Full Job Description
The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the largest redevelopment and housing authority in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Reporting directly to a 9-member Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, financial oversight, administrative operations, and regulatory compliance of a massive urban housing network.
The ideal candidate will manage a $115 million operating budget and a dedicated staff of over 200 employees, serving more than 13,000 residents across Norfolk. This role demands an accomplished leader who can champion affordable housing initiatives, spearhead complex urban renewal and real estate development projects, and ensure unwavering adherence to local, state, and federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines.
Core Knowledge & Skills
• Regulatory & Compliance Savvy: Advanced understanding of HUD regulations, Fair Housing laws, and state/federal procurement rules.
• Fiscal Accountability: Proven track record of managing multi-million-dollar operational and capital budgets with pristine auditing standards.
• Ethical Leadership: Uncompromising personal integrity with a history of implementing strict internal controls, standardized operating procedures, and transparent governance.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the presence and diplomacy required to navigate complex political and socioeconomic environments
Working Conditions & Compensation
• Environment: Dynamic office setting located in downtown Norfolk, VA, requiring frequent travel to NRHA housing sites, community meetings, and national housing conferences.
• Compensation: Highly competitive executive salary commensurate with experience, paired with a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) or similar executive retirement paths.
Experience, Knowledge and Skills:
• Degree: A Master's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a closely related field is highly preferred (Bachelor's degree required).
• Executive Experience: Minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressive, senior-level executive leadership experience within a Public Housing Authority (PHA), redevelopment agency, or large-scale community development organization
• Housing Expertise: Deep, verifiable expertise in managing HUD-funded programs, public housing operations, and real estate development frameworks.