S-743-13

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer ( COO )

Worksite Location: Canton, Ohio 44702

Number of Job Openings: 1

How to Apply:  Applications will be accepted online at www.starkmha.org . Or by mail to:

Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority

Attn: HR Coordinator

400 Tuscarawas Street E

Canton, Ohio  44702-1131

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

The Human Resources Department does not accept telephone inquiries regarding Job Postings. You will be notified by US Mail or Email.  Please note that it may take anywhere from 1 to 30 days for Human Resources (HR) to review your job application. If HR has not contacted you within 30 days, please assume the position has been filled.  Thank you.

Please mention OhioMeansJobs Stark or Tuscarawas when applying to this employer.

Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide eligible residents of Stark County with decent, safe,

and affordable housing and contribute to nourishing neighborhoods

by working in partnership with the public and private sectors.

JOB LOCATION:  Canton, Ohio

HOURS:   8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

FLSA STATUS:  Salary/Exempt

SALARY:   $150,000.00 - $165,000.00/Annually

*Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. *

General Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority’s (SMHA) executive leadership team and supports the Executive Director by providing strategic and operational leadership across all core program areas. This includes Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments, and Resident Services.

The COO is responsible for advancing the Authority’s mission through sound operational management, fiscal accountability, regulatory compliance, and performance optimization. This role ensures efficient delivery of high-quality housing and resident services and leads continuous improvement efforts to enhance outcomes for families and communities served by SMHA.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

    Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Support the Executive Director in the development and execution of the agency’s strategic plan, short- and long-term goals, and policy initiatives.
• Serve as a strategic advisor and operational leader in cross-functional initiatives to improve agency performance and service delivery.

    Operational Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Housing Operations (LIPH, RAD, LIHTC), HCVP, and Resident Services departments.
• Ensure compliance with HUD regulations, state and local laws, and agency policies across all departments.
• Monitor property performance, site-level budgets, and capital improvement plans.
• Establish, monitor, and refine operational standards, staffing models, and service benchmarks to align with organizational goals.

    Financial & Compliance Management

• Collaborate with Finance on annual and five-year plans, capital fund planning, and resource allocation.
• Ensure robust fiduciary and compliance controls in program operations, procurement, and contracting.
• Review program performance and operational metrics to reduce costs while maintaining or improving service levels.

    Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent SMHA in meetings with HUD, local governments, community stakeholders, neighborhood groups, and resident organizations.
• Foster meaningful collaboration with tenant councils and community-based partners.
• Participate in resident engagement activities to strengthen public trust and service alignment.

    People & Culture Leadership

• Lead and coach senior managers to foster a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
• Support labor negotiations and HR policy implementation in alignment with agency values and goals.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within program delivery and internal operations.

    Reporting & Board Relations

• Prepare and deliver reports, briefings, and presentations to the Board of Commissioners and executive leadership.
• Translate operational performance into clear insights and recommendations for governance and policy decisions.

Required Education/Experience

• Master’s degree preferred in Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), Urban Planning, or Urban Affairs.
• Bachelor’s degree required in public administration, business administration, finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in public housing, affordable housing operations, or a closely related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Core Competencies

• Leadership: Inspires, motivates, and aligns teams around a clear vision with measurable objectives.
• Results Orientation: Drives high-quality outcomes and holds self and others accountable for meeting performance standards.
• Strategic Thinking: Anticipates trends, identifies challenges and opportunities, and develops forward-looking operational strategies.
• Resident-Centered Mindset: Champions resident satisfaction and equity by aligning services with community needs.
• Communication & Influence: Communicates complex information clearly across diverse audiences; builds consensus and supports informed decision-making.

    Core Values

• Integrity & Trust: Leads with honesty, transparency, and consistency; builds trust across all levels of the organization and community.
• Ethical Leadership: Upholds fairness, equity, and compliance in every decision, fostering a culture of responsibility and transparency.
• Respect & Professionalism: Demonstrates respect in every interaction and sets a professional standard that elevates organizational culture.
• Collaboration & Service: Values teamwork and maintains a responsive, solutions-focused approach to internal and external relationships.
• Equity & Inclusion: Advances inclusive practices that reflect the agency’s mission to serve diverse communities with dignity and fairness.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Walking and lifting to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Most work is conducted in a standard indoor office environment with visits to the various Authority sites.

Included Benefits:

• OPERS Pension Plan contribution
• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 13 Annual Paid Holidays
• 2 Weeks of Vacation
• Accrued Sick Time (accrual begins on your first day of employment)

Pre-employment Testing:

• Criminal Background Check
• Driving Records Check
• Drug Testing
• Reference Check.

OMJ Staff Contact: RC1