Executive Director

The Little Rock Housing Authority (LRHA) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director. LRHA is looking for an experienced, innovative, and change-driven leader to position the organization for long-term, sustainable performance and compliance.

LRHA was taken into possession by HUD on May 4, 2026, which includes the direct oversight of a HUD Recovery Administrator and a HUD-appointed Board of Commissioners. The Recovery Administrator and Board are HUD employees. This role is well-suited for a candidate who excels in compliance with housing regulations, has deep programmatic knowledge of public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs, and is well-versed in HUD systems and processes. This candidate will lead a staff of approximately 30 people.

The housing authority currently manages 161 units of public housing and receives approximately $550,000 in annual funding for the Low Rent program. LRHA’s public housing program, combined with LIHTC, PBV, and market rate units, totals over 400 units managed directly by LRHA. Their voucher program includes Mainstream, VASH, PBV, and FYI vouchers, providing assistance to over 2200 families with room to expand utilization. LRHA also has a nonprofit entity with four RAD developments including PBV and LIHTC units.

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Executive Director will be responsible for leading, cultivating and facilitating the agency’s vision, mission, and strategic goals, and for leading LRHA through the HUD possession and upon its transition back to local governance.

This vacancy is a unique, historic opportunity to lead the transformation of a public housing authority through recovery, make significant operational improvements, and positively impact the local community. The successful candidate will be a hands-on team player alongside the HUD possession team, bringing expertise, vision, and leadership to the agency. The Executive Director should have experience leading an organization through significant change and will be expected to create a strong organizational culture of respect, accountability, adherence to procedure, and internal controls. The ideal candidate will also focus the agency into a new strategic future.

The Executive Director will be responsible for implementing the necessary changes to recover and sustain management and financial operations of LRHA and to structure and reestablish effective governance and oversight, working closely with the HUD Recovery Administrator, LRHA staff, the appointing authority, the City of Little Rock, and a future Board of Commissioners. The Executive Director will report to the HUD Recovery Administrator in addition to the Board of Commissioners.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of seven (7) years of experience as an Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director or equivalent in a medium-to-large organization that administers public housing, or comparable senior-level HUD management experience. The successful candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree, with master’s preferred, from an accredited college or university in business/public administration or a related field, and knowledge of HUD programs, policies, and procedures. Must have certification in public housing management and/or Housing Choice Voucher management, or the ability to become certified within 6 months of hire.

COMPETENCIES:

· Effective communication and interpersonal skills in dealing with residents, staff, commissioners, community partners, elected officials, city, state, and federal partners;

· Ability to cultivate a positive work environment where staff grow skills, contribute meaningfully, and provide excellent customer service;

· Expertise forging strategic partnerships in the public and private sectors;

· Ability to solve problems quickly and using best practices of public housing and property management;

· Expert knowledge of HUD public and assisted housing programs, including Operating Subsidy, Capital Fund, asset management, mixed-finance development, and the Housing Choice Voucher program;

· A competent working knowledge of public housing software programs/systems, HUD systems such as LOCCS and EPIC, and business applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, etc.);

· Proven ability to maintain high levels of occupancy in housing, including a deep understanding of property management, maintenance, and marketing principles;

· Experience with successfully administering a Section 8/ Housing Choice Voucher program, including increasing SEMAP compliance, maintaining appropriate utilization, and maintaining landlord relationships;

· Experience managing project and organization budgets, with an emphasis on balancing budgets and increasing cash flow of housing developments;

· Expertise in managing RAD and LIHTC multifamily properties and working alongside property management partners; and

· Exhibits excellent professional judgement and works proactively rather than reactively.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Lead LRHA through HUD’s agency recovery plan, ensuring the staff are aligned with recovery goals at all times;

· Consistently communicate with the HUD Recovery Administrator to ensure complete transparency and effective implementation of recovery goals;

· Oversee all internal operations of LRHA to ensure fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, and high-quality service delivery, including day-to-day operations of the asset management, maintenance, finance, HR, and HCV departments;

· Develop managers within the organization to create a consistent leadership culture across the agency;

· Conduct analyses of programs and practices, make recommendations for policy and organizational changes, and develop and implement operational procedures and plans to ensure LRHA’s recovery is in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations;

· In collaboration with the HUD Recovery Administrator and Board of Commissioners, establish an agency vision, mission and annual goals and objectives;

· Publicly represent LRHA under the HUD possession and work within the community to develop support for LRHA programs and clients;

· Develop a hands-on understanding of each department and rehabilitate underperforming departments within the agency;

· Prepare and present operational and financial reports to the Board of Commissioners for LRHA and its nonprofit affiliate;

· Prepare reports as required and/or requested by HUD and respond timely to data requests and inquiries; and

· Maintain and model ethical behavior and integrity and maintain appropriate confidentiality in the conduct of LRHA business and HUD recovery activities.

· Must be able to visit properties across the City of Little Rock on a routine basis. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person