New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH)

ABOUT NYSAFAH:

NYSAFAH (New York State Association for Affordable Housing) is the leading advocate for policies, legislation, and programs that promote affordable housing at the local, state, and federal level in New York. ​ They work to build an affordable housing community by providing networking opportunities for members, government partners, media, and elected officials. ​NYSAFAH’s goals include advocating for policies and programs that enable affordable housing development, expanding resources for affordable housing, and enhancing NYSAFAH’s reputation as the voice for affordable housing in New York State and New York City.  NYSAFAH also has a 501c3 affiliate called House New York, which provides education and beneficial programs for the affordable housing industry and tenants across the state. ​

THE POSITION:

NYSAFAH is seeking a highly seasoned and capable professional with superior organizational and leadership skills as well as fluency in the world of affordable housing to lead the organization as President/CEO. This is an exceptional opportunity for someone with superior intergovernmental relations experience who can work at the New York State, New York City and local levels to drive policy and legislative action regarding residential housing and affordable housing programs.

The ideal candidate will have experience advocating for public interest programs, and will have worked with senior government officials and legislative bodies to effect change in the affordable housing and related fields.  They must have a dynamic work ethic, be able to adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in an autonomous and deadline-oriented workplace. The President/CEO will oversee the organization’s programs and will report to the Chair and executive committee. They will formulate and implement the association’s strategic plan and annual goals and objectives, as well as manage fundraising activities typical of a membership organization.

The President/CEO should be a respected strategic-minded leader in the affordable housing community who is poised to transition the organization to the next level of its growth. The ideal candidate will understand housing policy and association management, and most importantly, be able to deliver results. They will work with the executive committee and other committees to formulate, support and advocate housing policy and legislation that supports the development and preservation of affordable housing in New York State. The President/CEO will have the personal contacts for decision makers and work collaboratively with other stakeholders, including elected and government leaders, to help develop coalitions to broaden the support for the association’s policy positions and will serve as the public face of the organization.

The President/CEO will provide staff and consultants with a strong day-to-day leadership presence and manage the operations.  They will identify growth opportunities and priorities, coordinate member services, develop and communicate the branded message, organize events and conferences, and conduct presentations. They will develop appropriate communications for the media, and for web-based technology. While it is essential that the President/CEO bring efficient and effective systems to increase the output of the organization, it is also critical that they retain the creative spark that drives the association.

Excellent negotiation and communication skills are critically important, as well as are superior diplomatic skills.  They must be equally comfortable in making presentations before members of the community, corporate executives, elected officials, public agency administrators, and other stakeholders. The successful candidate must be capable of integrating smoothly into the organization’s culture.  They must be able to work closely with the Board leadership and staff to promote an open, inclusive environment that emphasizes cooperation and teamwork with a minimum of ego.  In addition, they will be sharp, tactful, analytical, of the highest integrity, and possess sound judgment as well as a sense of humor.

Candidates for the position should possess the following skill set and base of experience:

• Experience and knowledge of residential housing programs, affordable housing regulatory agreements, particularly as these relate to New York State and New York City.
• Have strategic vision and agility – ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate them in the association’s plans
• Evidence of the ability to consistently make good decisions through a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment
• A high level of business acumen, including successful human resource management and the ability to balance the delivery of programs against the realities of the budget
• Can build the association and staff capacity, developing a top-notch workforce and processes that ensure the association runs smoothly
• Results-proven track record of exceeding goals
• Understanding of association finance and budgeting, HR, technology systems, strategic development and planning, public relations, and marketing
• Exceptional capacity for managing and leading people; a team builder; ability to connect with people both on an individual level and in large groups
• Have the capacity to enforce accountability, develop and empower top-notch leaders from the bottom-up, and lead from the top down
• Experience with advocacy work and working with senior government officials and legislative bodies
• Excellent written, analytical, and oral communication skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Some travel required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ten (10) years of experience in community development and affordable housing.
• Five (5) years supervisory experience in substantive positions requiring the ability to formulate and implement policy, and work with diverse partners.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field; MBA or other advanced degree strongly preferred

COMPENSATION:
The salary range is $250,000 – $300,000 plus benefits.