Executive Director, Metro West Collaborative Development

Metro West Collaborative Development Seeks Executive Director

About Metro West Collaborative Development

In 2012 Metro West Collaborative Development (MWCD) emerged from the conversations and efforts of people in the area who were concerned about the displacement of low and moderate income families and a desire to have an impact on the development that was happening around them. The result was the transformation of Watertown Community Housing (founded in 1991) into Metro West Collaborative Development. Today MWCD ensures that the MetroWest region thrives as a home and community for all. To do so the organization collaborates with more than forty MetroWest communities to expand housing opportunities by:

• Building and preserving affordable housing.
• Helping families find and keep their homes.
• Counseling community leaders to achieve their housing goals.
• Advocating for supportive policy and investment.

Real Estate:

MWCD remains committed to developing more affordable housing for its communities. Currently MWCDs real estate portfolio consists of 205 units of affordable housing with an additional 75 in development.

Programs and Services:

MWCD provides an extensive array of programs and services to residents the public developers property owners housing trusts consortiums municipalities and state agencies across three primary service areas as outlined below:

With its headquarters in Newton MA MWCD has a staff of ten an annual budget of approximately $2.2 million and net assets of approximately $76 million. MWCD is overseen by a 12-member Board of Directors comprised of business sector and local leaders. After four years of excellent leadership Caitin Madden will step down as Executive Director upon appointment of her successor.

Opportunity Going Forward

The Executive Director will have the opportunity to lead a well-run highly credible and mission-driven nonprofit with an unwavering commitment to providing affordable housing and comprehensive services to all community residents particularly individuals below the area median income. The Executive Director will lead a professional highly knowledgeable and sophisticated team that values trust cohesiveness and kindness both within the team and with residents and external addition to providing executive oversight for this regional community development corporation high priorities for the Executive Director include but are not limited to:

• Navigating the transition from a well-respected and highly effective leader ensuring that existing and strong relationships with residents partners developers collaborators and government officials are maintained and grown.
• Defining and delivering on an aggressive yet realistic affordable housing growth strategy that capitalizes on MWCDs regional status but also considers the current political climate funding challenges and existing staff capacity.
• Refining MWCDs messaging and broadening marketing and development efforts to grow awareness of MWCDs mission and impact and expand financial support.
• Networking extensively in the region to strengthen partnerships with other housing organizations landowners and political entities to position MWCD as a go-to regional developer during a time when housing is a key local state and national priority.
• Leading empowering and mentoring a team of highly skilled experienced mission-driven professionals while also strengthening operational systems procedures and best practices.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

Credentials:

• A minimum of five years of successful leadership in the community-based non-profit development sector or at an equivalent organization.
• Experience with and passion for real estate community and/or economic development with a particular emphasis on affordable and multi-unit housing; exposure to development in Massachusetts is advantageous

Skills and Qualities:

Strategic Leader with Housing Expertise

• Visionary and strategic thinker who grasps the big picture sets targeted goals communicates those goals effectively and engages and motivates staff to achieve established goals.
• Forward-thinking ambitious and resourceful; able to analyze opportunities and juggle multiple priorities; willing to take calculated risks and be decisive when needed.
• Strong background in real estate development particularly affordable housing to expand MWCDs housing portfolio.
• Familiarity with housing stakeholders with the skill and temperament to quickly build relationships and establish credibility.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of the complexities of real estate development and affordable housing policy and finance specifically LIHTC.

Networker and Relationship Builder with Excellent Communication Skills

• Politically savvy and effective advocate for housing solutions who is a natural communicator across diverse audiences (staff board funders residents political leaders).
• Approachable public leader able to build strong and mutually supportive relationships with municipalities lenders partners landowners residents etc. and demonstrate the political and negotiation skills needed to advance MWCDs strategic initiatives.
• An accessible leader who has experience working with diverse populations including low-income communities and who is present authentic and empathetic demonstrating humility and equitable treatment for all.

Entrepreneurial Revenue Generator

• Entrepreneurial approach to generating resources and expanding reach.
• Able to diversify MWCDs revenue beyond real estate development fees.
• Experience as a fundraiser including cultivating donors leveraging CITC and diversifying revenue.
• Able to foster and support the boards engagement in fundraising.

Team Leader and Culture Champion

• Experienced leader of people who delegates effectively fosters teamwork sustains a cohesive and mission-focused team and hires and retains a strong staff.
• Transparent respectful and approachable manager with an open-door style who balances professionalism with humanity and humor.
• Skilled at building and implementing an effective staff structure for a small nonprofit to maximize productivity and output.
• Strong interpersonal and intuitive skills with the ability to manage conflict thoughtfully.
• Experience growing the commitment contribution and effectiveness of a Board of Directors.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time salaried exempt position with a starting salary range of $160000 to $185000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. Metro West CD offers a competitive benefits package that includes health dental and vision insurance; 401k with company match; life and short-term disability insurance; generous paid sick vacation and holiday time; fully paid parental leave; remote work opportunities; half-day summer Fridays and professional development opportunities.

Application Process and Additional Information

MWCD is an equal opportunity employer and views diversity inclusion and cultural competence as vital guiding principles in its work. MWCD welcomes and encourages applications from visible minority group members Indigenous persons members of the LGBTQ community persons with disabilities and others who may contribute to the diversity of the organization and reflect the diversity of the communities served.

Candidate must include a resume and a cover letter both in PDF format which describe how qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of MWCD. A background check will be required for finalists. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Upload required documents to: executive search is being conducted by Eos Transition Partners consultant John Tarvin. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential and any questions can be submitted to John at: .

Required Experience:

Director