Chief Executive Officer

Salary Range J:  $227,864 – $344,665 annually                                 Department:  Executive

Reports To:  Board of Commissioners                       

Position Status:  Full Time, Exempt

 

HASCO provides housing solutions for the people and communities of Snohomish County.

We partner with…

• People who need support to achieve housing stability.
• Communities, to develop and maintain high quality housing for people at all stages of life, keeping families, neighbors and neighborhoods intact.
• Social service organizations helping individuals and families make progress in life.

We connect people with federal and local programs that help with rent, provide affordable housing in places we own and support our tenants with services.

HASCO leads within a network of housing services providers, working toward a future where all Snohomish County residents have good quality housing, and places to call home.

 

Position Purpose

The CEO is charged with the management of the Housing Authority and serves as the Secretary/Treasurer to the Board of Commissioners.  Under the general policy guidance of the Board of Commissioners, the CEO plans, organizes, directs, and controls the activities and programs of HASCO; represents the Authority in all matters, problems and public relations, including liaison with federal, state and local agencies; acts as contracting officer; and employs and supervises staff in positions authorized by the Board.

The CEO is responsible for implementing the policies of the Authority, as established by the Board of Commissioners in an efficient, economical, and business-like manner; and shall ensure compliance with all contracts, regulations and requirements of local, state and federal agencies.

 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Directs resources and implements measures to achieve HASCO’s vision, mission and goals.  Develops strategies and allocates resources according to goals and strategic priorities.
2. Ensures the financial viability and integrity of HASCO.  Monitors the Authority's financial conditions by regularly evaluating revenue/expenditure trends and conducting specialized studies, recommending to the Board changes in service levels or in fees, as necessary to maintain a sound financial condition.
3. Oversees preparation of the Authority's annual operating budget, establishes administrative objectives for the budget and identifies budgetary constraints, develops final budget recommendations for consideration by the Board, and makes oral presentations at budget hearings regarding specific budget proposals.
4. Represents HASCO locally and nationally with elected officials, government agencies, business leaders and the public.  Establishes and maintains trusting relationships with cities, the county, and other agencies for the purpose of coordinating and utilizing their services for the betterment of HASCO’s programs and clients.
5. Meets with, attends meetings, and serves on the board of a wide variety of related civic and business agencies and community groups regarding common issues.
6. Plans and develops additional housing units and resources for potential residents at a variety of income levels and monitors their timely and cost-effective completion.
7. Hires and develops a strong management staff.  Assigns project and program responsibilities to department directors and works with them in achieving department goals and resolving administrative and operational problems.
8. Administers HASCO's personnel system, overseeing the hiring of all employees and assuring departmental hiring practices conform to established procedure, maintaining HASCO's classification system, overseeing administration of the performance appraisal system, and assuring personnel records conform to requirements.
9. Prepares the agenda for Board meetings, consulting with the Chairperson and department directors to identify appropriate issues to include in the agenda, reviewing and approving staff reports and recommendations, and assembling and reviewing agenda back-up materials.
10. Works with the Director of Development on developing housing projects across the county to support HASCO’s mission. Understands how financing and contracts work when developing new projects.
11. Oversees all construction contracts, including compliance with public bidding requirements, state and federal wage rate standards, architectural services, and construction standards.
12. Inspects the Authority's inventory of owned properties to ensure proper maintenance and upkeep and directs actions to correct deficiencies or improvements.
13. Administers HASCO's insurance program, evaluating the insurance protection needs and policies, negotiating premiums, recommending placement of insurance with specific carriers, and reviewing claims against the Housing Authority.
14. Performs related duties as required.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsible for supervising all staff positions of the agency, with direct supervision over department directors and select division managers.

 

Qualifications and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with a wide range of populations, including local elected officials.
• Establish broad coalitions and maintain effective working relationships with local jurisdictions, funders, and HASCO staff. 
• Ability to present and maintain a professional demeanor, remain calm while under pressure and effectively cope with interruptions and emergencies.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern public administration.
• Ability to read and interpret complex government rules and regulations.  Maintain a thorough working knowledge of applicable federal, state and local regulations that may frequently change.
• Ability to synthesize a wide variety of quantitative and qualitative data and develop recommended courses of action based on such analysis.
• Skill in addressing and resolving organizational problems.
• Must have a solid working knowledge of the economies of housing, property acquisition, relocations, rehabilitation, neighborhood dynamics, and real estate practices.
• Knowledge of HUD programs, other grant programs and bond procedures.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment are required in this position.

 

Education and/or Experience

Required Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in fields such as public administration, public policy, business administration, urban planning, or related field required.  Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience Required:

Five years of senior level management experience in housing or related programs; or any equivalent combination of education, advanced training and previous work experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

 

Communication Skills

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with people from a variety of cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds; individuals with disabilities hindering communication; and individuals lacking fluency in spoken or written English.  Exhibits diplomacy and effective listening skills when communicating with clients, property owners, service partners and HASCO staff members.  Utilizes proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and composition.

 

Computer Skills

Strong computer skills especially Microsoft Excel, Outlook, SharePoint and Word.  Ability to work effectively with specialized software applications.

 

Employee Attributes

All employees are expected to consistently demonstrate the following attributes:

• Authentic –  We are all unique individuals who seek to bring our full selves to work.  We share our personalities and interests and celebrate each other’s successes and personal milestones.
• Dedicated – We are fully committed to our mission and shared sense of purpose.  We strive to continuously learn and grow in support of our work.
• Kind and Compassionate – We care about the people we work for and work with.  We demonstrate compassion, empathy and a desire to help.
• Professional – We are confident, calm and consistent.  We clearly communicate our policies and work with our clients to resolve problems.
• Respectful – We treat all people with respect and dignity acknowledging them as individuals with unique circumstances and needs.

 

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to regularly sit, talk and/or hear.  The employee will constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine and computer printer.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee must also occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities include close vision and color vision.

Work may be performed at the main office in Everett, WA, or remotely and will be in an indoor, office environment.  Incumbent may be required to be available to physically visit the office or HASCO-owned housing complexes and HASCO work sites. They may be exposed to ongoing construction and various weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will operate standard office equipment including computers, telephones, and related equipment.  The employee will drive a vehicle to and from work sites in a variety of weather conditions.

 

Contacts

Work requires frequent contact with Board of Commissioners; local public officials; Federal, State and County program administrators; homeowners and investor-owners; financial lending institutions; other public housing authorities; attorneys; property owners and tenants; social services agencies and the general public. Incumbent will need to demonstrate leadership in housing issues across Snohomish County through various contacts throughout the community.

 

Benefits

HASCO provides generous benefits including several options for medical/dental/vision coverage through the Public Employees Benefit Board (PEBB), 11 holidays, two floating holidays, and three weeks of Annual Leave the first year. In addition, HASCO is a part of the Washington State Retirement System (PERS), and we offer Life Insurance. We also offer tuition reimbursement upon successful passing of probation. 

 

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

All HASCO employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the health and safety of the community we serve and our employees. Upon acceptance of an offer of employment, a prospective hire must submit a certificate of vaccination to the Human Resources Department. Individuals with a qualifying medical or religious reason may submit a request for exemption. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an accommodation.