**
**

The Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) is hiring! If you are looking to join our team of dynamic professionals who thrive on promoting healthy, safe, sustainable, and affordable housing and community-centric programs, we want to hear from you. We have an immediate need for a Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO oversees the organization's day-to-day operations and helps to drive the strategic direction of all housing and resident services programs. This role is responsible for ensuring the key objectives are achieved through efficient operational management. The annual salary range for this onsite position is $65,790 - $99,500. As a full-time exempt role, the COO is eligible to participate in SHA's benefits program. The posting will be open until filled.

POSITION SUMMARY

The COO is a dynamic and experienced, senior executive role with the responsibility of spearheading operational efficiency by identifying areas for process improvement and implementing best practices. This position has proven experience in leading teams, optimizing processes, and driving organizational growth. The COO leads regulatory compliance measures and strategic alignment across SHA's programming landscape, including Public Housing (PH), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Vouchers (PBV), Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) PBV, Tenant Protection Vouchers (TPV), Special Program Vouchers (SPV), Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS), HCV Homeownership Vouchers (HHV), and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO serves as the second-in-command within the organizational structure and will assist in advancing SHA's Roadmap 2030 strategic plan. This position collaborates closely with the senior leadership team to build high-performing teams across the organization and foster a culture of accountability, performance, and growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

At a minimum, the COO will be responsible for successfully carrying out the following essential functions and duties in a professional and timely manner:

• Lead and oversee SHA's housing and resident services programs, ensuring compliance with HUD regulations and performance standards.
• Serve as the agency's PIC, EIV, Multifamily, and Secure System liaison with HUD.
• Act as Section 504 Coordinator for accessibility and Fair Housing compliance.
• Oversee SEMAP, PHAS, and MOR reviews to maintain HUD High Performer status.
• Serve as Informal Review, Hearing, and Grievance Officer for SHA programs.
• Manage waiting lists and ensure equitable access to affordable housing.
• Develop and implement housing policies, SOPs, and process maps.
• Liaise with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) on LIHTC compliance.
• Oversee annual payment standards, utility allowances, and flat rents.
• Lead implementation of housing and case management software systems.
• Direct departmental budgets, staffing plans, and performance reporting.
• Support strategic planning, dashboard development, and organizational growth.
• Ensure compliance and performance of FSS and ROSS programs.
• Establish MOUs and MOAs with public-private partners and community agencies.
• Oversee relocation projects and URA compliance.
• Engage with the Resident Advisory Board (RAB) and community stakeholders.
• Manage grants calendar, submissions, and reporting.
• Serve as RAD Resource Desk liaison and support real estate development planning.
• Act on behalf of the CEO to ensure continuity of leadership and operations.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the CEO. ****

*This list is not all-inclusive, as other duties may be assigned as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education : Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as public administration, business administration, real estate development, etc. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience : Minimum of five to seven years of senior-level leadership in affordable housing.

*Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered or substituted in place of the education and experience criteria stated above.

Qualifications, Knowledge, & Skills: To be optimally successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of federal and state housing policies and HUD regulations.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and supervisory skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communications skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, HUD systems, and housing software.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Ability to manage complex projects and foster. cross-sector partnerships.
• Knowledge of community development, relocation, and resident engagement.
• Familiarity with grant writing, regulatory compliance and ethics, and performance tracking.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to develop effective working relationships.
• Must obtain the following required certifications within one year of hire:
  • Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Specialist certification
  • Self-Sufficiency Coordination certification
  • HCV Executive Management certification
  • Public Housing. Executive Management certification
  • RAD PBV Specialist certification
  • Procurement & Section 3 certification
  • Hearing Officer certification
  • Fair Housing & Reasonable Accommodation certification
  • NSPIRE Inspection certification
  • HQS Inspection certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to stand, sit, walk, and talk or hear regularly. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Visual and auditory acuity to perform essential job functions, including reading, typing, and participating in meetings and phone/video calls.

BENEFITS

SHA offers a competitive benefits package including the following options: health care (medical, vision, & dental); retirement plan; life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; education reimbursement; and paid time off.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The COO role is primarily office-based, with occasional onsite visits to housing developments, construction sites, and facilities. SHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The organization's mission is to provide quality and affordable housing to all persons while empowering families, creating a sense of community, and building partnerships. **
**