Cole Monroe, MA, CPA
Senior Manager

Hiring an exceptional Executive Director is crucial for the success of your Housing Authority. This key leadership position requires a candidate with the right skills, experience, and vision to effectively manage operations, drive strategic initiatives, and make a positive impact on the community. To master the art of hiring an exceptional Executive Director, follow these key steps:

1. Define your needs: Clearly outline the specific skills, qualifications, and experience required for the Executive Director role to address the unique challenges and goals of your Housing Authority.
2. Develop a comprehensive job description: Craft a detailed job description that reflects your Housing Authority’s mission, values, and strategic direction. This will attract candidates who align with your Housing Authority’s goals and values.
3. Cast a wide net: Utilize multiple channels to attract a diverse pool of qualified candidates. Advertise the position on job boards, professional networks, and industry associations. Leverage social media and networking to reach a broader audience.
4. Conduct a rigorous selection process: Design a structured process including resume screening, phone screenings, and in-depth interviews. Set up interview questions in advance, identify the interview panel, and ensure that panel has gone through interview training.
5. Assess cultural fit: Evaluate candidates for their compatibility with your organization with Housing Authority culture and values. Consider their leadership style, communication skills, and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders & board members.
6. Check references and conduct background checks: Conduct thorough reference checks to verify candidates’ qualifications, experience, and achievements. Contact previous employers and colleagues for insights into their performance and leadership capabilities.
7. Offer competitive compensation: Provide a competitive compensation package that reflects the value of the executive director role. Consider industry benchmarks, market conditions, and the candidate’s experience.
8. Provide onboarding and support: Facilitate a smooth onboarding process for the selected Executive Director. Offer necessary resources, support, and guidance to help them transition into their new role.

By following these steps, you can enhance your chances of hiring an Exceptional Executive Director who will guide your Housing Authority towards success! Taking the time to find the right leader will result in effective management, strategic decision-making, and positive outcomes for your Housing Authority and the community it serves!

Interested in joining a peer group? Schedule a call today to learn about Connection, our semi-annual peer group for housing authorities  https://calendly.com/d/z8d-rm4-qk2/discovery-call.

Stay tuned for next month’s topic: Decisive Measures: Evaluating the Performance of Your Executive Director for Effective Decision Making

Cole Monroe, MA, CPA
Senior Manager
cmonroe@smco.cpa
615-545-3153

Cole Monroe, CPA is a dedicated Senior Manager in the HA department at Smith Marion. He holds a Master of Arts in Economics, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics, all earned from Middle Tennessee State University.

Residing in Tennessee with his family, Cole brings his expertise and commitment to excellence to his role at Smith Marion. As the Chair of the Tech committee, he spearheads innovative initiatives to leverage technology in the accounting field. Additionally, as a facilitator in the Connection Peer Group for Housing Authorities Cole shares his knowledge and fosters collaboration to address industry challenges.

Outside of his professional achievements, Cole embraces his inner nerd with a love for Star Wars and the series Ted Lasso. His genuine enthusiasm for technology is a driving force in his role, and he thrives on staying at the forefront of industry trends. Cole’s multifaceted background enables him to bring a unique perspective to his work and provide valuable insights to clients.

While Cole’s professional accomplishments are commendable, he also values the importance of family. He cherishes meaningful moments spent with his wife and two children, creating lasting memories and nurturing strong bonds. With his CPA license, advanced education, and passion for knowledge transfer, Cole is dedicated to empowering his team and clients, helping them achieve success in their respective endeavors.

Ready to Improve Your Leadership Skills, Develop the Best Business Strategies, Plans, & Procedures, & Build Long Term Relationships?

SMConnection is a peer group combining HA consultation and advisory services with our expert accounting knowledge to create the ideal knowledge base and support program for Housing Authority Directors and Finance Managers. Apply now to ensure you’re focusing on the right skills, engaging employees, and demonstrating value to board members.