An invitation to lead affordable housing in Maryland's finest county — at a defining moment for the field and Authority.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Housing Authority of Calvert County seeks an accomplished, community-minded leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This is a rare opportunity to lead a capable, well-run authority at a pivotal moment for affordable housing nationally — and to become the county's leading voice for residents with housing needs.
With the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act — the most significant federal housing legislation in a generation, signed into law in July 2026 — public housing agencies across the country are preparing for a new era of program modernization, oversight, and opportunity. The next Executive Director will position the Authority to implement applicable reforms with confidence, while doing what a smaller authority can do best: build genuine relationships, move quickly, and stay close to the people it serves.
The ideal candidate is an executive leader and a present, engaged neighbor — equally comfortable advising a Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority, partnering with county and municipal officials, pursuing creative financing, and standing on-site when residents need leadership most.
ABOUT CALVERT COUNTY, MARYLAND
Maryland's smallest county in land area at roughly 213 square miles, it lies within an hour's drive of Washington, D.C., pairing a rural, coastal character with ready access to a major metropolitan region.
Home to approximately 94,500 residents, Calvert combines the intimacy of a close-knit community with the strengths of a growing, well-resourced county. It is consistently recognized as one of the most desirable places to live in the state.
WHAT MAKES CALVERT COUNTY DISTINCTIVE
- Exceptionally safe. Calvert recorded the lowest crime rate of any Maryland county in 2024, at roughly 1,634 incidents per 100,000 residents — well under half the statewide average.
- Top-tier public schools. Calvert County Public Schools ranks among the very best districts in Maryland, with math and reading proficiency above state averages and multiple schools rated among the state's top performers.
- Connected yet grounded. Proximity to federal agencies, defense installations, and the region's economy sits alongside a preserved rural character and a genuine sense of community.
ABOUT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF CALVERT COUNTY
Mission
To provide safe and sanitary housing to persons of low to moderate income throughout Calvert County.
Overview
The Housing Authority of Calvert County (HACC) administers rental assistance and manages affordable housing that helps low- and moderate-income families, seniors, and persons with disabilities secure stable, quality homes. Operating as an independent public body, the Authority partners closely with HUD, the county, and community organizations to deliver its programs and to steward its housing portfolio.
History
Established in 1972 by the Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County, the Authority operates as an independent entity under the Annotated Code of Maryland and is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners appointed by the county. Its administrative offices are located at 480 Main Street in Prince Frederick, the county seat.
Programs & Rental Assistance Portfolio
The Authority administers a diverse portfolio of vouchers and rental assistance across several federal programs:
Program
Vouchers
Housing Choice Vouchers
324
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
68
Mainstream
28
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
18
Family Unification Program (FUP)
16
Port-In
4
Port-Out
1
Total
459
Waiting List
Sustained demand for assistance underscores the need the Authority serves and the importance of keeping vouchers fully and effectively deployed:
Waiting List
Applicants
Housing Choice Voucher
1,338
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)
130
Housing Facilities
The Authority owns and manages four senior independent-living communities. These one- and two-bedroom apartments are reserved for residents ages 62 and older and are subject to income maximum limits. Each is a multi-story elevator building.
Community
Location
Units
Calvert Pines I
Prince Frederick
52
Calvert Pines II
Prince Frederick
48
Southern Pines I
Lusby
76
Southern Pines II
Lusby
67
Total
243
THE OPPORTUNITY AHEAD
The next Executive Director will lead the Authority through a period of meaningful change and possibility. Central priorities include:
PREPARE FOR A NEW FEDERAL ERA
- Position the Authority to successfully implement applicable elements of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, translating new federal requirements, oversight expectations, and program opportunities into sound local strategy.
LEVERAGE THE STRENGTHS OF A SMALLER COUNTY
- Turn Calvert's scale into an advantage — using strong, direct relationships with officials, partners, and residents to act nimbly and get things done.
INNOVATE WHERE DEVELOPMENT IS CONSTRAINED
- Find creative, sustainable ways to expand and preserve affordable housing and to support those with housing needs in an environment where new construction of housing facilities is limited.
BECOME THE LEAD VOICE FOR HOUSING
- Establish the Authority — and the Executive Director — as the recognized leader and convener on housing affordability and housing challenges in Calvert County.
Key Operational Aims
- Full compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, policies, and procedures.
- High occupancy and full voucher utilization across every program.
- Successful implementation of HUD's NSPIRE physical inspection standards.
- Retention of a highly effective leadership team and staff.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director is selected by the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority and serves at the discretion of the Board. Under the Board's strategic direction, the Executive Director is the Authority's chief executive — responsible for carrying out its policies, orders, and resolutions and for the overall leadership, strategy, and performance of the organization.
The Executive Director provides administrative leadership across all key areas — including personnel, communications, finance, the Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher program, housing management and maintenance, and the development of future housing programs — and serves as the Authority's principal representative to public agencies, elected officials, community partners, private developers, realtors, and other governmental bodies.
KEY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
The following describes the core areas of executive responsibility and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties:
BOARD PARTNERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
- Serve as chief executive to the Board of Commissioners, executing its policies, orders, and resolutions and advising the Board on the strategic direction and operations of the Authority.
- Bring forward well-framed recommendations on policy, programs, and service improvements, ensuring every item presented for Board action meets all federal, state, and local requirements.
- Prepare Board agendas, deliver clear reporting on agency performance, and safeguard the integrity of corporate documents, Board minutes, legal instruments, and records.
STRATEGIC VISION & SECTOR LEADERSHIP
- Set and communicate a forward-looking vision that positions the Authority to thrive under the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and an evolving federal landscape.
- Champion innovative approaches to expanding, financing, and preserving affordable housing where new development is constrained.
- Establish the Authority as the leading voice and convener on housing affordability in Calvert County.
REGULATORY STEWARDSHIP & COMPLIANCE
- Interpret and apply HUD regulations and federal, state, and local law, ensuring full compliance across every program and function.
- Keep the Authority's policies current, relevant, and aligned with best practice, and lead implementation of HUD's NSPIRE inspection standards.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP & RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
- Direct preparation of the annual budget and the Annual and Five-Year Agency Plans, and maintain strong budgetary, purchasing, accounting, and financial controls.
- Pursue funding, financing, and partnerships — including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and tax-exempt bond structures — to develop, rehabilitate, manage, and sustain quality housing for low-income, elderly, and disabled residents.
PROGRAM & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
- Provide executive oversight of the Housing Choice Voucher and rental assistance programs, keeping occupancy high and vouchers fully and effectively deployed.
- Ensure housing management, maintenance, and leasing operations deliver safe, well-maintained homes and responsive, high-quality service to residents.
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT & PRESERVATION
- Guide the Authority's Rental Assistance Demonstration portfolio and the development, preservation, and repositioning of affordable housing assets.
- Steward affordable housing projects developed by the Authority from concept through long-term operation.
ORGANIZATIONAL & TALENT LEADERSHIP
- Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team and staff, and oversee personnel administration, hiring, benefits, affirmative action, and equal-opportunity compliance.
- Foster a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement across all departments.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS, ADVOCACY & RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT
- Build authentic, durable partnerships across the county and cultivate resident leadership and tenant organization, strengthening the management partnership between the Authority and the people it serves.
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
The Board has clear expectations for the new Executive Director's onboarding and early tenure. Success in the first year will be measured against the following milestones:
WITHIN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS
- Develop a clear understanding of the Authority's programs and initiatives, including their contractual and financial requirements.
- Solidify the leadership team — clearly conveying expectations so they are understood and embraced — to maximize effectiveness and build supportive, productive employee relationships.
- Establish a solid, trusted working relationship with the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority.
WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR
- Develop a strategic plan, a supporting operating plan, and an operating budget that advance the Authority's mission.
- Establish key metric dashboards to monitor performance and support data-informed decision-making.
- Align the agency's people, resources, and operations to achieve the strategic plan.
- Successfully guide the agency through relevant audits.
- Prepare the Authority's annual report for release to the public.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Authority seeks a seasoned, values-driven executive who blends professional expertise with genuine community presence. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader and skilled administrator, an effective communicator and advocate, and — importantly — someone who leads by being present and engaged in the life of the county.
A Leader Rooted in the Community
In a county the size of Calvert, leadership happens in relationship. The most effective Executive Director will embody:
HOW LEADERSHIP SHOWS UP HERE
Authentic partnership. County officials, civic partners, and municipal departments engage the Executive Director as a trusted peer and collaborator.
Organic collaboration. Meaningful collaboration happens naturally — at civic events, local venues, and community gatherings — not solely through formal, scheduled meetings.
Proximity in crises. Affordable housing operations require rapid, on-site leadership during severe weather, property emergencies, and urgent tenant-safety situations.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of public housing administration and administrative supervision.
- Command of HUD Public Housing and Rental Assistance programs and of Housing and Community Development Acts and amendments, along with the federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing public housing.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of financial administration, and of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, tax-exempt mortgage bond revenue programs, and community and private-sector funding resources.
- Ability to understand, interpret, analyze, and present complex written material, and to prepare effective narrative reports and business correspondence.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills, and the ability to build, monitor, and evaluate professional working relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
- Professional leadership and administrative ability, initiative, and a genuinely innovative mindset.
Qualifications
The following reflect typical expectations and may be tailored by the Board:
- Bachelor's degree in public administration, business, planning, urban studies, or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred such as a MPP or MPA of MBA.
- Progressively responsible senior leadership experience in public housing, affordable housing, or a closely related field, including executive- or director-level responsibility.
- Relevant professional certifications (for example, Public Housing Manager and executive-level Housing Choice Voucher / public housing credentials) are preferred.
- Residency requirement: The Executive Director must establish and maintain residence within Calvert County within six months of appointment.
COMPENSATION & HOW TO APPLY
The Housing Authority of Calvert County offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, together with a comprehensive benefits package.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé to Mr. William W. Gorman, Chair of the Authority to [email protected]. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Mr. Gorman at the above email address or by calling 410.253.1245. Applications received by September 30, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Application will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Housing Authority of Calvert County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fair housing and equal access. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, familial status, or any other protected characteristic.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
