EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Ottumwa Housing Authority
A Leadership Opportunity in a Stable Mission-Driven Housing Provider
The Ottumwa Housing Authority (OHA) is seeking an impactful, mission-driven leader and manager to maintain what has worked well in providing affordable housing in Ottumwa Iowa while adapting the agency to being aligned with the changing trends and environment in the industry. This position provides the opportunity to work with a strong Board and staff that are mission-focused, sound in their operational capabilities, and dedicated to maintaining and growing the affordable housing portfolio.
OHA's portfolio includes 375 Public Housing (including family scattered sites), 4 Neighborhood Stabilization units, 241Housing Choice Vouchers, and 12 units under HOME / LIHTC. The agency is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners and employs 17 staff. The agency is a standard performer under HUD PHAS and a high performer under HUD SEMAP.
Positioned for Success
The incoming Executive Director inherits an agency that is well-positioned to have a strong impact on affordable housing in Ottuma:
● Leadership and Management – The agency is blessed with a strong, stable Board and staff that is mission-focused. The previous ED had served the agency for ten years.
● Portfolio Condition – The properties have been well-maintained but will require some commitment to modernization and upgrades.
● Housing Providers Partnerships – An interest and willingness to collaborate with other housing developers and funders for new housing developments such as LIHTCs.
● Resident Engagement – A strong commitment to quality resident relations and services and the presence of Resident Councils in each development.
● Transparency and Accountability – A strong focus on being transparent, engaged, and accountable to the many stakeholders that are linked to the affordable housing mission.
Our Community
Ottumwa is a community of 25,529 situated in Southeastern Iowa. The economy is diverse but is strongly linked to agribusinesses and regional retail outlets. The cost of living is very reasonable as is the tax base. The quality of the school system and municipal services is high. The community is traversed by the Des Moines River. Many options for active and passive recreation are afforded by the network of parks, walking / biking trails, and waterways. The Indian Hills Community College and the Buena Vista University regional campus also serve the community.
Qualifications and Background Checks
● Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public administration, business administration, urban planning, social sciences, or a related field.
● Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration, public finance, real estate or property management, or a related field involving the management of public housing, income-based housing, or market-rate housing.
● Candidates with an exceptional academic or experience background that compensates for an academic or experience deficiency may still be considered at the discretion of the Board.
● Finalists will undergo academic, work history, and salary history verification, along with criminal and credit background checks and employment / education verification.
Compensation & Benefits
- The salary range is negotiable depending on the academic and experience credentials.
- OHA offers a comprehensive benefits package that can be found on the agency website.
- The position description is also available on the agency website.
- PHA is an equal opportunity employer.
How to Apply
Submit the following by email to Stan Quy, President/Principal, The Organizational Leadership Edge, at Squy@cox.net:
● A one-page cover letter
● A two-page resume including salary expectations
● Three professional references
Application Deadline: Thursday, September 10th, 2026, by 5:00pm Central Time.
