Housing and Community Development Executive Director

Puyallup Tribe; Tacoma (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with profit sharing

Paid holidays

PTO including birthday leave

Job summary

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians seeks a Community Development Executive Director in the Administration Department to lead the Community Development Division and guide housing programs for tribal members.

Reporting to the Administrative Manager, you will manage budgets, ensure compliance, oversee grants, and develop strategic partnerships at state and federal levels.

This full-time role may telework as needed and requires a strong background in housing, urban planning, and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field and senior management experience.
• Proven grant management and budgeting skills.
• Strong written and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Division and promote its mission and direction.
• Ensure compliance with codes, policies, and applicable laws.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and strategic direction to departments.
• Oversee budgets, grants, and intergovernmental relationships.

Skills

Budget management

Strategic planning

Leadership

Grant management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Housing, Urban Planning, Community Planning or related field

Master’s degree in Housing, Urban Planning, Community Planning or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Databases

Job description

Opens: October 15, 2026

Job Title: Community Development Executive Director

Department: Administration

Reports To: Administrative Manager

Hours: Full Time 40 Hrs/Week Salary: Based on Salary Matrix + Benefits

*Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call [phone] or email [e-mail]. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.

Position Summary:

This position provides leadership and management control of the Community Development Division by defining and implementing the direction, goals and objectives of the departments assigned to the division and is responsible for the effectiveness and efficiency of department services ensuring access to quality housing opportunities for members of the Tribal Community. Works closely with the Tribal Council and Administration in interpreting and implementing approved decisions related to the Division.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Represents the Division and establishes and promotes the mission and direction of the Community Development Division.
2. Ensures full compliance across the Community Development Departments operating within the procedures set forth in applicable codes, policies and procedures and applicant federal law.
3. Provides administrative technical assistance, leadership, and supervision of Community Developmentdepartments to assure compliance with policies and procedures.
4. Assists Directors or Programs in establishing departmental goals and objectives for the Annual Operations plan. Ensures departments are implementing teamwork strategies to meet organizational and departmental goals.
5. Performs strategic planning for the Division and Tribe per Tribal Council’s priorities.
6. Reviews and evaluates changes in federal, state laws and tribal code that will impact the delivery of services.
7. Builds positive and effective relationships at the state and federal level and serves as an advocate for department and program services.
8. Responsible for preparation, planning, and monitoring Departments budgets on a monthly basis with Department Directors.
9. Responsible for creating and ensuring compliance of Memorandum of Agreements or Understanding between Tribal Departments, the Tribe and Tribal entities, and the Tribe and local governments.
10. Maintains effective internal and external communications.
11. Provide leadership to departments to enable them to make decisions, organize, program design, prioritize and delegate tasks. Monitors and reviews housing and community development departments to improve effectiveness and efficiency.
12. Provides general oversight of the management and maintenance of all housing properties to ensure a high degree of livability for community members.
13. Facilitates Community Development Division Department Director meetings regularly.
14. Notifies the Administrative Manager and Tribal Council regarding policy concerns and recommends revision and direction which may develop from housing or community development issues.
15. Approves expenditure requests from department directors to assure compliance with all tribal, state and federal government regulations and grant restrictions.
16. Participates and monitors internal and external audits of departments and implements necessary corrective actions with departments.
17. Responsible for projects as assigned by Administrative Manager or Tribal Council.
18. Keeps current on all areas of responsibility by attending executive level meetings, and attending trainings and workshops as needed.
19. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages directors and managers within the Community Development division as assigned by the Administrative Manager. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this division. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications and Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or Master's degree (M. A.) from four-year college or university in Housing, Urban Planning, Community Planning or related field; and six years experience and/or training in a senior management level capacity managing subordinate program supervisors; or equivalent combination of education and management experience and/or training in overseeing departments or programs. Must demonstrate previous experience managing a departmental budget. Demonstrated knowledge of grant management required. Intermediate knowledge and experience in computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets and database required. Strong writing and organizational skills required.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to senior management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability to adjust and work within Tribal governmental structure.
• Ability to work effectively in a stressful environment, including a high work volume and complaint resolution.
• Customer service skills required.
• Must keep informed of changes and innovations in the housing field ass to matters of policy and operations.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted Washington State driver’s license. Driver’s license must not contain any restrictions that would prevent the employee from driving a GSA vehicle.
• Participates in the development of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Vision, Mission, and Strategic Direction.
• Develops and maintains ethical and professional relationships by upholding a favorable public image of the Tribe by establishing and participates in the community (civic, industry, and professional).

Other Requirements

Must successfully pass a criminal background check prior to and periodically throughout employment.

Willing to attend training for professional development.

This position may be required to telework on either a part time or full-time basis depending upon the needs of the department and the organization. If required to telework, employee agrees to complete the Telework Agreement and abide by the Telework Policy and work expectations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Requires the ability to operate a personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
2. Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
3. Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
4. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
5. The employee occasionally is required to stand and walk.
6. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
7. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
8. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The noise level is low to moderate.
2. The physical exertion is low to moderate.
3. Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with some field work.
4. There are frequent employee contacts and interruptions during the day.
5. Position may be stressful at times due to multi-tasking and critical deadlines and due to the sensitive or confidential issues being addressed. May need to respond after normal business hours.
6. Requires occasional travel using employee’s own transportation.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law