Executive Director

Executive Director - Grand Forks Housing Authority (GFHA)

Reports To: Board of Commissioners

Location: Grand Forks, ND - Onsite/No Remote Option

FLSA/Status: Exempt 1.0 FTE

Schedule: Monday - Friday/Days

Annual Salary: $146,481 – $190,424 Commensurate with Experience (Federal General Schedule; Locality Pay Area - Rest of U.S. Grade 15)

Welcome to Grand Forks, North Dakota!

Grand Forks is a vibrant and welcoming city of just over 59,000 residents, offering a dynamic blend of culture, education, and outdoor adventure. As home to the University of North Dakota (UND), one of the region’s premier research institutions, the city buzzes with innovation, energy, and opportunity. The North Dakota Museum of Art and the Empire Arts Center anchor a thriving arts and cultural scene, while miles of scenic riverfront trails invite residents to walk, bike, or kayak along the beautiful Red River. Families enjoy access to an excellent school system, and the city’s safe, connected neighborhoods make it an ideal place to grow both personally and professionally.

Positioned at the crossroads of prairie and forest, Grand Forks sits on the North Dakota-Minnesota border—just a short drive from pristine lakes, lush woodlands, and year-round outdoor recreation, from berry picking in the summer to cross-country skiing in the winter. Grand Forks also offers a convenient connection to the international culture and cosmopolitan energy of Winnipeg, Manitoba, less than three hours away. Whether you're looking for career advancement, a rich cultural life, or access to the great outdoors, Grand Forks delivers a high quality of life with a uniquely Midwestern warmth.

How to Apply:
If you are driven by a passion for community development and are ready to make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply for the Executive Director position at GFHA. To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, one letter of recommendation, and two addition professional references to GFHA's partner search firm TOLE: Attention Stan Quy [email protected]

About Us:
The Grand Forks Housing Authority (GFHA) has been serving the Grand Forks County community since 1967, providing safe, affordable housing and essential services to residents. We are committed to fostering a brighter future for all members of our community, offering housing stabilization services, self-sufficiency programs, and after-school initiatives to enhance the well-being of families and youth. With over 755 units and 1504 Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs), including those for Nelson County, we aim to build a stronger community and reduce homelessness through dynamic support programs and affordable housing opportunities.

Position Overview:
GFHA is seeking an Executive Director who is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the community. The Executive Director will oversee all operations of the Housing Authority, including administration, management, development, and financial control. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, while working closely with the Board of Commissioners to develop policies that align with the GFHA mission of providing stability and opportunity. Additionally, the Executive Director will lead and develop housing projects and partnerships to further expand affordable housing in the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fiscal Performance: Manage GFHA’s finances effectively, ensuring timely fund obligations and expenditures, and successful audit results.
• Organizational Improvement: Lead efforts to enhance the organization, collaborating with stakeholders to shape a vision of improvement.
• Personnel Management: Oversee staff management, delegate appropriately, and foster professional growth while ensuring compliance with personnel policies.
• Development Activities: Identify and address community housing needs, expand the housing stock through public-private partnerships, and generate additional revenue sources for the Housing Authority.
• Administrative & Facilities Management: Manage fiscal responsibilities, and facility upkeep to meet long-term goals.
• Community Relations: Serve as an ambassador for the Housing Authority, promoting its mission and fostering positive relationships within the Grand Forks community.
• Board Relations: Maintain strong relationships with the Board of Commissioners, keeping them informed and recommending policies to strengthen the organization’s impact.
• Compliance: Develop internal controls and ensure full compliance with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines, maximizing funding opportunities.

Core Skills Required:

• Strong leadership and change management abilities
• Expertise in data analysis and informed decision-making
• Ability to build a shared vision and strategic planning
• Excellent delegation, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Advocacy, public relations, and conflict resolution expertise
• Ability to inspire and motivate teams and foster organizational growth
• Proficient in budgeting, time management, and problem-solving
• Conflict resolution, mediation, and active listening skills

Working Conditions:

• Office-based environment with light physical activity
• Occasional local and long-distance travel for meetings and events

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Development, Social Services, or related field required. Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of affordable housing management experience in a leadership role, preferably with a background in HUD programs, Section 8, or other affordable housing programs.
• Proven experience in leadership, management, and housing or nonprofit development.
• Strong understanding of HUD regulations and affordable housing practices.
• Demonstrated success in fiscal management and strategic planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including staff, government agencies, and community partners.

Benefits:

• Employer Sponsored Healthcare Plans (GFHA pays 75% of medical plan premiums)
• Generous Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions
• 11 paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Vacation
• $25,000 Basic Term Life AD&D (Additional Voluntary Life)
• Long-Term Disability
• Generous 401a Retirement Contributions
• Additional Café 125 Policies

Questions:

Questions about this post, or other GFHA opportunity can be directed to GFHA Human Resources Manager: [email protected] or 701-792-2887.

The Grand Forks Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.