Executive Director
Location: Portland, OR
Requisition ID: ROSE-ED-2026
About the Employer
Founded in 1992, ROSE Community Development is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strengthens neighborhoods in outer Southeast Portland through affordable housing, resident leadership, and community-driven economic opportunity. We work in some of the most racially and economically diverse neighborhoods in Oregon, partnering with residents to build stability, resilience, and pathways to opportunity. Our work is rooted in racial equity, community voice, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable home and a thriving neighborhood.
With an annual operating budget of approximately $5M and a small but mighty staff of 7, ROSE manages a real estate portfolio of more than $40M in assets, and provides a wide variety of innovative resident services such as youth internships, senior activities, gardening opportunities, and culturally-specific healthy birth resources. ROSE has a 4-day work week (Monday through Thursday) as part of our commitment to employee well-being.
Role Summary
The Executive Director will lead ROSE Community Development and build on the powerful legacy established over the past 34 years. The incoming Executive Director will share ROSE's Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach and bring a demonstrated commitment to racial equity, significant leadership and nonprofit management experience in affordable housing, a proven ability to manage complex revenue streams and generate diverse funding, and a track record of supporting staff professional development and retention. This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to partner with the Board and staff to envision and enact a future that includes growing our portfolio and our organization.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated commitment to anti-displacement and community-driven development, including experience working with racially and economically diverse communities
- Hands-on experience with housing development and asset management, including collaborating with a variety of partners such as banks, culturally-specific nonprofits, and public agencies
- Familiarity with Oregon Housing & Community Services funding, HUD & Section 8 Voucher programs, and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
- Minimum 8 years experience in leading and managing a community development corporation or other housing-oriented nonprofit
- Demonstrated commitment to supporting, developing, and retaining staff, including ensuring professional development opportunities
- Experience managing complex affordable housing funding streams and budgets, and generating revenue from a variety of sources (services, developer fees, philanthropy, etc.)
- Proven ability to develop and sustain excellent relationships across diverse stakeholders; a leader who listens first
- Willing and able to champion ROSE's work through relationship-building and advocacy
- A track record of creative problem-solving and innovation; a leader who pursues new opportunities and partnerships
- Exceptional public facing and internal communication abilities; a story teller who appreciates diverse communication channels (in-person, social media, etc.) and is able to build good will and support for ROSE's work
Preferred Qualifications
- Existing relationships in East Portland, with the City of Portland Housing Bureau, and Oregon Housing & Community Services staff
- Familiarity with public funding and community economic development
- Lived experience that aligns with the communities ROSE serves including: BIPOC, low income, and people with disabilities
Compensation
$130K–$150K, depending on experience
Benefits
Medical and dental insurance, employer-paid retirement benefit, paid time off including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day plus vacation days, and a 4-day work week (Monday through Thursday).
How to Apply
Prepare your application including a cover letter outlining how your experience qualifies you for the Executive Director role based on the Executive Director Leadership Profile, and a chronological resume. Send your application as a PDF no later than June 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific to ROSE-ED@paulamanley.com. Contact this email if you have questions or need an accommodation. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.
Additional Information
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the listed qualifications. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may have a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role and consider applying.
Equal Opportunity Statement
ROSE Community Development is an equal opportunity employer.
