The Position
The City of Portland seeks an experienced, visionary, equity-centered executive to serve as its next Housing Director. This role offers the opportunity to lead one of the nation’s most complex housing agencies, shaping Portland’s response across the housing continuum: affordability, homelessness, shelter, and homeownership. The Director will bring people together, strengthen the Housing Bureau, and build a coordinated, effective delivery system that makes a meaningful difference for Portland residents.
As the City’s chief housing official, the Director leads the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) in addressing unmet community needs. The Director oversees comprehensive programs that finance and preserve affordable rentals, expand homeownership, prevent displacement, and support initiatives to end homelessness. PHB operates as both a major municipal funder and convener, regulating an expanding portfolio of more than 19,000 affordable housing units across the City.
Stepping into the role during significant transformation, the Director will navigate the modernization of Portland’s municipal governance structure while supporting downtown economic revitalization through expanded housing opportunities. The Director manages substantial capital investments and federal allocations, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), federal HOME funds, local housing bond revenues, and General Fund dollars. Working closely with City leadership, regional jurisdictions, community nonprofits, culturally specific providers, private developers, and the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS), the Director will help advance housing justice and deliver sustainable, community-wide solutions.
The Director must be a relationship-centered, politically astute leader who understands that lasting progress depends on trust, credibility, and shared vision. They build strong relationships with elected officials, City leadership, employees, community members, housing providers, and regional partners, navigating differing perspectives with ease. Approachable and collaborative, the Director listens carefully, communicates with candor, and conducts difficult conversations while maintaining productive working relationships. The successful candidate brings steady, confident leadership, providing clarity, stability, and sound decision-making in a shifting environment. Bringing a systems perspective, the Director challenges the status quo. Understanding the links among housing affordability, homelessness, shelter, behavioral health, and community well-being, they look across departmental boundaries to increase impact.
Qualifications
Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in public housing, affordable housing development, shelter services, or related areas of the housing continuum is required. A strong understanding of the social, political, and environmental issues influencing the housing continuum is essential, along with demonstrated experience in public administration, financial management, development, and long-range planning in a complex community. Exceptional relationship-building skills are essential, including the ability to build trust, advance equity, navigate complex and diverse stakeholder interests, and develop productive partnerships across organizational, political, and community boundaries.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for the Housing Director is $182,166 - $264,721 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Portland values exceptional leadership and offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support employees’ health, financial well-being, work-life balance, and long-term retirement security throughout their careers.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled, with a first review of applications beginning November 9, 2026.
Veterans’ Preference
The City of Portland proudly recognizes the experience and service of veterans. Under Oregon law ORS 408.225– 408.238, veterans who meet the minimum qualifications for the position may be eligible for employment preference.
Accommodations
The City of Portland is committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this position or participating in the selection process, please contact Heather Gantz.