Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Lafayette Housing Authority (LHA) Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director will be responsible for leading, cultivating and facilitating the agency’s vision, mission, and strategic goals, providing leadership to best meet the needs of the entire community; and growing the participation in, and effectiveness of the LHA within the community. The Executive Director is responsible for the initiation, planning, and implementation of the outreach activities necessary to build networks and develop functional relationships with major internal and external stakeholders.

Additionally, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management for LHA agency staff. The Executive Director is a leader, visionary, advocate and spokesperson holding overall responsibility for the success and long-term sustainability of the agency and shall be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing local and national outreach programs that cultivate functional relationships with local government, state government, the Louisiana Housing Corporation, HUD, major associations, non-profit organizations, and housing developers across the United States to facilitate public information and preparedness in support of the agency's vision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regularly consults the Board of Commissioners on all policies, programs and finances relating to the operation of the Authority.
• Responsible for leading and managing all Agency operations and programs, current and future, of the housing authority, and for the duties the Board of Commissioners may prescribe.
• Administers LHA’s fiscal and business operations in compliance with the Louisiana Housing Authorities Law, and all other applicable laws of the State of Louisiana, and all applicable Federal laws, to include, but not limited to, the U.S. Housing Act of 1937.
• Ensures that the appropriate staffing needs are met by the agency. Employing LHA staff, which consist of leadership, management, professional, technical, administrative, and clerical personnel, necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the housing authority.
• Responsible for the oversight of all LHA staff, directly and indirectly, staffing operations, and employee relations as required by LHA policy, and applicable State and Federal laws. Oversight includes authority for hiring, disciplinary actions, training, development, terminations and other employee relations matters. Ensures that the performance of all LHA staff is evaluated annually as prescribed by LHA policy.
• Ensures the appropriate procurement of required equipment, supplies, materials, services, privileges, works, and labor required to operate a public housing authority consistent with LHA’s Procurement Policy and in accordance with limitations and requirements set forth in State and or Federal laws, Federal regulations, and HUD documents governing the purchase of materials and or contracts for services.
• Responsible for the appropriate selection of consultants, to include the retention of any financial and or legal professionals, said written recommendations to be consistent with and in accordance with any applicable Federal and or State requirements and or procurement policies.
• Responsible for preparing LHA’s annual budgets, and or budget revisions, for review and approval by the Board of Commissioners.
• Responsible for ensuring satisfactory oversight and management of all public housing properties for all LHA managed properties and those managed by third-party property management companies.
• Responsible for working proactively with community stakeholders to recommend implementation of new programs to promote self-sufficiency and attract quality participants to the program; and work to explore new rental markets in neighborhoods throughout Lafayette.
• Regularly meets with residents regarding their concerns and input on the Authority’s progress in achieving its mission to provide safe and affordable housing.
• Maintains a positive relations profile with City officials and attends their official meetings as needed. Participates in or with other local organizations in the furtherance of LHA’s mission and its role in the community.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities assigned by the Board of Commissioners.

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills :

Commitment : Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard / smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; and persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service : Meets / exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors, and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind; and recognizes working colleagues as customers.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Commitment, Customer Service, Effective Communication, Initiative, Job Knowledge, Leadership,

Problem-solving, Professional Behavior, Reliability, Responsiveness and Accountability, Continuous Improvement and Innovation, and Safety Awareness.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Job Competencies

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university, preferably in public administration, urban planning, community development, finance, or business administration; specific technical training and certifications are preferred. Five (5) years of senior-level management experience in public housing, affordable housing, real estate redevelopment, or nonprofits.

Must possess collaboration, interpersonal, and conflict management skills; as well as excellent oral, written, and organizational skills. Must be flexible, maintain confidentiality, and function with ethics and integrity.

This position may require regular driving for business purposes. The incumbent is required to possess a valid driver’s license.