Job Overview

CLPHA seeks a visionary and dynamic Executive Director to lead this influential organization during a critical time for affordable housing in the United States. Building on the significant accomplishments of retiring Executive Director Sunia Zaterman, who has successfully elevated CLPHA's profile and impact, the new Executive Director will champion the interests of large public housing authorities and their residents. This is a unique opportunity to shape federal housing policy, drive innovation in the affordable housing sector, and support the critical work of CLPHA’s member organizations.

The Executive Director will be a leading voice in addressing the complex challenges of housing affordability, recapitalizing the nation's public housing infrastructure, and fostering thriving, equitable communities. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of housing policy, exceptional advocacy skills, a collaborative leadership style, and a passion for CLPHA's mission. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads and manages the organization in accordance with policies, goals, and objectives established by the Board and articulated through CLPHA’s mission, values, and strategic plan. This person will oversee an operating budget of $3.5 million and a staff of 11 employees.

Responsibilities

A full position decirption is available here.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with a deep commitment to affordable housing and a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing large public housing authorities. While the next Executive Director may come from a variety of backgrounds, successful candidates will bring several of the following:

Experience

• 10-15 years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in affordable housing, public policy, association management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in federal advocacy, policy development, and infl uencing legislative and regulatory outcomes, ideally within the housing sector.
• Knowledge of federal housing programs (Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, RAD, MTW, LIHTC, etc.), funding mechanisms, and the operations of public housing authorities.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a complex organization, including strategic planning, fi nancial oversight, staff development, and board relations.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, and resource development.
• Experience in building and leading coalitions and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications and Skills

• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate trends and develop innovative solutions.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including policymakers, members, media, and the public.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to build relationships, inspire trust, and foster collaboration.
• Demonstrated political acumen and a sophisticated understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• A passionate commitment to CLPHA’s mission, improving the lives of low-income individuals and families.
• Visionary, proactive, and results-oriented leadership style.
• High ethical standards, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and politically sensitive environment.
• Bachelor’s degree required;
• Master’s degree or other advanced degree in public policy, urban planning, public administration, law, or a related field is strongly preferred.

Benefits

The salary range for this role is $275,000 to $310,000. Total compensation, which includes a generous benefits package and bonus potential, will be commensurate with experience.

About the Organization

The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) is a non-profit organization that works to preserve and improve public and affordable housing through advocacy, research, policy analysis, and public education. CLPHA’s membership includes more than 85 of the largest and most innovative public housing authorities across the country. The CLPHA membership collectively owns and manages nearly 40 percent of the nation’s public housing stock, administers more than a quarter of the Housing Choice Voucher program, and provides a wide array of other rental assistance. CLPHA members also make vital services available to the more than one million low-income households they serve in federally-assisted housing.

Additionally, Housing Is, a stand-alone nonprofit organization, is supported by CLPHA through a management agreement. Housing Is helps broaden and deepen efforts to align housing, education, and health organizations to produce positive long-term outcomes for those experiencing poverty. Similarly, CLPHA also supports the MTW Collaborative through a management agreement. MTW Collaborative is a nonprofit membership organization that advocates for MTW communities, educates stakeholders on MTW-related issues, and supports the growth of the MTW program. Collaboration across systems and sectors—through shared goals, focused resources, and coordinated efforts—strengthens our collective ability to serve the needs of low-income individuals and families effectively and efficiently. CLPHA believes housing authorities are foundational to improving outcomes around housing, families, individuals, and communities.

CLPHA works to:

• Advocate for responsible and effective federal housing policies and adequate funding levels.
• Promote innovative strategies to address the nation's affordable housing crisis and improve the lives of residents.
• Convene housing authority leaders for peer-to-peer exchange, learning, and collaboration.
• Conduct and disseminate research to inform policy and practice.
• Build partnerships across sectors to create holistic community solutions.

CLPHA’s mission is to support the nation’s largest and most innovative housing authorities by advocating for the resources and policies they need to solve local housing challenges and create communities of opportunity. Five core principles guide CLPHA’s mission, policy and advocacy work at the national level and how members operate at the local level. These principles are:

• Secure adequate funding;
• Stimulate capital investment;
• Ensure program and funding flexibility;
• Promote innovation of housing authorities; and
• Reduce silos across sectors.

CLPHA is at the forefront of shaping the future of affordable housing, championing initiatives that connect housing with health, education, and economic opportunity, and advancing equity and inclusion within the communities our members serve.

How to Apply

CLPHA has retained Sally M. Sterling Executive Search to support the search for Executive Director. We welcome comments, nominations, or expressions of interest. All applicants are asked to include a letter of interest with their resume. Please send an email with supporting materials to: [email protected].