Chief Operating Officer

Location: Seattle, WA

Position Overview:

A newly formed Public Development Authority tasked with creating, owning, and stewarding permanently affordable, mixed-income housing that is publicly financed and protected from market speculation seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join their executive team. This pivotal role requires a visionary leader who can drive operational excellence and enhance business growth. The COO will oversee day-to-day operations, ensure alignment with our strategic goals, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

This role provides executive oversight of key organizational functions-including Property Management, Asset Management, HR, Resident Services, and Facilities-to ensure the effective operation and long-term success of social housing communities. It leads strategic planning with executive leadership to align financial resilience, community impact, and transparency with the organization's mission and values. The position guides lease-up and operational performance of new developments, collaborates closely with Development to ensure smooth project transitions, and partners with the CFO on budgeting, cost allocation, and technology-enabled growth.

The role establishes and monitors performance metrics to support high-quality resident experiences, strong community health outcomes, and property-level success. It oversees portfolio health and asset strategy, including financial risk assessment and recapitalization or repositioning recommendations. In partnership with HR, it cultivates an equity-centered organizational culture, strengthens staff development and retention, and supports competitive compensation and benefits structures aligned with public-service values. Finally, the position ensures that resident services are equitable, culturally responsive, and outcome-driven, while building partnerships with local organizations and agencies to expand supportive programs.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of executive or senior leadership experience in operations, organizational development, or public-sector innovation, ideally spanning nonprofit, government, or mission-driven startups.
• 1-3 years of experience in affordable housing or adjacent fields, with a working understanding of housing policy, development, or community-based service delivery.
• Demonstrated success in scaling organizational impact through cross-functional leadership, change management, and operational excellence.
• Deep experience leading strategic planning, team development, technology integration, and stakeholder partnerships in complex environments.
• Proven ability to navigate regulatory, political, and community contexts while advancing bold, values-driven initiatives.
• Strong commitment to racial equity, economic justice, and systems-level approaches to solving public problems.
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Compensation:

Competitive base salary and generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement match, and paid leave.

Hybrid work environment with flexible scheduling, candidate must be based in, or willing to relocate to, the Seattle area

Opportunity to shape a new institution with lasting community impact