Housing Director

Oregon Metro • Portland, OR

9d

About The Position

Hello, we're Metro ! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. The Metro Housing Director leads the implementation and oversight of regional initiatives to address the rising gap in affordable housing and the increasing number of housing insecure and homeless residents. At a time when housing affordability, homelessness, and public accountability are at the forefront of regional priorities, this role offers a rare opportunity to shape policy, steward major public resources, and deliver lasting impact for residents. The 2018 Affordable Housing Bond and the 2020 Supportive Housing Services measure work together to provide homes for households with low incomes, along with programs and services to prevent or end episodes of homelessness. This senior-level role oversees the fiscal and programmatic integrity of these investments, collaborating closely with local government partners and other key stakeholders to create equitable housing and homelessness solutions for the region. This highly visible and politically sensitive role requires exceptional judgment, integrity, and a demonstrated commitment to public service, good governance, and advancing equitable outcomes. The Director oversees complex programmatic and operational functions, applying analytical rigor and sound decision-making to ensure public investments improve outcomes and reduce disparities in alignment with voter intent. They are accountable for developing policy, allocating resources, and setting clear strategic direction while balancing competing priorities, navigating shared authority, and fostering collaboration across departments, jurisdictions, and external stakeholders. This leader must bring high emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate complex political and interpersonal dynamics in an environment where needs far exceed available resources, priorities compete, and racial disparities continue to grow. They must communicate with clarity and purpose, manage conflict constructively, and build trust across diverse stakeholders while making difficult, equity-informed tradeoffs. As a trusted advisor and problem-solver, the Director applies strategic insight, creativity, and sound judgment to navigate high-stakes decisions, strengthen relationships, and deliver sustainable outcomes that advance the public interest and reduce disparities over time. This is more than a department director role—it is a chance to shape the future of housing stability and homelessness response for the region. The Director of Housing will help ensure that public investments deliver real, measurable outcomes, strengthen trust in government, and improve the lives of thousands of residents. As the region looks ahead to potential new funding measures and evolving community needs, this leader will be central to charting a path forward.

Requirements

• Political acumen and judgment to operate effectively in a highly visible, politically complex environment.
• Strong executive leadership skills , with experience managing large teams, complex programs, and significant public investments.
• Deep commitment to equity , with demonstrated ability to embed equity into policy, funding decisions, and program implementation.
• Collaborative leadership style , with the ability to build coalitions, negotiate across interests, and align diverse partners around shared outcomes.
• Clear, compelling communication , able to translate complex policy and financial information for elected officials, partners, and the public.
• Calm, steady leadership in high-stakes situations, balancing competing priorities while maintaining public trust.
• Eight to ten years of progressively responsible management experience with responsibility for strategic planning, budgeting, and personnel management, operational planning, and
• A Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Law, or a related field, or Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience working within a public-sector or quasi-governmental decision-making environment , including direct interaction with elected officials, governing boards, or appointed commissions.
• Proven track record managing large, complex, publicly funded programs and budgets (e.g., voter-approved funds, bonds, levies, or multi-jurisdictional public investments), with clear accountability, transparency, and audit readiness.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate politically sensitive environments , balancing competing priorities while maintaining public trust, organizational credibility, and policy alignment.
• Experience translating policy direction into operational frameworks , performance measures, and accountability systems across partners or jurisdictions where the Director does not have direct line authority.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience leading or supporting voter-approved ballot measures , bonds, levies, or tax initiatives, including: Policy development and framing Stakeholder coalition-building Public accountability and reporting post-passage
• Experience serving as a senior advisor to elected officials , executive leadership, or governing bodies on housing, homelessness, or other complex public policy issues.
• Demonstrated success operating in a regional governance model , including collaboration across cities, counties, service providers, and state agencies with differing political dynamics and priorities.
• Experience managing public-facing controversy , including media scrutiny, community opposition, or conflicting advocacy positions, while sustaining progress toward adopted policy goals.
• Advanced political acumen , demonstrated by the ability to: Anticipate political risks and opportunities Adapt strategy in response to shifting public or elected priorities Maintain credibility across ideologically diverse stakeholders
• Experience designing or overseeing accountability frameworks for jurisdictions or providers using public funds, including performance metrics, compliance mechanisms, and corrective action processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision
• Shape policy and advise elected leadership
• Oversee complex operations and public funds
• Lead and develop a high-performing organization
• Navigate complex political and stakeholder environments

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunity All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
• Accommodation Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process.
• Veterans' preference Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions.
• Pay equity at Metro No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees