Chief Operating Officer

A newly formed Public Development Authority is tasked with creating, owning, and stewarding permanently affordable, mixed-income housing that is publicly financed and protected from market speculation. This organization is building a transformative model of social housing rooted in equity, sustainability, and long-term public stewardship.

The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a core member of the executive leadership team and will guide the operational foundation of a new public agency as it launches and scales. The COO is responsible for ensuring operational excellence and strategic integration across housing management, resident services, facilities, asset performance, and internal organizational culture. The COO will support implementation of the agency’s mission by overseeing Property Management, Asset Management, Human Resources, Resident Services, and Facilities. The COO will collaborate closely with the CEO and CFO to ensure long‑term sustainability and public accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Supervise directors of Property Management, Asset Management, Human Resources, Resident Services, and Facilities / Maintenance.

Ensure successful lease‑up, operations, and performance of newly developed social housing communities.

Support the establishment and evolution of internal policies that reflect the mission and values of social housing—equity, accessibility, and public benefit.

Co‑lead long‑term strategic planning in partnership with the CEO and CFO to ensure financial resilience, community impact, and public transparency.

Collaborate with the Development team to ensure smooth transitions from construction to occupancy and to integrate resident needs into project planning.

Work with the CFO to establish operational budgets, explore cost allocation strategies, and balance organizational growth with technological solutions.

Develop and monitor performance metrics to ensure high‑quality resident experience, community health outcomes, and property‑level success.

Oversee asset performance strategy, including monitoring portfolio health, assessing financial risk, and recommending recapitalization or repositioning strategies as needed.

Partner with HR leadership to build a strong workplace culture focused on staff development, retention, and equity‑driven practices.

Support development of competitive compensation and benefits plans aligned with the values of public service and affordability.

Ensure services provided to residents—such as youth programs, senior support, food access, and financial literacy—are equitable, culturally responsive, and metrics‑informed.

Build partnerships with local organizations, public agencies, and service providers to extend supportive services available to residents.

Qualifications

At least 10+ years of executive or senior leadership experience in operations, organizational development, or public‑sector innovation, ideally spanning nonprofit, government, or mission‑driven startups.

1–3 years of experience in affordable housing or adjacent fields, with a working understanding of housing policy, development, or community‑based service delivery.

Demonstrated success in scaling organizational impact through cross‑functional leadership, change management, and operational excellence.

Deep experience leading strategic planning, team development, technology integration, and stakeholder partnerships in complex environments.

Proven ability to navigate regulatory, political, and community contexts while advancing bold, values‑driven initiatives.

Strong commitment to racial equity, economic justice, and systems‑level approaches to solving public problems.

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Other

Industries

Housing and Community Development, Real Estate, and Civic and Social Organizations

#J-18808-Ljbffr