Executive Director

The Housing Justice Center seeks a visionary Executive Director to lead the organization into its next

chapter. This is an opportunity for a strategic thinker who is ready to lead the future of HJC, deepening its

impact, shaping the future of housing justice, and building an organization equipped to meet the changing

affordable housing landscape.

About HJC

The Housing Justice Center (HJC) is a nonprofit public interest advocacy and legal organization whose focus

is to preserve and expand affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Using legal and policy

advocacy, impact litigation, and community organizing, HJC works to encourage the production and

preservation of affordable housing and to protect the rights of people who need affordable places to call

home. HJC attorneys work with tenant and advocacy organizations, public and private housing funders, and

policymakers to protect and expand affordable housing. Based in Minnesota, HJC works nationwide.

The Opportunity

HJC has built a strong reputation over many years of impact litigation and housing policy advocacy. The

organization has grown and evolved, and the next Executive Director will be a critical part of defining what

comes next.

Working closely with the Board of Directors and staff leadership, the incoming Executive Director will set a

compelling vision for the future, translate that vision into strategy and action, and ensure HJC has the

capacity, financial health, and external relationships to achieve it. This leader will bring a fresh perspective,

deep respect for HJC's legacy, and be energized by the opportunities ahead.

Success in this role will mean:

• Articulating and executing a forward-looking vision that expands HJC's impact and relevance
• Leading a talented legal and policy team with a commitment to their growth
• Establishing HJC as a leading voice in housing justice and shaping policy conversations
• Diversifying and growing the organization's funding base to ensure long-term sustainability
• Building systems, culture, and infrastructure that allow HJC to scale its impact

The Executive Director reports to the HJC Board of Directors, oversees a $2M budget, and supervises a staff

of 14.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Director is a working leader who balances big-picture vision with hands-on organizational management. The core areas of responsibility are as follows, listed in order of strategic priority:

Strategic Leadership (Primary Responsibility) Clarify and deepen a clear, compelling vision for HJC's future that builds on organizational strengths. Translate this vision into an actionable, organization-wide strategy, creating focus and setting priorities that achieve the mission. Lead the strategic planning process in partnership with the Board and staff.

External Leadership, Advocacy, & Fundraising (Primary Responsibility) Serve as the public face and chief advocate for HJC. Represent the organization with authority in legal, policy, and advocacy arenas. Nurture and sustain a network of partners, coalitions, and policymakers. Crucially, lead all fundraising efforts, including identifying, cultivating, and securing new revenue streams from individual donors, foundations, and government sources. The goal is to diversify the funding portfolio and ensure long-term sustainability.

Staff Leadership & Culture (Primary Responsibility) Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, mission-driven team. Establish a staff structure that supports organizational growth and collaboration. Foster a healthy, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture that recognizes staff expertise, supports professional development, and ensures long-term retention.

Financial Management & Operations (Core Responsibility) Ensure the overall financial health and sustainability of HJC. In partnership with the staff and Board, develop annual and long-term financial objectives and lead the organization in achieving them. Oversee the systems, processes, and infrastructure needed to effectively maintain operations, guiding change management as the organization grows.

Board Partnership (Core Responsibility) Work closely with the Board of Directors to shape HJC's strategic direction. Actively engage the Board in generative dialogue about the organization's future, solicit their input on key decisions in a timely and effective manner, and support the ongoing development of a strong, engaged Board

The Executive Director reports to the HJC Board of Directors, oversees a $2M budget, and supervises a staff

of 14. HJC offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 12 weeks of

paid parental leave, generous PTO, a 3% employer contribution to a SIMPLE IRA, and a hybrid work

environment. HJC’s office is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota and offers a hybrid work environment with

required in-person office availability.