Poughkeepsie Housing Authority - Executive Director

Executive Director Recruitment Announcement

The Poughkeepsie Housing Authority (PHA) seeks an innovative, ethical and results-driven executive to serve as its next Executive Director. Reporting to the seven-member Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director serves as Chief Executive Officer and will guide PHA through a transformative period of redevelopment, organizational renewal, housing preservation and resident-centered service. The successful candidate will combine vision, sound judgment, fiscal discipline, housing expertise and collaborative leadership to strengthen operations, advance redevelopment, support residents and position the Authority for long-term sustainability.

The Executive Director is expected to exercise independent judgment, sound executive leadership and strategic decision-making within the policies established by the Board.

PHA operates five public housing sites comprising 359 units, administers approximately 169 Housing Choice Vouchers and employs approximately 20 staff members. The Authority is advancing major preservation and redevelopment initiatives, including RAD, Section 18 repositioning, Choice Neighborhoods, modernization, capital improvements and partnership-driven strategies. PHA is committed to providing safe, affordable housing while creating pathways to economic opportunity, home ownership and upward mobility for low-income individuals, families, seniors and children.

Under the policy direction of the Board, the Executive Director is accountable for the planning, administration and overall performance of the Authority. The Executive Director leads daily operations and long-range strategy while ensuring HUD compliance, sound fiscal practices and alignment with PHA's mission. This role requires an accomplished leader who can balance operational excellence with redevelopment strategy, financial stewardship, staff leadership, resident engagement, public accountability and strong governmental, community, funding and development partnerships.

The Board seeks a leader prepared to move the Authority beyond maintenance of the status quo and build a high-performing, sustainable organization.

• Provide executive leadership for PHA's public housing, Housing Choice Voucher, maintenance, redevelopment, finance, procurement, human resources, resident services and administrative functions.
• Implement Board policies, support effective governance and provide timely information, recommendations and performance reporting to assist Board oversight and decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with HUD requirements, federal, state and local laws, procurement standards, audits, inspections, PHAS, SEMAP, corrective action plans and other regulatory performance measures.
• Direct budgeting, financial reporting, audits, internal controls, contract administration and fiscal management while ensuring sound stewardship and clear financial communication to the Board.
• Lead redevelopment and preservation strategies, including RAD, Section 18, LIHTC, mixed-finance development, project-based vouchers, modernization, capital improvements, asset management and Choice Neighborhoods initiatives.
• Pursue grants, philanthropic opportunities, strategic partnerships and alternative funding sources that support operations, redevelopment, resident services and long-term organizational sustainability.
• Establish performance measures, monitor outcomes, strengthen organizational systems and recruit, supervise, mentor, evaluate and develop staff while promoting accountability, teamwork and succession planning.
• Strengthen resident communication, dignity, trust and engagement, particularly during redevelopment, modernization, relocation and major operational initiatives. Support partnerships that advance self-sufficiency, education, workforce opportunity and quality of life.
• Conduct regular reviews of properties, programs, maintenance operations, risk areas and service delivery to ensure safe, responsive and effective operations.
• Represent PHA before HUD, residents, elected officials, municipal leaders, labor representatives, governmental agencies, developers, lenders, funders and community stakeholders.
• Lead the Authority through emergencies, operational disruptions, regulatory challenges, public relations matters and organizational transitions while maintaining a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture.

• Bachelor's degree required. A master's degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning, public policy, housing management, finance or a related field is preferred.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible executive or senior management experience, including at least two years supervising professional staff, in public or affordable housing, government administration, community development, redevelopment, nonprofit housing or a comparable executive leadership environment.
• Strong knowledge of HUD regulations,…