Job DescriptionIntroduction: AstroHire Executive Search (Est. 2017), a 100% Native American-owned employee recruitment firm, is humbled and passionate to partner with the
Chief Seattle Club (Non-profit) to hire its next full-time Chief Operating Officer.
The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a senior leadership role responsible for stabilizing and strengthening the operational infrastructure of a
mission-driven housing nonprofit during a period of transition. The COO ensures continuity across key operational functions while enhancing systems that support safe, high-quality housing and services for residents.
About the Process: 1) COO candidates will work directly with AstroHire on behalf of and in collaboration with the Chief Seattle Club.
To pursue this job, submit application materials here:2) AstroHire will contact well-matched candidates directly. There's no need to contact the Chief Seattle Club at this juncture.
3) When contacted by AstroHire, discussion points may include: history and current position needs, compensation, the candidate's qualifications, career goals, personal motivations, living needs, and logistical/relocation constraints.
4) This is a multi-step interview process, which may include phone calls, 1-to-1 video interviews, group panel interviews, and eventual on-site interviews in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, C-suite leaders, Real Estate Department staff, and frontline operational teams, the COO provides both strategic direction and hands-on operational leadership. Core operations include Human Resources, Facilities Management, IT Services, and the Real Estate Department, which oversees property and asset management and housing development activities.
This role plays a critical part in sustaining the organization’s mission to provide sacred spaces to nurture,
affirm, and strengthen the spirit of urban Native people.
Essential Job Functions: Strategic & Transitional Leadership
- Lead organizational operations with a focus on stability, continuity, and rapid assessment during
leadership transition.
- Partner with the Chief Executive Officer and senior team to advance operational strategies that
support housing stability, resident wellbeing, and community impact.
- Identify short-term operational gaps and implement immediate solutions, while recommending long-term improvements aligned with nonprofit best practices.
- Oversee transitional initiatives within administrative, property, and resident-facing operations.
- Ensure real estate and operational strategies reinforce long-term portfolio health and mission outcomes.
Operational Oversight- Lead and coordinate daily operational functions across the organization, ensuring alignment
between administrative, housing, and program teams.
- Oversee Human Resources, Facilities, IT, Procurement, and Real Estate departments.
- Improve workflows and operational systems to increase efficiency, service quality, and
compliance readiness.
- Strengthen communication channels among property operations, resident services, and administrative teams.
Real Estate, Asset, and Property Portfolio Leadership- Provide executive oversight of the Real Estate Department, which includes property
management, asset management, and housing development.
- Ensure properties are operated safely, sustainably, and in accordance with HUD, LIHTC, local
funder, and building code requirements.
- Guide long-term capital planning, reserve strategies, and asset preservation to maintain high-
quality, affordable housing.
- Oversee property performance monitoring, risk mitigation, and compliance across the housing
portfolio.
- Support evaluation of new acquisitions, rehabilitation projects, and mission-driven development
opportunities.
- Strengthen systems for rent compliance, inspections, lease-up processes, and resident safety.
Compliance, Policy & Risk Management
- Ensure operational areas comply with internal policies and the regulatory environment affecting
affordable and supportive housing.
- Strengthen infrastructure for compliance with housing regulations, funder requirements, fair
housing laws, safety standards, and privacy/security mandates.
- Lead risk management efforts, including emergency response planning for housing communities
and facilities.
- Support improvements in cybersecurity and data privacy across operational systems.
Financial Stewardship- Partner with the CFO to develop and manage operating budgets for administrative functions and
the housing portfolio.
- Monitor expenditures to ensure responsible stewardship of nonprofit resources.
- Identify cost efficiencies and opportunities to maximize the financial stability of properties and
central operations.
- Support capital planning and long-term asset budget forecasting.
People Leadership & Culture- Provide interim leadership to operational and real estate department heads with a focus on
accountability, collaboration, and mission alignment.
- Support HR initiatives related to recruitment, retention, workforce development, and
organizational culture.
- Promote an inclusive, trauma-informed, and resident-centered organizational culture.
Facilities, Technology, and Resource Management- Oversee facilities operations to ensure safe, well-maintained, habitable environments for staff
and residents.
- Ensure technology infrastructure supports effective resident services, property operations, and
organization-wide communication.
- Strengthen vendor and contractor relationships, especially those connected to housing operations, maintenance, and development partners.
Stakeholder Engagement- Serve as a liaison between operations, housing programs, and other departments to ensure
alignment around resident needs and property performance.
- Communicate key operational and property updates to leadership, staff, funders, and
community partners as appropriate.
- Represent operations in board and committee meetings, including real estate, finance, and asset
management committees.
- Maintain active engagement in promoting a safe work environment by
following safety procedures and participating in required safety trainings relevant to their role. - Perform other duties as situation requires or as assigned by supervisor.
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Education:- BA or equivalent professional experience.
Experience:- 8-10 years of Significant leadership experience in nonprofit operations, affordable housing,
permanent supportive housing, property management, real estate development, or a related
mission-driven field.
- Experience overseeing asset management, housing operations, or capital projects is strongly preferred.
- Experience in building out managerial support.
- Prior interim or transitional leadership experience is a plus.
Licenses/Certifications:- SHRMCP or SHRMSCP preferred.
- Housing- or real estate-related certifications (e.g., CPM, CAM, LIHTC compliance) are a plus, but not required.
Technical Skills & Competencies:- Strong strategic and analytical thinking.
- Expertise in cross-functional operational and housing portfolio management.
- Knowledge of HUD, LIHTC, local housing funder requirements, and nonprofit compliance
environments.
- Budgeting and financial management experience, particularly in affordable housing or
mixed funding contexts.
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills with a mission-first orientation.
Competencies:- Real Estate Portfolio Management
- Housing Compliance (HUD/LIHTC)
- Financial Management
- Operations Leadership
- Asset Management
- Capital Planning
- Risk Management
- Team Leadership
Preferred Qualifications:Proven ability to work effectively with Native communities, including cultural awareness, respect for traditions, and knowledge of community dynamics.
Physical Requirements:Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Benefits
Benefits Summary: Full-time employee benefits package includes:- Medical, Dental, Vision, and an Employee Assistance Program
- Public Transportation (ORCA) pass
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, and Night Shift Differential
- Transparent Pay Schedule
- Internal Hiring and Encouraged Advancement
This job description is intended to describe the general nature of this job and may not include all
responsibilities that might be required of the person holding this position. This job description is subject
to change at any time at the sole discretion of the company and does not establish a contract for
employment.RequirementsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Education: BA or equivalent professional experience. Experience: 8-10 years of Significant leadership experience in nonprofit operations, affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, property management, real estate development, or a related mission-driven field. Experience overseeing asset management, housing operations, or capital projects is strongly preferred. Experience in building out managerial support. Prior interim or transitional leadership experience is a plus. Licenses/Certifications: SHRMCP or SHRMSCP preferred. Housing- or real estate-related certifications (e.g., CPM, CAM, LIHTC compliance) are a plus, but not required. Technical Skills & Competencies: Strong strategic and analytical thinking. Expertise in cross-functional operational and housing portfolio management. Knowledge of HUD, LIHTC, local housing funder requirements, and nonprofit compliance environments. Budgeting and financial management experience, particularly in affordable housing or mixed funding contexts. Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills with a mission-first orientation. Competencies: Real Estate Portfolio Management Housing Compliance (HUD/LIHTC) Financial Management Operations Leadership Asset Management Capital Planning Risk Management Team Leadership Preferred Qualifications: Proven ability to work effectively with Native communities, including cultural awareness, respect for traditions, and knowledge of community dynamics. Physical Requirements: Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
