Executive Director

The Opportunity

The Watertown Housing Authority (WHA) seeks an engaged, ethical and hands-on Executive Director to lead an 80-unit public housing portfolio serving the Watertown community. The portfolio includes Johnson Arms, a general occupancy residential building and 23 scattered-site family townhomes. WHA currently administers public housing and reports directly to the Board of Commissioners, the Executive Director provides both strategic leadership and practical oversight of a small, service-oriented organization.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Board governance: Implement Board-approved policies and resolutions; advise commissioners on operational, financial and regulatory matters; prepare Board reports, agendas and recommendations; maintain transparent records and appropriate governance boundaries.

HUD compliance and program administration: Administer the public housing program and Annual Contributions Contract; oversee admissions, waiting lists, income and rent determinations, annual/interim reexaminations, lease enforcement, grievance and reasonable-accommodation processes, fair housing, civil rights, required policies and HUD reporting.

Financial stewardship: Prepare and administer operating and Capital Fund budgets; oversee rents, accounts payable/receivable, internal controls, cash management, financial statements, audits, HUD submissions, subsidy/grant administration, year-end reporting and long-range financial planning.

Property and asset management: Oversee 80 public housing units, occupancy, resident relations, maintenance and unit turnovers, work orders, preventive maintenance, contracts, safety, inspections and NSPIRE readiness; plan capital improvements and ensure responsible stewardship of WHA buildings and grounds.

Personnel and administration: Directly supervise administrative staff (including administrative assistant/property manager functions, as staffed) and maintenance personnel (technician/manager, as staffed); oversee hiring, coaching, evaluations, training, safety, payroll administration, personnel policies, records and daily office operations. Maintain clear accountability in a lean team.

Procurement, contracts and risk: Administer competitive purchasing and contracting under applicable requirements and delegated authority; oversee insurance, claims, emergency response, legal coordination, confidentiality, cybersecurity and corrective actions.

Community relationships and future planning: Serve as WHA’s principal representative to residents, HUD, the City of Watertown and community partners; identify funding and service opportunities; assess potential modernization, redevelopment or repositioning options—including RAD when appropriate—and present objective recommendations for Board consideration.

Qualifications

Required: Demonstrated leadership or progressively responsible experience in housing, property/asset management, public administration, nonprofit management, finance or a related field; ability to manage budgets, people, regulatory obligations and sensitive resident matters; strong communication, judgment, integrity and computer skills; valid driver’s license and ability to travel among WHA properties. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or related field; public housing or HUD-assisted housing experience; knowledge of HUD occupancy requirements, PHA finances, Capital Fund, procurement, NSPIRE and Board governance; PHM or similar training; experience with RAD or redevelopment planning.

Schedule and Work Expectations

Regular office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. This is primarily an on-site leadership position, with Board meetings, occasional evening commitments and emergency response (on call) outside regular hours as needed. The Executive Director is expected to maintain regular on-site availability and provide timely responses to urgent operational matters. Residence within approximately 15 miles of the WHA office is preferred.

Benefits include employer-supported health, dental and vision coverage; participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS); optional Wisconsin Deferred Compensation (457) savings; paid time off; and paid holidays, sick leave, subject to eligibility and WHA personnel policy.

Application deadline: Friday, November 13, 2026 by 4:00pm Central Time.

Pay: $69,000.00 - $74,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person