Executive Director

Habitat for Humanity International; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, Inc. is seeking an Executive Director to lead the affiliate’s growth and mission in Lafayette, LA. The role guides real estate development, capital planning, and organizational scaling with a community-centered ministry mindset.

The Executive Director will work with the board, staff, volunteers, and partners to advance housing solutions, financial stewardship, and program impact while maintaining compliance with Habitat’s standards and local regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• 7+ years of senior nonprofit leadership experience.
• Proven fundraising, major gifts, grant writing, and financial management.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a changing environment.
• Strong ability to articulate Habitat mission to leaders, donors and media.
• Interpersonal skills to lead staff, volunteers, board and partners.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct Lafayette Habitat staff across construction, ReStore, homeowner services, mortgage, and administration.
• Develop program, organizational, and financial plans with the board and staff.
• Build relationships with government agencies and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain records and ensure compliance with laws and guidelines.
• Foster volunteer participation and community partnerships.
• Provide governance support to the board and committee leadership.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning with leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Governance

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Financial Management

Staff Management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Description

The Executive Director reports directly to the board of directors of Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, Inc. and is responsible for overall organizational performance, long-term sustainability, real estate and construction strategy, fund development, community partnerships, staff leadership and governance compliance. This role requires a dynamic, highly relational leader who can operate at both strategic and tactical levels – guiding the affiliate through real estate development, capital planning, and organizational scaling with a community-centered ministry mindset to further impact in alignment with the organization’s mission. The executive director accepts the affiliate covenant of Habitat for Humanity International, serves as a leading advocate for Habitat’s vision and mission, and works alongside the board of directors to develop and implement strategic and operational plans. This includes integrating the work of committees, staff, and volunteers into a coherent, consistent, and effective program of advocacy, construction, financing and family support.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, hire, and provide direction to the staff responsible for all functions of Lafayette Habitat, including new home construction, home preservation, ReStore, neighborhood revitalization, volunteer management, homeowner services, mortgage services, site selection, faith relations, marketing, and administration
• Provide leadership in developing program, organizational, and financial plans with the board of directors and staff, and execute plans and policies as directed by the board
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all governmental agencies necessary for Lafayette Habitat to successfully conduct its programs
• Ensure that all required official records and documents are maintained, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations and guidelines
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends within the greater Lafayette area and the broader Habitat community
• Ensure the affiliate operates in accordance with Habitat for Humanity International’s guidelines, standards and mission
• Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization’s work

Board Relations

• Serve as an advisor to the board and support effective governance
• Collaborate with the board to define and articulate the affiliate’s vision and strategic plan
• Assist the board chair in setting agendas for board and committee meetings
• Assist the nominating committee with recruiting qualified community members to the board
• Provide new board member orientation and ongoing development opportunities
• Keep the board of directors fully informed on the financial and organizational health of Lafayette Habitat and the important factors influencing it

Fundraising & Revenue Diversification

• Collaborate with the chief operating officer to oversee fund development, including cultivation and stewardship of individual donors, major gifts, foundations, churches, and corporate partners
• Support the chief operating officer in developing the annual resource development plan, including annual giving campaigns, monthly giving programs, special events, and planned giving. Assume the lead role for capital campaigns and high-level fundraising initiatives
• Develop relationships with strategic partners for development and deepen fundraising capabilities for the affiliate and its programs
• Identify and develop diversified revenue streams that support long-term financial resilience
• Lead grant writing activities with Lafayette Habitat staff, board of directors and community partners as part of implementation of fundraising plans
• Make strategic asks where appropriate for the affiliate and its programs

Real Estate Development & Construction Leadership

• Lead Lafayette Habitat real estate development strategy including researching, identifying, and acquiring suitable sites for new home construction
• Oversee construction operations, project sequencing, and sale of completed homes
• Expand and manage the affiliate’s construction pipeline, including future subdivisions and long-term land assets
• Collaborate with construction leadership, architects, engineers, municipalities, and development partners on new home design and development
• Work closely with the construction director and other staff to oversee new home construction and home preservation activity, including annual build schedules, house pricing, and cost‑saving measures to ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget
• Foster a safety‑conscious environment for volunteers and staff, ensuring that all construction activities are conducted in a safe and responsible manner

Community Partnerships, Communications & Public Relations

• Act as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Lafayette Habitat
• Build and maintain strong working relationships and collaborative partnerships with local government, lenders, aligned non‑profit organizations, housing partners/coalitions, civic leaders

Staff Management

• Take responsibility for the recruitment and effective employment of Lafayette Habitat staff and volunteers
• Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are performed, and that sound human resource practices are in place
• Encourage staff and volunteer development and education, and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization
• Maintain a work climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of top‑quality people

Financial Stewardship & Operational Excellence

• Provide executive oversight of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning aligned with diverse revenue streams including grants, fundraising and development initiatives, mortgage income, and ReStore revenues in conjunction with new construction pipeline
• Hold accountability for the affiliate’s financial results and long‑term sustainability by ensuring that adequate funds are available to support Lafayette Habitat in fulfilling its mission
• Present the annual budget to the board for approval in collaboration with the finance director and the chief operating officer
• Track housing trends, funding shifts, and community needs, and adjust strategy as conditions change

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with standards and practices required by Habitat for Humanity International as well as state and federal regulations, rules governing mortgage loan origination, and state and federal audit standards
• Oversee governance systems including bylaws, board policies and internal controls
• Support board and committee development, onboarding and leadership effectiveness
• Manage organizational risk related to finance, construction, real estate, federal and state grant compliance, and human resources

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• 7+ years of experience in a senior leadership role in a nonprofit organization, or equivalent experience in a mission‑driven context
• Demonstrated performance in fundraising, major gifts, grant writing, and financial management
• Proven ability to plan and organize, including the ability to anticipate tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines under changing conditions
• Ability to articulate the Habitat mission passionately and persuasively to community leaders, stakeholder groups, donors and the media
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and motivate staff, volunteers, board members and community partners
• Sensitivity to the needs of low‑income families and a commitment to equitable, dignified service

Strongly Preferred

• Familiarity with residential construction, real estate development, and/or mortgage financing
• Experience working with or reporting to a volunteer board of directors
• Knowledge of US Department of Housing and Urban Development programs, particularly HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and Community Development Block Grants, USDA housing programs, and other public funding mechanisms
• Experience in a Habitat for Humanity affiliate or similar faith‑based or community development organization
• Capacity to develop and sustain productive relationships with homebuyers, homeowners, repair clients, volunteers, corporate partners, and community stakeholders

Position Requirements

• Availability outside of regular business hours
• Reliable, insured transportation and valid driver's license
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screening
• Physical Requirements: Frequently stands, walks, sits and reaches; may need to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs

Compensation: $110,000 - $125,000, commensurate with experience