Deputy Executive Director of HRA

Under the direction of the City Administrator, the Deputy Executive Director (DED) provides operational, financial, and administrative leadership for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). This position oversees day-to-day HRA operations and ensures the effective implementation of policies, priorities, and goals established by the City Administrator. The Deputy Executive Director leads HRA staff in a collaborative and supportive environment and works with residents, community partners, public officials, and City staff to provide safe, affordable, quality housing. The position ensures compliance with HUD requirements, Minnesota statutes, Dakota County CDA requirements, MHFA program requirements, fair housing laws, and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Supervisory ResponsibilitiesDirect Supervision: Housing Programs Administrator, Property Managers, Housing Office Specialist, Maintenance Staff, and Cleaner/Caretaker Staff Indirect Supervision: Temporary employees, assigned contractors, and consultants Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Deputy Executive Director is a professional, supervisory, and administrative leadership position responsible for HRA operations, capital improvements, asset management, regulatory compliance, financial management, and administration. Strategic and Organizational Leadership
• Partner with the City Administrator to carry out the long-term vision and strategic direction of the HRA.
• Develop and implement plans, goals, priorities, and performance measures.
• Anticipate trends and challenges affecting public and affordable housing and adjust strategies as needed.
• Support process improvement, project management, and effective service delivery.
• Establish annual work plans, staff expectations, and accountability measures.
• Lead, supervise, train, evaluate, and support HRA staff.
• Recommend hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination actions as appropriate. HRA Administration and Operations
• Oversee the management, planning, and general operation of the HRA.
• Advise the City Administrator on HRA policies, programs, operations, and recommended actions.
• Prepare reports, records, presentations, and recommendations for the City Administrator, HRA Board, and City Council.
• Provide regular written and verbal updates on HRA activities, operations, compliance, finances, and performance.
• Attend HRA Board, City Council, resident, community, and other meetings as required.
• Ensure HRA programs and services meet established performance and compliance requirements.
• Develop policies and operating procedures that support effective HRA operations.
• Oversee contractors and consultants as assigned.
• Respond to complex resident, property, and operational issues. Financial Management, Grants, and Capital Projects
• Prepare HRA budgets for City Administrator approval and administer approved budgets.
• Monitor financial performance, budgets, forecasts, and financial statements.
• Support the long-term financial health and sustainability of HRA programs and properties.
• Oversee grants and loan funds, including contracting, spending, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure compliance with HUD, MHFA, and other funding requirements.
• Oversee HRA capital improvements and asset management activities.
• Manage procurement, contracts, grants, and capital projects.
• Maintain relationships with funding agencies and partners. Community and Partner Relations
• Assist the City Administrator in maintaining strong relationships with the HRA Board, City Council, Resident Councils, residents, community organizations, public agencies, nonprofit partners, and private-sector stakeholders.
• Engage residents and community organizations to help ensure HRA programs respond to community needs.
• Represent the HRA in public meetings, policy discussions, and meetings with partner agencies.
• In the absence of the Executive Director/City Administrator, represent the Housing Authority at meetings and public appearances.
• Work with the City’s Communications Department on HRA communications, publications, marketing, and public information. Additional Duties
• Respond to after-hours emergencies involving HRA facilities and operations as required.
• Perform other duties of a comparable level or type as assigned. Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, housing administration, public administration, finance, or a closely related field.
• Six years of progressively responsible experience in public housing administration, affordable housing, or related governmental housing programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public housing programs, financial management, and regulatory compliance.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Valid driver’s license for work-related travel.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications and training.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree and/or professional housing certifications, such as Public Housing Manager (PHM).
• Experience as a Deputy Executive Director or senior leader at an HRA, PHA, CDA, or similar organization.
• Experience improving agency performance scores and addressing HUD, audit, or other compliance deficiencies.
• Experience with HUD-designated senior public housing.
• Experience administering HUD Public Housing programs.
• Experience managing capital projects and federal grants.
• Experience with housing finance, redevelopment, or affordable housing initiatives. Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThe position requires a thorough knowledge of public housing programs, housing authority operations, policies, regulations, and procedures. The Deputy Executive Director must exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and perform work in a trustworthy and ethical manner. Candidates should have knowledge of:
• HUD public housing regulations and reporting systems.
• Federal, state, county, and local housing regulations.
• Public housing eligibility, leasing, occupancy, property management, maintenance, budgeting, capital improvements, audits, and compliance.
• Fair housing and civil rights laws.
• Minnesota landlord-tenant law.
• Housing finance and grant administration.
• Budgeting, accounting, auditing, and financial management.
• Capital planning and project management.
• Procurement and contract management.
• Public-sector records management and data privacy requirements. Candidates should have the ability to:
• Lead staff, programs, projects, and organizational change.
• Analyze complex information, regulations, policies, and financial data.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
• Build effective relationships with residents, staff, elected officials, public agencies, and community partners.
• Supervise, train, coordinate, and evaluate employees and contractors.
• Administer budgets, grants, contracts, and capital projects.
• Develop policies and operational procedures.
• Resolve complex resident and operational issues.
• Maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
• Manage multiple priorities and statutory deadlines.
• Use Microsoft Office and related business software.
• Work with PHA software systems, including PIC. Working Conditions and Physical DemandsThis professional administrative and supervisory position is performed primarily in office and residential housing environments and includes periodic site inspections. The position regularly interacts with staff, elected officials, governmental agencies, residents, businesses, and the public. Occasional evening meetings and emergency response activities are required. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Work regularly requires sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, use of hands and fingers, and operation of standard office equipment. The position may occasionally require reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, carrying, pushing, or moving materials weighing up to 25 pounds.