Executive Director

HR Strategy Group•Columbia, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Columbia Housing Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting racial and ethnic integration and diversity in Columbia, Maryland through housing advisory services, community outreach and advocacy, and educational programming. The Board of Directors is seeking a new Executive Director to provide leadership, vision, and direction to support the growth and development of the organization. The Executive Director will lead the organization’s programs, services, and outreach, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. This role also involves representing Columbia Housing Center to the public, leading organizational development and strategic planning, and building partner relationships, managing a budget of $500,000.00. Key initiatives will include community development, residential real estate growth, stakeholder partnerships (commercial, government, civic), government relations, and board development, all aimed at achieving meaningful, measurable, and systematic improvement to attract and retain residents in Columbia. The Executive Director is appointed by and serves as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors, ensuring integrity and transparency in operations. The primary focus for the first 12-24 months will be on fundraising diversification, strategic partnerships, visibility, and advocacy, alongside strong operational oversight of a small staff and core programs. The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurially-minded leader who can thrive in a start-up environment and grow the mission and outreach of Columbia Housing Center. We are looking for a dynamic, entrepreneurial, strategic, and forward-thinking leader with a passion for Columbia.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in non-profit management or related field OR equivalent in work experience.
8-10+ years of nonprofit leadership experience.
Experience working in community development, economic development, public relations/strategic marketing, and/or residential real estate development is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated aptitude for building and cultivating solid relationships with key stakeholders, and the ability to engage and work effectively with diverse groups of people, city agencies, and partner organizations.
Excellent leadership, relationship-building, team-building, and public speaking skills.
Demonstrated grant writing, fundraising, marketing, and advocacy skills.
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of Columbia, housing and workforce development trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Understanding of Columbia's legislative landscape surrounding economic development and real estate growth is highly desirable.

Nice To Haves

Entrepreneurially-minded candidate who can thrive in a "start-up" environment.
Dynamic, entrepreneurial, strategic, and forward-thinking leader with a passion for living in Columbia.

Responsibilities

Serves as the chief spokesperson for Columbia Housing Center and represents the organization at relevant events and meetings.
Leads marketing strategies and implementation to promote Columbia Housing Center programming to stakeholders/partners.
Develops innovative partnerships and projects that support the mission.
Assures that Columbia Housing Center and its mission, programs, and services consistently present a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders, including leaders in our network, government, business, civic groups, the community, and the media.
Oversees fundraising including sponsorships, partnerships, grants, special events, and corporate/foundation investment.
Develops new and diverse sources of revenue to support program management.
Creates a comprehensive sponsorship program including annual and long-term development plans, in consultation with the Board of Directors.
Represents the organization to elected officials and advocates for mission-aligned programs and priorities.
Collaborates with state and local governmental, community, educational, and nonprofit organizations on areas of mutual interest.
Works closely with and meets elected officials and others to advance residential growth in Columbia and Howard County, Maryland.
Meets and deals with the public in a tactful and diplomatic manner, provides transparency, communicates effectively, and objectively evaluates problems and recommends appropriate action.
Acts as liaison to partner organizations.
Convenes Board and Executive Committee, and develops draft agendas and briefing materials for members.
In cooperation with the Board, ensures effective financial management, reporting, and compliance of the organization, and prepares and oversees the annual budget.
Engages with current board members and recruits additional board members, in compliance with board by-laws.
Guides strategic planning with the Board, staff, and stakeholders and oversees effective design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and initiatives.
Plans, organizes, and directs programs that carry out the organization's mission and goals.
Provides day-to-day management of current programs and staff.
Maintains appropriate staff structure; oversees recruiting, training, development, mentorship, and evaluation of team members; creates and maintains a working environment that fosters collaboration.
Leads and motivates a small staff and provides them with the tools and resources necessary to successfully operate Columbia Housing Center.
Maintains business systems to ensure effective and efficient operation of the organization.
Manages Columbia Housing Center programs and initiatives to engage residents and prospective residents for Columbia, Maryland.
Ensures sound program management and recommends improvements.
Plans the development and implementation of community events.
Coordinates activities with and directs vendors, contractors, and consultants to assure performance under their agreements in compliance with budget and operational considerations.
Creates and recommends yearly budget for board approval, and manages organization's resources within those budget guidelines according to laws and regulations.
Ensures the overall financial vitality of the organization.
Ensures data reporting and statistics are prepared for partner institutions as required.
Oversees and authorizes all expenditures within the limits of the approved budget.
Informs the Board periodically of the organization's financial position.