2. Establish personnel policies, recommend salary structures, and oversee professional development initiatives.
3. Foster a collaborative culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Community And Stakeholder Engagement:

1. Represent the HHA in meetings with community stakeholders, governmental agencies, and the media.
2. Build and maintain strong relationships with residents, public officials, and private-sector partners.
3. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, advocating for policies and initiatives that support affordable housing.

Duties To Include:

1. Serves as Executive Secretary of the Board of Commissioners (BOC) and as liaison between the BOC and Authority staff.
2. Attends BOC meetings, submits budgets and informs them of the status of activities and projects within the Authority; develops and proposes new policies or changes in existing policies; notifies the BOC of changes or proposed changes in federal, state or local legislation affecting the authority; provides the BOC with information on evaluation of efficiency and effectiveness of Authority operations and provides recommendations for improvements.
3. Negotiates contracts with outside agencies and companies.
4. Responsible for the employment, training, direction, supervision, utilization, discipline and termination of Authority employees. Recommends to BOC schedule of salary ranges and employee benefits and periodic revisions there to. Reviews periodic reports on the accomplishment of assigned goals and objectives.
5. Personally monitors, surveys, and inspects various aspects of the Authority's operations on a frequent and continuing basis, so that he/she has a general idea of conditions, appearance, problems, accomplishments, and results at any given time.
6. Attends professional meetings, seminars and conferences to keep abreast of new trends, activities, and concepts in Public Housing. Supports, assists, and works with other PHAs and affiliated organizations in joint efforts which are mutually beneficial. Volunteers new ideas, suggestions and recommendations to HUD as desired. At the request of HUD, or affiliated groups, may assist in national training, orientation, planning or development seminars, conferences, and workshops. May review proposed laws or regulations and recommend changes or improvements.

Qualifications
Education:

1. Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Real Estate Development, or a related field preferred.
2. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required.

Experience:

1. Minimum of 5 years of executive-level experience in public housing, real estate development, or urban planning.
2. Proven track record of leading complex real estate and housing initiatives.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of HUD regulations and public housing operations.

Skills And Competencies:

1. Strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
2. Comprehensive knowledge of PHA operating policies and procedures and pertinent HUD regulations and federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to public housing authorities.
3. Expertise in real estate development and asset management.
4. Advanced financial management and budget oversight skills.
5. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
6. Commitment to community engagement and fostering partnerships.

Physical Demands And Work Environment:

1. Primarily office-based but requires travel for site visits, community meetings, and national conferences.
2. Involves occasional physical activity during inspections and housing development assessments.

Scope and Effect:
The President/CEO's leadership affects staff throughout the Authority and the Authority's residents. Effective leadership in managing, operating, and maintaining housing programs has a positive impact on the Authority's overall mission; provide its residents housing that is decent, safe and sanitary and programs and services that meet their needs. Successful accomplishment of that mission can result in betterment of housing in surrounding communities and provides a positive image for the city.

Complexity:
The President/CEO performs a wide variety of tasks which are not always clearly related. The President/CEO makes decisions regarding unusual circumstances, conflicting data, and non-routine situations pertaining to the overall management and operation of the Authority. Some tasks are difficult, such as life-threatening emergencies (inoperative gas or electric systems and crimes committed against tenants and staff), the Comprehensive Improvements Assistance Program, and participation in City-wide Community Development Block Grant Programs. Responding to tenants, staff members, the BOC, City officials, news media, Congress, and the public on a continuing basis necessitates great patience, tact and diplomacy. #J-18808-Ljbffr