Director of Housing

Job DetailsLevel: ManagementJob Location: Toledo, WA 98591Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $149,968.00 - $187,304.00 Salary/yearPOSITION TITLE: Director of Housing

DEPARTMENT: Housing

LOCATION: Toledo, WA

REPORTS TO: Tribal Administrator

STATUS: Salary; Full-Time

SALARY RANGE: $149,968.00 - $187,304.00 per year DOE

Open Until Filled

Director of Housing

Cowlitz Indian Tribe | Toledo, WA

Build the future of housing for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Housing to lead a growing Housing Department and help shape the future of housing opportunities for Tribal members.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader who can move beyond day-to-day program administration and develop and execute a long-term housing vision that strengthens the Tribe, supports future generations, and creates pathways to sustainable growth and future housing development. We are looking for someone who understands Tribal, public, or affordable housing, can navigate complex regulatory and funding environments, and can build trust through strong leadership, accountability, and service.

This position reports directly to Tribal leadership and will be instrumental in creating a housing organization that is compliant, sustainable, member-focused, and prepared for future expansion.

Why This Role Matters

The Housing Department is at a pivotal point in its evolution.

Today, the Tribe manages approximately 30 dwelling units for our Elders while administering a growing portfolio of housing programs and services. The next Director will have the opportunity to help establish the strategic framework for future growth, including strengthening compliance, implementing sustainable policies and procedures, maximizing federal and other available housing resources, and positioning the Tribe for future housing development opportunities.

Success in this role means creating stability, strengthening organizational capacity and accountability, developing staff, improving service delivery for Tribal members, and building the foundation for future housing initiatives that will benefit the Tribe for decades to come.

What You'll Do

As Director of Housing, you will provide overall leadership, strategy, and direction for the Housing Department by:

Developing and executing a long-range housing strategy aligned with Tribal priorities and demonstrated community needs
Serving as a trusted advisor and resource to Tribal leadership and Tribal Council on housing priorities, development opportunities, funding strategies, and major policy decisions
Identifying and evaluating opportunities for future housing development, including rental housing, homeownership, Elder housing, and other community housing initiatives
Identifying opportunities to maximize HUD, NAHASDA, IHBG, grant, state, federal, and other available housing resources
Ensuring compliance with HUD, NAHASDA, IHBG, Tribal, state, and federal regulations
Directing preparation of Indian Housing Plans, Annual Performance Reports, and other required regulatory submissions
Establishing and strengthening policies, procedures, internal controls, operational standards, and performance measures
Building a high-performing Housing Department through clear expectations, strong leadership, coaching, staff development, and accountability
Managing a department operating budget exceeding $5 million
Overseeing procurement, contracts, grant implementation, and program performance
Presenting recommendations and strategic plans that support long-term housing goals
Building productive relationships with federal agencies, Tribal organizations, housing partners, developers, and other external stakeholders

This role is intended to operate at the strategic level, focusing on planning, compliance, relationship building, and organizational development while developing and empowering operational leaders to manage daily activities.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a leader who brings a combination of housing expertise, strategic vision, and a commitment to serving Tribal communities.

Ideal candidates will have

Significant experience in Tribal Housing, Public Housing Authorities, TDHEs, HUD-funded programs, affordable housing, housing development, or related housing organizations
Strong knowledge of HUD, NAHASDA, IHBG, and housing compliance requirements
Experience leading organizational improvement, program development, or department transformation initiatives
A proven ability to build teams, mentor staff, establish accountability, and develop future leaders
Experience managing complex budgets, grants, contracts, and regulatory reporting
Experience evaluating housing needs and translating those needs into programs, funding strategies, or development opportunities
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to effectively present information to executive leadership, boards, councils, and community stakeholders
The ability to balance strategic vision with operational accountability
A collaborative leadership style built on integrity, transparency, accountability, and trust

Our strongest candidates will demonstrate

Experience bringing structure and stability to evolving organizations
A track record of driving innovation and moving complex projects forward
Success identifying and leveraging funding opportunities to expand housing programs or development
Success navigating sensitive political, community, or stakeholder environments
An understanding of how housing programs impact the long-term health and success of Tribal communities
An understanding of Tribal sovereignty and the unique environment in which Tribal housing programs operate

QualificationsMinimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Housing, Urban Planning, Community Development, or a related field
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in a Tribal or Public Housing program or in affordable housing, housing development, or a closely related field
Five (5) years of supervisory or management experience
Demonstrated experience managing housing programs, regulatory requirements, budgets, grants, or development initiatives
Ability to successfully pass a background investigation

Join Us

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is building for the future. We are looking for a housing leader who is excited by the opportunity to create lasting impact, strengthen community resources, develop talented staff, and help shape a housing vision that supports Tribal members for generations to come.

If you are a strategic thinker, collaborative leader, and experienced housing professional ready to make a meaningful difference, we encourage you to apply.