Job Summary
Under general direction of the Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the overall administration, strategic leadership, and operational management of all housing and affordable housing development initiatives. In addition to overseeing the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and related housing assistance programs, the Executive Director will also provide leadership oversight to Southern Maine Affordable Housing, a separate nonprofit organization focused on the development and preservation of affordable housing opportunities throughout the region.
This role requires a highly collaborative and externally facing leader with demonstrated experience in affordable housing development, strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and community relationship management. The Executive Director serves as the primary representative of the organization(s) and must cultivate strong working relationships with municipal leaders, developers, funding partners, community organizations, regulatory agencies, and other key stakeholders.
The Executive Director is responsible for advancing affordable housing initiatives, identifying development opportunities, securing funding sources, overseeing financial and operational performance, and ensuring organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Essential Duties
· Lead the overall operations and strategic direction of BHA, ensuring compliance with HUD regulations, agency policies, and financial objectives.
· Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Commissioners, providing updates, recommendations, and implementing Board initiatives.
· Represent BHA and Southern Maine Affordable Housing with community partners, government agencies, media, developers, lenders, and key stakeholders to advance organizational and affordable housing initiatives.
· Oversee all personnel and organizational management functions, including employee relations, performance management, training, labor relations, and staff development.
· Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture that supports employee engagement, accountability, professional development, and organizational effectiveness.
· Direct financial operations, including budgeting, fiscal oversight, internal controls, payroll, purchasing, financing activities, and long-term financial planning.
· Oversee the safeguarding and stewardship of agency assets, records, facilities, equipment, and organizational resources.
· Lead and implement the strategic planning process, establishing short- and long-term organizational goals and evaluating operational and programmatic outcomes.
· Lead affordable housing development and preservation initiatives, including acquisition, redevelopment, financing, grants, tax credits, partnership cultivation, and long-term project planning.
· Identify and pursue new development opportunities, funding sources, public-private partnerships, and grant opportunities that support agency growth and community housing needs.
· Oversee contracts, procurement activities, vendor relationships, and the management and maintenance of agency-owned properties and development projects.
· Maintain and update agency policies, administrative plans, and compliance procedures to ensure operational effectiveness and regulatory adherence.
· Complete credit and financing applications on behalf of Biddeford Housing
· Diversify organizational revenue streams through grants, partnerships, fundraising opportunities, development initiatives, and other non-federal funding sources to support long-term organizational sustainability.
· Serve as a resource for resident or program participant concerns that have progressed through established agency procedures.
· Perform other duties as may be required.
Required Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
· Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration or related field; and,
· Four years of progressively responsible experience in an administrative capacity dealing with housing assistance programs including budgeting, development and supervision.
· Or:
· An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position as listed above.
· Established professional relationships and recognized credibility within Maine’s affordable housing and housing development community strongly preferred, including experience working collaboratively with MaineHousing, public housing authority leaders, Evernorth, developers, and regional nonprofit housing organizations.
Knowledge:
· Thorough knowledge of Housing Authority and HUD objectives, programs and policies.
· Knowledge of program budgeting, general accounting and fiscal management.
· Knowledge of the principles of organization, management, personnel administration and supervision.
· Knowledge of affordable housing development processes, financing structures, and funding mechanisms including LIHTC, grants, and public-private partnerships.
· Knowledge of nonprofit leadership and community-based housing initiatives.
· Knowledge of the Biddeford community, regional housing needs, and the BHA service area, or the demonstrated ability to quickly develop an understanding of the local landscape and build effective community relationships.
Skills:
· Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and relationship management.
· Demonstrated ability to lead, plan, organize, and evaluate operations, programs, staffing, and fiscal strategies.
· Ability to interpret and apply government regulations, legal documents, contracts, and other regulatory requirements.
· Strong financial and analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate budgets, reports, and financial data.
· Demonstrated sound judgment and decision-making skills in addressing complex administrative and operational issues.
· Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, government officials, community partners, and stakeholders.
· Strong business development, networking, and partnership-building capabilities.
· Ability to negotiate and manage contracts effectively.
· Strong strategic leadership skills with the ability to balance day-to-day operations and long-term organizational growth.
· Ability to adapt and lead effectively within a dynamic and evolving environment.
· Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
· Proficiency with computer systems and standard business software applications.
Certification/Licenses:
· Hold Housing Choice Voucher Executive Management certification or obtain it within 18 months of employment.
· Valid Maine driver's license, clean driving record, ability to operate a motor vehicle and willingness to use reliable personal vehicle in the course of employment; or, a stated plan for equivalent mobility.
Physical Abilities and Environmental
Extended workdays may be required to accomplish tasks and meet workload demands during peak periods. Valid driver’s license required and ability to travel throughout the service region as needed. Requires extended periods of walking or standing, computer keying, working at a desk, and viewing spreadsheets and other written material. Ability to stand, walk, as well as talk, see and hear. There is also the potential for kneeling and lifting objects up to 25 lbs.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
