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, MWCD’s 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:

Low-moderate Income (LMI) Individual Services

Affordable Housing Marketing & Compliance

Consulting and

Contract Work

• Resident Services
• Housing Clinics
• Rental Assistance
• Case Management
• Affirmative and Fair Housing Marketing
• Deed-restricted home -initial sales & resales
• Program delivery
• Convening and education
• Project-based consulting
• Compliance/monitoring

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 partners. In 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 MWCD’s regional status but also considers the current political climate, funding challenges, and existing staff capacity.
• Refining MWCD’s messaging and broadening marketing and development efforts to grow awareness of MWCD’s 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 MWCD’s 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 MWCD’s 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 MWCD’s revenue beyond real estate development fees.
• Experience as a fundraiser, including cultivating donors, leveraging CITC, and diversifying revenue.
• Able to foster and support the board’s 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 $160,000 to $185,000 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: https://eostransitions.applicantpool.com/jobs/.

This 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: jtarvin@eostransitions.com.