EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Recruitment Opening
Posting Period: March 27, 2025- May 15, 2025
About the Housing Authority of the County of Wake (HACW)
The HACW has 345 public housing units and provides Section 8 vouchers to over 550 participants. In addition, HACW also manages six rental houses for its nonprofit affiliate, the Wake County Housing Finance Corporation.
About the Position
Governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, Housing Authority of the County of Wake is seeking a dynamic and qualified leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The Board seeks a leader and professional manager with a progressive career in public housing management, affordable housing, nonprofit management, and human services. The person must be an exceptional organizer, values accountability, agile problem-solver, uses modern technology to carry out highly complex functions, effective communicator and has a process-approach to getting things done. The position requires strong management experience, exceptional leadership and a successful track record of working at affordable housing. The Executive Director will be responsible for all aspects of the HACW’s operations including administration, management, development, and financial control. Serving as primary liaison with the BOC, HUD, and state and federal entities, the leader will provide strong strategic leadership to ensure Housing Authority remains in good governance. The Housing Authority was recently designated as “Troubled “and is implementing a recovery plan which will be led by the new Executive Director.
The Community
Located in the northeast central region of NC, Wake County is home to over 1 million residents. Our culturally diverse community attracts top talent for our varied workforce. We are one of the fastest growing counties in the nation and the most populous county in the state. Known for having a diverse economy, Wake County maintains a competitive edge in bioresearch, technology, pharmaceuticals, and medical. The County offers quality education at eight higher learning institutes and serves as hosts to many cultural arts performances. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines ranked it as being one of the best places to live, work and play. Many activities and events are held frequently throughout the County for all ages to keep residents engaged and informed. Woven throughout the County you will find many biking and walking trails. Our central location is just a two-hour drive to the coast and four hours to our scenic mountains.
Summary of Major Duties
Performs the following and other related duties as assigned by the BOC.
Administration
- The Executive Director plans, develops, organizes, coordinates, delegates, supervises, and directs the implementation of the Agency’s Housing programs.
- Provides ongoing assistance to current staff to support a positive and productive working environment
- Reviews and approves reports and other documents that are required by federal, state, and local jurisdictions.
- Documents in writing appropriate events and activities.
- Serves as a Security Administrator and User Administrator for the HUD REAC system.
Management (Projects, Procurement, Operations)
- Oversees and provides for safekeeping of the Agency’s buildings, grounds, facilities, equipment, supplies, monies, files, records, documents, and reporting.
- Participates in negotiating contracts with outside agencies and companies for major maintenance services and management services. Receives and reviews bids and executes contracts.
- Makes policy, administrative, and management decisions concerning the daily operations of the Agency.
- Monitors, surveys, and inspects various aspects of the Agency’s operations on a frequent and continuing basis, to obtain a general idea of conditions, appearance, problems, accomplishments, and results.
- Monitors the Agency’s compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to the Agency. Prepares and submits reports and statistics required by such entities.
- Accountable for consistent adherence to strong Agency standards regarding the ethical, responsible, and appropriate use, care, and safeguarding of Agency materials, supplies, resources, and other assets.
Strategic & Policy Management
- Serves as Secretary/Treasurer to the Board of Commissioners, submitting budgets and informing Board of the status of activities and projects within the Agency; develops and proposes new polices or changes in existing policies, notifies the BOC of changes or proposed changes in federal, state or local legislation affecting the Agency; provides the BOC with information on evaluations of efficiency and effectiveness of Agency operations and provides recommendations for improvements.
- Works with the BOC to develop the Agency’s strategic and operational plans. Effectively develops organizational structures and plans and implements internal policies, programs, goals, and priorities.
Financial Control
- Oversees and ensures accurate preparation of all budgets and revisions. Revises and authorizes Agency expenditures and monitors funds for effective and efficient use.
- Identifies federal and non-federal funding sources to augment declining subsidy, helping to ensure the viability of housing and associated programs offered by the Agency.
Communication and Public Relations
- Serves as liaison between the BOC and Agency staff. Acts as spokesperson for the BOC when authorized by the BOC chairperson. Responds promptly to other BOC inquiries regarding Agency plans and operations.
- Discusses Agency goals, priorities, problems, and concerns with officials, representatives, and members of the local government, news media, social and public service agencies, state government and federal government.
Conflict Management
- Meets with residents concerning complaints and/or grievances after unresolved investigation and negotiations by designated staff and advises them of their rights to hearings according to the Agency’s procedures.
Community Engagement
- Addresses businesses and civic groups on matters pertaining to the Agency. Successfully maintains a positive Agency image and working relationship with the community and local, state, and federal government officials.
- Supports, assists, and works with other agencies and affiliated organizations in joint efforts, which are mutually beneficial, by participating in community activities and functions relevant to Agency objectives and by maintaining membership in appropriate community organizations.
- Volunteers new ideas, suggestions, and recommendations to HUD as desired. At the request of HUD, or affiliated groups, may assist in planning or development of seminars, conferences, and workshops. Reviews proposed laws or regulations and recommends changes or improvements.
Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or Management or a closely related field from an accredited college or university reflective of the mission and goals of Housing Authority. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Minimum of Ten (10) years’ experience in senior level management. Minimum of Five (5) years of management experience at a public housing authority or other similar experience, including supervision of ten (10) or more staff members for at least two (2) years.
Qualified Applicants must authorize HACW to conduct confidential background checks including criminal history, credit check, prior employment verification, education verification, and other relevant background checks. In accordance with our drug-free workplace policy, all job offers are contingent upon candidates successfully passing a drug and alcohol screen.
Hiring Range and Benefits
$110,000 – $140,000 (beginning salary will be commensurate with experience) with 100% health insurance coverage, retirement, paid holidays, vacation leave, and life insurance.
Application and Selection Process
Applications will be accepted until May 15,2025.
Your application package should include 1- letter of interest 2-detailed resume 3 – three professional references in PDF Format and emailed to jdurham@joedurhamassociates.com with the subject line HACW- ED Application.
This recruitment process is being managed by Joe Durham and Associates, LLC. All inquiries should be mailed to jdurham@joedurhamassociates.com
The Housing Authority of the County of Wake is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, creed, gender identity, age, disability, or status in any other group protected by law.