Chief Operating Officer-COO

Position Title:

Chief Operations Officer

Department:

Executive

Reports to:

President/CEO

Employment Status:

Full-Time

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Date Created:

January 2024

Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the President / Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for the efficient operation and administration of the Agency's Financial Operations, Information Technology, Real Estate, Magic City Housing Development Corporation and Choice Neighborhoods Initiative functions and the staff. The incumbent may be assigned to meet with and present to the Board of Commissioners or other stakeholders on behalf of the President/Chief Executive Officer. The incubent's work will also involve highly responsible professional activity requiring independent judgement and initiative in developing and maintaining a high-quality effort through administering and supervising activities involved in the management of large public housing programs for low-income families.

The COO collaborates with the CEO to design, develop, and implement business strategies, plans, and procedures that align short and long-term objectives with organizational vision and strategy. This position serves as an active Senior Leadership team member contributing to strategy development across the HABD, using industry expertise and knowledge to translate actionable goals that drive goal attainment. In partnership with the President and CEO, the COO will support the HABD Board of Directors and its Committees in developing an effective and engaged Board.

The incumbent will represent the HABD at professional gatherings, community boards, and civic events, as appropriate.

All activities must support the HABD mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned as needed.

Confer regularly with the President/Chief Executive Officer on functions of direct leadership regarding administrative operations, goals, progress toward meeting goals, and problem areas. Collaboration and coordinate work with other senior leaders and functional departments as needed for optimal outcomes.

Oversee the management of Finance and Administration, and Information Technology, Real Estate, Magic City Housing Development Corporation and Choice Neighorhood Initiative departments to achieve goals and progress.

Work with departmental leadership to identify and address operational needs and to proactively improve HABD operations.

Provide visionary leadership to staff and ensure long-term sustainability of agency operations by developing goals and objectives, implementing strategies, promoting collaboration between departments, and building relationships with external customers. 

Directly supervise designated departments to ensure they adhere to HABD policies and procedures and comply with all HUD requirements.

Lead and oversee the development and implementation of internal policies, procedures, and strategic goals for the Finance and Administration,  Information Technology, Real Estate, Magic City Housing Development Coporation, and Choice Neighboorhoods Initiative departments.

In conjunction with other senior leaders, the Chief Operating Officer will direct the planning and implementation of the departmental operating budgets and exercise sound judgments in determining the most efficient allocation of resources.

Assure that all reports, as required by the Board of Commissioners or HUD, are prepared and submitted on time.

Provide input into developing HABD's Five (5) Year and Annual Agency Plan.

Provide the type of leadership that will promote harmonious labor relations at HABD.

Plan and develop new and revised programs, policies, procedures, and strategies for improved delivery of services that are consistent with the HABD Mission Statement and Strategic Plan.

Collaborate with staff on preparing program analysis, policies, and procedures for the President/Chief Executive Officer.

Confer with and listen to employees and provide guidance (as appropriate) regarding employees' concerns.

Confer regularly with the Director of Finance Administration to ensure long-term sustainability and financial viability of HABD operations.

Confer regularly with the Director of IT to identify innovative and industry-guided best practices for technology systems, networking security systems, and agency technology infrastructure.

Perform other duties as requested by the President/Chief Executive Officer.

Knowledge and Competencies

Knowledge of the general operations and procedures of a Public Housing Agency (PHA). Demonstrates strong familiarity with major HUD regulations and all relevant Federal, State, and Local laws, codes, and regulations.

Capacity to remain up-to-date on special HUD initiatives and Public Housing trends, including but not limited to Choice Neighborhoods, Moving to Work, and Rental Assistance Demonstration.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of organization theory, management, and planning and their application to the administration of public programs.

Knowledge of general accounting, budgeting, and procurement policies and practices.

Knowledge of computerized information systems and ability to navigate and translate information.

Knowledge of budgetary, systems development, strategic planning, and organizational development principles and practices.

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and conduct business with residents, landlords, community leaders, community development agencies, government agencies, the public, and other vital external stakeholders.

Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and awareness with the ability to work with the diverse socioeconomic, cultural, abled, and ethnic backgrounds of community members.

Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information skillfully and ethically.

Must be team-oriented and collaborative, both inside and outside the Authority. The Chief Operating Officer will promote and develop cross-departmental initiatives and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates, and subordinates.

Experience in public administration and private sector principles and practices, particularly concerning private property management, asset management, and customer service.

Experience in negotiation and conflict resolution principles and practices. Ability to identify, assess, and resolve any sensitive/urgent issues, needs, and concerns that arise in departments under the COO chain of command.

Ability to engage in long-term planning and assist the President/Chief Executive Officer in developing the Authority's mission, vision, core values, and strategic goals.

Assist with management of standard security functions and safety trends in order to enhance public safety that aligns with properry management needs.

Ability to direct, supervise, and coordinate a multi-faceted public program.

Ability to analyze HABD operations and recommend organizational and operational revisions.

Ability to develop, recommend, and implement new and revised HABD policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Urban Planning, or a related field required.

A minimum of ten (10) years of related management experience in the public sector, nonprofit housing, and community development in the public or private real estate sectors, with at least five (5) years of experience in an executive or senior management level role.

A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience with a thorough knowledge of HUD regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree preferred.

Experience with Section 8 programs is strongly preferred.

Strong preference for the following: Institute of Real Estate Management certifications: Accredited Residential Manager, Accredited Commercial Manager, and Certified Property Manager.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid Alabama driver's license and safe driving record for those required to drive or allowed to drive on behalf of HABD.

Supervision: Yes

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have strong computer skills (e.g., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Preferred knowledge of software data systems such as Yardi, Yardi Payscan, Yardi Vendor Cafe, EPC, and other HUD-centric platforms. Must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks. Strong emotional intelligence and ability to foresee conflicts and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

Highly proficient in collaborative work, adaptable to shifting goals and priorities. Must have strong writing, editing, and oral communication skills and work well in a fast-paced environment.

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting, standing, reaching, and grasping; operating computers and other office equipment; moving about the office; and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to exchange information in person, in writing, and via telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Office environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The position is open until filled.