Chief Operating Officer (Non-profit, Housing/Real-estate)

AstroHire•Seattle, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

AstroHire Executive Search is partnering with the Chief Seattle Club, a mission-driven housing nonprofit, to hire its next full-time Chief Operating Officer (COO). This senior leadership role is responsible for stabilizing and strengthening the operational infrastructure during a period of transition. The COO will ensure continuity across key operational functions and enhance systems that support safe, high-quality housing and services for residents. The COO will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, C-suite leaders, Real Estate Department staff, and frontline operational teams, providing both strategic direction and hands-on operational leadership. Core operations include Human Resources, Facilities Management, IT Services, and the Real Estate Department, which oversees property and asset management and housing development activities. This role is critical in sustaining the organization’s mission to provide sacred spaces to nurture, affirm, and strengthen the spirit of urban Native people.

Requirements

BA or equivalent professional experience.
8-10 years of Significant leadership experience in nonprofit operations, affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, property management, real estate development, or a related mission-driven field.
Experience overseeing asset management, housing operations, or capital projects is strongly preferred.
Experience in building out managerial support.
Prior interim or transitional leadership experience is a plus.
SHRMCP or SHRMSCP preferred.
Housing- or real estate-related certifications (e.g., CPM, CAM, LIHTC compliance) are a plus, but not required.
Strong strategic and analytical thinking.
Expertise in cross-functional operational and housing portfolio management.
Knowledge of HUD, LIHTC, local housing funder requirements, and nonprofit compliance environments.
Budgeting and financial management experience, particularly in affordable housing or mixed funding contexts.
Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills with a mission-first orientation.
Real Estate Portfolio Management
Housing Compliance (HUD/LIHTC)
Financial Management
Operations Leadership
Asset Management
Capital Planning
Risk Management
Team Leadership

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to work effectively with Native communities, including cultural awareness, respect for traditions, and knowledge of community dynamics.

Responsibilities

Lead organizational operations with a focus on stability, continuity, and rapid assessment during leadership transition.
Partner with the Chief Executive Officer and senior team to advance operational strategies that support housing stability, resident wellbeing, and community impact.
Identify short-term operational gaps and implement immediate solutions, while recommending long-term improvements aligned with nonprofit best practices.
Oversee transitional initiatives within administrative, property, and resident-facing operations.
Ensure real estate and operational strategies reinforce long-term portfolio health and mission outcomes.
Lead and coordinate daily operational functions across the organization, ensuring alignment between administrative, housing, and program teams.
Oversee Human Resources, Facilities, IT, Procurement, and Real Estate departments.
Improve workflows and operational systems to increase efficiency, service quality, and compliance readiness.
Strengthen communication channels among property operations, resident services, and administrative teams.
Provide executive oversight of the Real Estate Department, which includes property management, asset management, and housing development.
Ensure properties are operated safely, sustainably, and in accordance with HUD, LIHTC, local funder, and building code requirements.
Guide long-term capital planning, reserve strategies, and asset preservation to maintain high-quality, affordable housing.
Oversee property performance monitoring, risk mitigation, and compliance across the housing portfolio.
Support evaluation of new acquisitions, rehabilitation projects, and mission-driven development opportunities.
Strengthen systems for rent compliance, inspections, lease-up processes, and resident safety.
Ensure operational areas comply with internal policies and the regulatory environment affecting affordable and supportive housing.
Strengthen infrastructure for compliance with housing regulations, funder requirements, fair housing laws, safety standards, and privacy/security mandates.
Lead risk management efforts, including emergency response planning for housing communities and facilities.
Support improvements in cybersecurity and data privacy across operational systems.
Partner with the CFO to develop and manage operating budgets for administrative functions and the housing portfolio.
Monitor expenditures to ensure responsible stewardship of nonprofit resources.
Identify cost efficiencies and opportunities to maximize the financial stability of properties and central operations.
Support capital planning and long-term asset budget forecasting.
Provide interim leadership to operational and real estate department heads with a focus on accountability, collaboration, and mission alignment.
Support HR initiatives related to recruitment, retention, workforce development, and organizational culture.
Promote an inclusive, trauma-informed, and resident-centered organizational culture.
Oversee facilities operations to ensure safe, well-maintained, habitable environments for staff and residents.
Ensure technology infrastructure supports effective resident services, property operations, and organization-wide communication.
Strengthen vendor and contractor relationships, especially those connected to housing operations, maintenance, and development partners.
Serve as a liaison between operations, housing programs, and other departments to ensure alignment around resident needs and property performance.
Communicate key operational and property updates to leadership, staff, funders, and community partners as appropriate.
Represent operations in board and committee meetings, including real estate, finance, and asset management committees.
Maintain active engagement in promoting a safe work environment by following safety procedures and participating in required safety trainings relevant to their role.
Perform other duties as situation requires or as assigned by supervisor.