What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at High Plains Housing Development?
About High Plains Housing Development
High Plains Housing Development is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding affordable housing opportunities in Greeley and across Weld County, Colorado. Its mission is to serve as the region’s leading partner in developing quality housing for low- and moderate-income households. High Plains fulfills this mission through strong collaborations with public agencies, private developers, foundations, and state and federal funders. The organization currently owns and operates 122 apartment units providing homes for very low-income residents throughout Weld County and has an additional 152 units planned for development in the next five to ten years on a campus property that is owned by the organization. Guided by an engaged 11-member Board of Directors, High Plains is seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead the organization’s next phase of growth, shaping a long-term strategy to strengthen its position as Weld County’s premier affordable housing developer, with a focus on serving households earning at or below 60% of the area median income. Our current Executive Director will be retiring later this year after a successful tenure of leadership and will be available to help in the transition to the new leader.
Job Summary
The Executive Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and community representation for High Plains Housing Development, a small but highly impactful nonprofit advancing affordable housing solutions throughout Greeley and Weld County. Position priorities include:
· Provides the overall management, planning, goal setting and leadership of the organization.
· Provides vision, direction, and oversight of programming, including project identification and feasibility analysis of potential projects
· Serves as the organization’s spokesperson and leading advocate for the High Plains Mission.
· Oversees the development of the Annual Budget & Fundraising strategies
· Reports directly to the Board of Directors.
This position requires a forward-thinking leader capable of balancing hands-on management with big-picture strategy. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to expand housing opportunities and sustain organizational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Lead overall planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and operations aligned with the Board’s strategic direction.
- Strengthen the organization’s visibility, partnerships, and advocacy role within the housing ecosystem of Greeley/Weld County/Northern Colorado/Colorado.
- Represent the organization to funders, policymakers, developers, and community partners through public speaking, coalition work, and relationship-building.
- Cultivate a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement within a small, mission-focused team.
Organizational and Program Management
- Supervise and support the Director of Real Estate and Property Management and the Finance & Administration Manager, fostering teamwork and accountability.
- Provide leadership and direction to the staff and board in identifying affordable housing development projects, particularly those involving Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and acquisition, and rehab initiatives.
- Ensure the development of new projects and identify real estate investment opportunities that align with mission and community need.
- Evaluate program effectiveness, ensure that staff and consultants are in compliance with grant and regulatory requirements, and ensure that all projects maintain accurate records and reports.
- Support staff in achieving performance goals and professional growth.
Financial Management and Fund Development
- Oversee preparation and management of the annual budget in coordination with the Finance & Administration Manager and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.
- Maintain fiscal integrity through regular monitoring of revenues, expenditures, and grant awards.
- Pursue and manage funding from HUD, CHFA, CDBG, LIHTC investors, foundations, and private donors to sustain and expand operations and support the development of new projects.
- Develop new revenue and partnership opportunities that strengthen long-term sustainability.
Board Relations and Compliance
- Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and the Board of Directors.
- Coordinate board meetings, prepare agendas with the Board Exec. Committee, maintain corporate records, and provide guidance on governance, bylaws, and regulatory responsibilities.
- Ensure that the Finance & Administration Manager completes filings and compliance reports, including annual reports and audits, with support from the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
- Build strong partnerships with public agencies, developers, faith-based groups, and community organizations such as the housing authority, continuum of care, city housing department, United Way, and private foundations.
- Advocate for policies and resources that advance affordable housing access and community stability.
- Act as a visible, trusted point of contact for residents, partners, and the general public.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business, Planning, Economics, or a related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work in affordable housing, community development, or a related field.
- Demonstrated leadership experience with staff supervision and nonprofit board engagement.
- Proficient understanding of housing development processes, particularly LIHTC and acquisition/rehab models.
- Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal—with ability to engage a range of stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, administer grant funding, and align operations with strategic goals.
- Passion for equitable housing and community impact.
Preferred:
- Prior experience as an Executive Director or senior-level manager in a nonprofit or housing organization.
- Knowledge of HUD and state funding mechanisms (CHFA, CDBG, HOME).
- Familiarity with nonprofit compliance, real estate transactions, and construction financing.
· Experience working with Spanish-speaking individuals or communities, or bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities, will be considered as an asset.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
- Occasional evening or weekend hours required for community meetings and events.
- Preferred that the candidate reside or relocate to the Greeley/Weld County area.Compensation and Benefits
Salary range: $120,000-$135,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Benefits:
· PTO and sick leave consistent with Colorado’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act,
· Flexible hybrid work model, which can include 2 to 4 days per week of remote work and schedule flexibility. Anticipated that 2 weeks in-office to start for orientation and then transition to a flexible 1-day/week in-office schedule.
· QSEHRA health reimbursement plan.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume to applyhphousing@gmail.com with the subject line “Executive Director Application” – [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Application Deadline: March 26, 2026 (will extend deadline every two weeks until filled)
High Plains Housing Development does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, gender, or national origin in its hiring, program or activities.
High Plains Housing Development complies with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other protected status.
This position is eligible for hybrid work consistent with organizational policy and Colorado wage-and-hour laws.
Employment is contingent upon completion of a background check and verification of work eligibility in accordance with federal and Colorado law.
Employment with High Plains Housing Development is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description, any organizational policy, or other communication shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to guarantee employment for any specific duration. The at-will nature of employment may only be modified by a written agreement signed by both the employee and the Executive Director, expressly stating the intent to alter the at-will relationship.
Website: to learn more about the organization visit our website: https://highplainshousingdev.org/
Pay: $120,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have proficient understanding of the housing development process, particularly LIHTC and acquisition/rehab development models?
Experience:
- affordable housing/community development: 5 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Greeley, CO 80631 (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Greeley, CO 80631
Salary : $120,000 - $135,000