PHADA is currently seeking a dynamic, experienced, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and hands-on executive with a deep understanding of housing policy and strong operational leadership skills. This individual will lead the Association with vision, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit, supporting its mission to represent and strengthen public housing authorities nationwide.

Key Attributes and Qualifications

• Proven Leadership: The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of senior-level experience in nonprofit management, government, or association leadership. They are a working executive, comfortable managing day-to-day operations while engaging in long-term strategy and advocacy efforts.
• Expertise in Housing Policy & Government Relations: A strong understanding of HUD programs, federal housing policy, and the legislative landscape is essential. The Executive Director must be capable of representing PHADA at the national level with policymakers, industry partners, and the media.
• Operational and Financial Acumen: This leader has demonstrated success overseeing budgets, contracts, staff, and internal controls. They will manage PHADA’s finances with integrity and transparency, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and bylaws.
• Effective Communicator and Relationship Builder: The candidate is a skilled communicator and spokesperson who can represent PHADA in a variety of public and professional forums. They are adept at building relationships with members, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
• Event and Membership Oversight: Experience planning large-scale conferences, webinars, and professional development initiatives is highly desirable. The Executive Director will lead efforts to maintain and continue to build the membership, and enhance member engagement, value, and retention.
• Strategic Vision with a Hands-On Approach: PHADA values a leader who is as comfortable setting strategic direction as they are rolling up their sleeves. The successful candidate will guide staff, execute Board directives, and maintain close alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Inclusive and Supportive Manager: A collaborative, empathetic leader who promotes staff development and a positive workplace culture. Experience supervising teams, hiring, evaluating, and providing ongoing professional growth opportunities is essential.

Experience and Education

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a senior operational leadership role, preferably in a professional association, public agency, or non-profit setting.
• Bachelor’s degree and strong knowledge of housing industry programs required.
• Advanced degree in public administration, nonprofit management, law, urban planning and development, or related field is preferred.
• Experience working with public housing authorities, HUD, or membership-based associations is highly valued.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Position Information

Benefits: PHADA offers a generous slate of employee benefits that includes medical, dental, life and long-term care insurances, 401(k) with employer contribution, profit sharing, paid time-off, and paid holidays.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is between $250,000 to $300,000 commensurate with experience; this position is also eligible for performance-based bonuses.

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel, including out-of-state travel, is required. This includes attendance at PHADA conferences and events, as well as participation in various state and regional association conferences, which may involve presenting and typically occur at specific times throughout the year.

Location: Washington D.C.

Position Type: This is an on-site and hybrid role; the candidate should be located in the Washington D.C. area.

Application Process

Individuals interested in being considered for this exceptional leadership opportunity are invited to apply. All applicants must submit a cover letter and résumé no later than July 29, 2025, for consideration.

View the brochure >

View the job description >

More About PHADA

PHADA’s 1,900-member housing agencies represent over 1.9 million low-income housing units throughout the United States. Our members manage small, medium, large, rural, and urban housing authorities that run programs including public housing, housing choice vouchers, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and a variety of other innovative public-private partnerships. 

The Association provides its members with important information, professional development, and advocacy to help them administer adequate, safe housing for those in need across America. PHADA also works closely with members of Congress in efforts to develop sensible and effective public housing statutes and obtain adequate funding for low-income housing programs, in addition to advocating before the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on a variety of regulations governing public housing nationwide.

For over 40 years, PHADA has been recognized the industry leader for its analysis and its advocacy. We represent our members’ voice, uniquely and forcefully, advocating before Congress and HUD to make significant impacts on both the national and local levels.

https://www.phada.org/