Executive Director

Direct Reports Deputy Director who leads a team of four (4) executives including the Real Estate Sales & Asset Manager, Finance Manager, Development Project Manager, Communications Manager This is an outstanding opportunity for a forward thinking and strategic leader to shape local affordable housing development and programs at a pivotal moment of growth and change across the Western Slope. The incoming Executive Director (ED) will leverage successful ongoing projects and initiatives, bringing together diverse perspectives to create a shared vision of what affordable housing can mean for Yampa Valley and lead a community-wide collaborative effort on a generational, multi-decade opportunity presented by the Slate Creek project. The ED is YVHA's Chief Executive Officer and the public face of the organization, reporting to the Board of Directors and overseeing all programs, staff, finances, partners, and strategic initiatives. The ED will balance vision and execution, policy and operations, and community trust and organizational performance serving as both a steward of YVHA's affordable housing mission and a credible, steady presence in a high-visibility organization in a politically engaged community. The successful candidate will bring a genuine commitment to YVHA's mission, sound technical judgment, and exceptional communication skills to guide the organization through its next phase of growth, operational excellence, and community impact. Critical to the success of the role will be to build a strong, transparent and collaborative relationship with the community, bringing all voices to the table in solving the affordable housing challenge in the region. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Board Relations Provide visionary and strategic leadership that translates long-range goals into clear, actionable operational plans. Lead organizational scenario planning to anticipate housing market cycles, funding shifts, and community needs. Serve as primary advisor to the Board and provide clear analysis, options, and recommendations to inform and guide the Board’s strategic level thinking. Provide support and guidance to the board, ensuring governance best practices. Ensure YVHA secures the necessary resources through innovative funding initiatives and partnerships with other entities to meet its goals and objectives. Affordable Housing Development & Asset Management Champion a forward-looking plan for YVHA's approach to real estate development and public-private partnerships; strive to improve the ecosystem of availability, long-term affordability, mobility, and stability across current and future properties. Guide YVHA's affordable housing development pipeline, including the Slate Creek annexation and master planning process, the USFS Hilltop project, mobile home park preservation, and future capital projects. Oversight of multifamily development, including site acquisition, entitlements, design, financing, and construction. Oversee complex, multi-year development and financing structures, including LIHTC, tax-exempt and municipal bond financing, HUD programs, state housing funds, and local funding tools. Ensure sound underwriting, pro forma analysis, and long-term asset performance across YVHA's development and property management portfolio. Ensure a strong system of asset management of YVHA’s existing real estate portfolio utilizing industry best practices; ensure residential properties are healthy, thriving affordable communities. Strategic Partnerships & External Relations Serve as a credible, visible, and approachable public face for the organization; leverage public speaking opportunities; communicate with residents, community leaders, financial partners, private sector partners, business professionals, funders, elected officials, government agencies and all partners involved in YVHA programs and projects. Build trust and engage constructively with residents, opposition voices, elected officials, and community groups, listening, addressing concerns directly, and build partnerships to support affordable housing solutions. Represent YVHA before the Steamboat Springs City Council, Routt County Board of Commissioners, and regional partners with professionalism, composure, and political acumen. Lead public communication and messaging efforts, including laying the groundwork for campaigns for ballot measures such as long-term funding and future development referenda. Leverage intergovernmental relationships and funding opportunities to advance YVHA's mission and financial sustainability. Financial & Internal Leadership Build organizational capacity and structure appropriate to YVHA's growth from a small, fast-growing organization into a more complex, mature housing authority. Ensure YVHA's operational systems, staffing, and internal processes are efficient, resilient, and aligned with its mission and growth trajectory. Lead, mentor, and support a talented, mission-driven staff team, preserving a culture of trust, autonomy, and professional growth. Build high performing teams through clarity, accountability, and empowerment. Maintain strong command of budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation, including diversifying long-term funding sources and innovative financing strategies with a focus on financial sustainability. Together with the finance manager oversee the development of the annual operating budget for the organization; ensure that YVHA is in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and obligations and operates within approved budget guidelines. Oversee complex projects, contracts, and multi-year capital and programmatic initiatives; use data, performance metrics, and scenario planning to guide decisions. The Leader Professional Experience Minimum ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in affordable housing development and finance or a public housing authority, including familiarity with LIHTC, HUD programs, tax-exempt or municipal bond financing, and public-private partnership structures. Candidates with strong adjacent experience in housing finance, community or economic development will also be considered. Broad general management experience in a complex organization across finance/finance development, human resources, operations/technology, marketing, programming, fundraising, and working with Boards. Experience working with, and reporting to, a governing board in a public, nonprofit, or quasi-governmental organization and providing clear analysis, options, and recommendations. Achievement in changing environments, bringing to scale complex organizations and projects; adept at assessing operational requirements necessary to support sustainable growth and healthy organizational culture. Skilled at navigating high-visibility, politically engaged communities, including managing public opposition and building coalitions among diverse stakeholders Track record of developing and executing strategic plans; creating and monitoring budgets, negotiating complex financial transactions; ability to structure complex development and redevelopment deals. Fundraising ability with a track record of building innovative partnerships and diversifying revenue and other funding streams. Demonstrated success working collaboratively with internal and external constituents including residents, local governments and planning departments, developers and financial partners, community leaders, social service providers, state and federal governments, and organizational partners. Experience leading organizations that operate at the intersection of public mission and real estate/community/economic development complexity. Superior mentoring, professional development, people management and leadership skills; inspiring team builder who engenders trust and builds group commitment to goals and objectives. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to engage effectively with boards, staff, elected officials, and the public. Familiarity with mountain resort, rural, or high-cost-of-living community dynamics. Personal Characteristics Genuine, sustained commitment to affordable housing and to YVHA's mission. Committed to equity, inclusion, and public service. Adaptive, resilient, and energized; not deterred by complex, high-stakes challenges. Experienced community leader comfortable building relationships and strategic partnerships in diverse settings; experienced at consensus building and community visioning. Politically astute; ability to collaboratively build political capital. Visionary leader open to innovative ideas, able to manage and drive change, and willing to take calculated risks. Growth-oriented with strong organizational and management skills; ability to delegate and roll up sleeves. Strong business acumen in financial and real estate development; highly numerate, strives for continuous improvement; translates goals/initiatives into action. A clear, authentic communicator who demonstrates high emotional intelligence and conveys respect. Calm and steady under public pressure and scrutiny. Preferred Education & Experience Advanced degree in public administration, business, planning, or related field. Experience in affordable housing, community and economic development, or quasi-governmental organizations. Compensation Expected base salary range: $180,000 to $220,000, commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Relocation, including temporary housing assistance provided. #J-18808-Ljbffr