Housing Forward , a fund of the Tulsa Community Foundation, exists to advance the preservation and expansion of affordable and workforce housing opportunities in Tulsa through bi-partisan policy and advocacy efforts, robust research and market data, and comprehensive capacity building efforts. Founding investment for Housing Forward is provided by The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation. 

Created in response to the 2024 Tulsa Housing Strategy, a community-informed framework for addressing Tulsa’s unmet housing demand of 13,000 units over the next 10 years, Housing Forward serves as the leading resource for housing development, focusing on systems transformation, policy and resource alignment, and innovative housing partnerships. Amplifying the importance of housing affordability, Housing Forward informs the creation and implementation of policies, programs, and initiatives that promote the increased supply of affordable, workforce, and mixed-income housing opportunities throughout the region. Housing Forward’s initial efforts have included contracting a national consultant to evaluate City housing processes and programs, specifically zoning and permitting, advocating for revisions to the 2025 Qualified Allocation Plan with the Oklahoma Housing and Finance Agency, and actively engaging, and recruiting new affordable housing developers to Tulsa. 

JOB PURPOSE

Housing Forward Oklahoma seeks a charismatic leader to serve as its founding Executive Director, driving policy reform and taking bold steps to advance housing access throughout the region. The Executive Director will work with key city and state, public and private, stakeholders to achieve the systems change that is needed to address Tulsa’s severe housing crisis. This assertive leader must be a seasoned problem-solver with a keen ability to influence and advance the housing narrative. This position requires a knowledge of the most pressing housing issues, with demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, banking or finance, relationship management/fundraising, public policy and/or government affairs, with preference to those with familiarity to the affordable housing industry. This position will serve as the chief executive for Housing Forward Oklahoma and will be responsible for managing a small team of full-time staff and third-party consultants who provide research, public policy, and housing development expertise. 

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Establish and implement the overall vision for Housing Forward Oklahoma through the development of a comprehensive strategic plan. 
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the advancement of housing initiatives by crafting and executing a robust communications strategy.  
• Facilitate a strong, consistent advocacy presence for Housing Forward Oklahoma by leading proactive policy engagement at the local and state level with elected officials.
• Develop and advance state and local policy priorities through targeted collaborations with city and state leadership. 
• Facilitate a robust housing market data dashboard, using that data to inform public narrative and media campaigns. 
• Represent Housing Forward Oklahoma as a neutral convener and connector, fostering trust in a politically diverse environment. 
• Identify and leverage innovative programmatic and financing opportunities for local and state impact. 
• Provide detailed-oriented project management to advance 3rd-party contracted deliverables. 
• Establish and maintain sound financial and organizational management policies and procedures.
• Oversee annual budget development processes. 
• Perform such duties as are commensurate with the position. 

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The Executive Director should bring a range of experience and attributes to this role:

• Familiarity with federal, state, and local community development programs, and private resources available for community development, with specific knowledge of housing development and finance preferred. 
• Knowledge of the public policy process, how policies are crafted and passed in local, regional and state policy arenas.
• Proven ability to lead and manage staff members and key third party consultants through effective planning and organization, decision-making and motivation.
• Demonstrated experience in contract and consultant administration. 
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and the efficient use of financial resources. 
• Strong communication skills with ability to clearly convey concepts verbally and in writing. 
• Demonstrated professionalism, diplomacy, composure, flexibility, and adaptability to a variety of situations.

Education

• Undergraduate degree required. Master’s degree in business, public policy, economics, urban planning, or real estate is strongly desired. 
• Minimum of ten years’ experience in relevant community development, public policy, government, banking and finance, nonprofit, or real estate development.

Desired Strengths and Abilities

• Strong strategic planning, organizational, management, budgetary and supervisory skills
• Effective communicator with strong oral and written proficiency, as well as highly adept to conflict resolution and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to build relationships and create alignment with staff and stakeholders from a wide range of perspectives. 
• Creative mindset with the ability to proactively foresee and response to a diverse, changing environment.
• An entrepreneurial spirit with a demonstrated ability to display a high level of self-motivation.
• A deep understanding of the existing challenges facing affordable and workforce housing development, with a passion to work collaborating in advancing public and private initiatives.  

Other Skills and Requirements

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Proficiency with strategic planning and project management, with experience in using customer relationship management software preferred. 
• Experience with budgeting and basic accounting.

Hours and Location 

• This is not a fully remote position as we work in a hybrid office environment. In-Office and hybrid/flexible schedules are based on business need, and staff readiness.
• You must live in or be able to relocate to Tulsa, OK or the surrounding area.
• This is a full-time position with an expectation of working 40 hours per week.
• The typical hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Ability to occasionally work hours outside of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for events and meetings.

Benefits and Compensation

As part of our overall compensation package, we offer work/life flexibility, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and generous retirements contributions designed to support you and your family. Details:

• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and long-term disability for full-time employees only. Option to add vision and dependents.
• 401K employee and employer contributions
• Paid time off to support you while you are out of the office.
• Paid holidays so our employees can spend time with those they care about.
• Employer paid AD&D life insurance, with employee option to add supplemental life insurance.

The salary range for this position is $160,000 to $180,000, however overall compensation is commensurate with experience. Relocation assistance may be available.