Job opening

Mason City, Iowa | Salaried (Exempt) | Salary negotiable based on experience

Open until filled

Position Summary

North Iowa Regional Housing Authority (NIRHA) is seeking a capable, steady, and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the agency’s operations across a multi-county service area. NIRHA administers two HUD programs - Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) - and depends on strong leadership, compliance, and sound stewardship of federal funds.

The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative and financial officer of the Authority and is responsible for agency operations, HUD compliance, financial oversight, staff supervision, and board support. This position reports directly to the Board of Commissioners and works closely with community partners and landlords across the region.

Work is primarily on-site and within the service area; this is not a remote position.

Core Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

• Provide day-to-day leadership and overall management of the Authority.
• Implement Board policies and direction; keep the Board informed of operational issues, regulatory changes, and program performance.
• Prepare Board meeting materials and present clear, accurate information to support decision-making.
• Maintain a professional, stable workplace culture and ensure continuity during transitions.

HUD Program Compliance (PH & HCV)

• Ensure full compliance with HUD rules, policies, and reporting requirements for Public Housing and HCV.
• Oversee performance reporting, inspections, file quality, and internal controls that ensure high performance in HUD assessment systems such as PHAS/SEMAP.
• Serve as primary liaison with HUD and respond to monitoring or compliance issues promptly and accurately.

Financial Management & Stewardship

• Develop and administer agency budgets; monitor revenues and expenditures and communicate financial      status to the Board.
• Oversee annual audit preparation and ensure timely completion of required financial reporting.
• Ensure appropriate procurement practices, documentation, and internal controls.
• Oversee capital planning and implementation for Public Housing, including vendor/contractor coordination.

Staff Leadership & Human Resources

• Supervise staff and ensure clear expectations, accountability, and professional development.
• Support a respectful, productive work environment with consistent communication and follow-through.
• Ensure policies and procedures are maintained and updated as needed.

Program Operations

• Oversee the full lifecycle of the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs in compliance with HUD regulations. 
• Monitor occupancy rates, voucher utilization, and lease-up times to maximize funding.
• Ensure properties remain , safe, and well-managed with a long-term sustainability mindset.

Community & Stakeholder Relations

• Maintain positive working relationships with landlords, local governments, counties, service providers, and the public.
• Represent the Authority professionally in meetings, trainings, and community discussions.

Recommended Experience & Qualifications

Recommended:

• Approximately 5 years of housing and/or progressively responsible management experience (housing authority experience strongly preferred).
• Working knowledge of HUD program operations, compliance expectations, and financial accountability.
• Experience with budgeting, audits, procurement, and staff supervision.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working directly with a governing board.
• Ability to manage priorities independently in a multi-county environment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the service area.

Preferred:

• Prior leadership experience within a housing authority or HUD-funded program (PH and/or HCV).
• Experience with capital planning/modernization, inspections, and vendor management.
• Housing-related credentials (PHM/HCVP or similar) or willingness to pursue them.

Candidates with strong management/finance leadership who can learn HUD programs are encouraged to apply.

Desired Leadership Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Positive, respectful leadership - creates a professional environment where staff feel supported, communication is direct, and expectations are clear.
• High integrity and strong stewardship of public funds.
• Calm, steady decision-making and follow-through.
• Strong judgment, good boundaries, and the ability to manage difficult situations professionally.
• Approachability and the ability to build trust with staff, the Board, counties, landlords, and the public.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: This is a salaried (exempt) position. Salary is negotiable based on years of experience and qualifications.

Benefits: IPERS (Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System) pension, health insurance, paid time off, and agency paid individual dental and life insurance per agency policy.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and cover letter to: Justin Stotts, jstotts@nirha.com 

Position is open until filled. Applicants will be reviewed as received.