CEO, Management

Imagine a Seattle where every resident can afford a safe, quality affordable home in a high-opportunity area close to jobs, transit, arts and culture, and more. Since 1976, Community Roots Housing has been turning this vision into reality, creating affordable housing that does more than provide shelter— it supports thriving communities.

Deeply committed to community-driven solutions, Community Roots has cultivated robust partnerships with local organizations, artists, and businesses to address housing and other critical needs in the Seattle metro area. As a Public Development Authority and Community Development Corporation, Community Roots owns and manages nearly 50 apartment buildings housing over 2,200 residents, working closely with service providers and community members to create affordable homes, preserve cultural spaces, and bring critical resources like healthcare to the neighborhoods that need them most.

Following significant growth, Community Roots is now seeking a visionary CEO to advance their mission of building a Seattle where every resident can put down roots and flourish.

Community Roots Housing’s mission statement reads:

“Together with residents and partners, we confront inequity to create inclusive housing and foster thriving, just communities.”

To learn more about Community Roots’ history clickhere.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) plays a pivotal role at the heart of our organization, reporting directly to a Board made up of 15 Directors. The CEO’s primary mission is to inspire a strategic vision that shapes our culture, governance, advocacy, and resource development efforts while leading the charge on various program and operational fronts.

In this exciting position, the CEO will spearhead Community Roots’ vision for strengthening and expanding the organization’s portfolio, propelling our growth as stewards of our community and in fulfilling our mission. Imagine building meaningful relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders—from community leaders, to the Resident Advisory Council, to elected officials, to major donors all to enhance Community Roots’ impact in the affordable housing sector.

The goal is to diversify our financial resources, nurturing a thriving team of 100 talented individuals, including 5 direct reports, all committed to our cause.

As the face of the organization, the CEO must embody our values of inclusivity, transparency, and a genuine focus on residents. We’re looking for someone with political savvy, capable of fostering strong connections with government officials, industry leaders, and philanthropic partners. This role isn’t just about leading; it’s about serving as the top ambassador to stakeholders, highlighting the success of Community Roots as a mission-driven provider of affordable housing, aimed at uplifting the lives of residents and the communities we serve.

To excel in this role, the CEO should possess a robust understanding of affordable housing development and tax credit finance, along with a keen ability to make timely, informed decisions about real estate projects. It’s a challenging landscape, but with the right expertise, it’s possible to navigate these waters successfully.

We seek a professional who combines the ability to handle complex real estate and community development projects with thoughtfulness and perseverance. An articulate communicator with high emotional intelligence and a good sense of humor will thrive here. If you’re ready to take on this dynamic challenge, we’d love to have you lead our mission forward!

Community Roots Housing is a mission based, values-based organization and the CEO must have the character to match.

Financial Stabilization & Sustainability – In collaboration with other Community Roots team members, the new CEO will guide Community Roots to improve cash flow management, optimize margins, expand our real estate development portfolio, and enhance portfolio economics focused on both growth and efficiencies.

Fund Development – In partnership with the Community Roots Housing Foundation Executive Director, build on our 15-year history of fund development to take our…