Executive Director

Overview

The Housing Justice Center seeks a visionary Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. This is an opportunity for a strategic thinker who is ready to lead the future of HJC, deepening its impact, shaping the future of housing justice, and building an organization equipped to meet the changing affordable housing landscape.

About HJC

The Housing Justice Center (HJC) is a nonprofit public interest advocacy and legal organization whose focus is to preserve and expand affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Using legal and policy advocacy, impact litigation, and community organizing, HJC works to encourage the production and preservation of affordable housing and to protect the rights of people who need affordable places to call home. HJC attorneys work with tenant and advocacy organizations, public and private housing funders, and policymakers to protect and expand affordable housing. Based in Minnesota, HJC works nationwide.

The Opportunity

HJC has built a strong reputation over many years of impact litigation and housing policy advocacy. The organization has grown and evolved, and the next Executive Director will be a critical part of defining what comes next.

Working closely with the Board of Directors and staff leadership, the incoming Executive Director will set a compelling vision for the future, translate that vision into strategy and action, and ensure HJC has the capacity, financial health, and external relationships to achieve it. This leader will bring a fresh perspective, deep respect for HJC's legacy, and be energized by the opportunities ahead.

Success in this role will mean:

• Articulating and executing a forward-looking vision that expands HJC's impact and relevance
• Leading a talented legal and policy team with a commitment to their growth
• Establishing HJC as a leading voice in housing justice and shaping policy conversations
• Diversifying and growing the organization's funding base to ensure long-term sustainability
• Building systems, culture, and infrastructure that allow HJC to scale its impact

The Executive Director reports to the HJC Board of Directors, oversees a $2M budget, and supervises a staff of 14. HJC offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental coverage, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, generous PTO, a 3% employer contribution to a SIMPLE IRA, and a hybrid work environment. HJC’s office is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota and offers a hybrid work environment with required in-person office availability.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Director is a working leader who balances big-picture vision with hands-on organizational management. The core areas of responsibility are as follows, listed in order of strategic priority:

Strategic Leadership (Primary Responsibility)

Clarify and deepen a clear, compelling vision for HJC's future that builds on organizational strengths. Translate this vision into an actionable, organization-wide strategy, creating focus and setting priorities that achieve the mission. Lead the strategic planning process in partnership with the Board and staff.

External Leadership, Advocacy, & Fundraising (Primary Responsibility)

Serve as the public face and chief advocate for HJC. Represent the organization with authority in legal, policy, and advocacy arenas. Nurture and sustain a network of partners, coalitions, and policymakers. Crucially, lead all fundraising efforts, including identifying, cultivating, and securing new revenue streams from individual donors, foundations, and government sources. The goal is to diversify the funding portfolio and ensure long-term sustainability.

Staff Leadership & Culture (Primary Responsibility)

Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, mission-driven team. Establish a staff structure that supports organizational growth and collaboration. Foster a healthy, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture that recognizes staff expertise, supports professional development, and ensures long-term retention.

Financial Management & Operations (Core Responsibility)

Ensure the overall financial health and sustainability of HJC. In partnership with the staff and Board, develop annual and long-term financial objectives and lead the organization in achieving them. Oversee the systems, processes, and infrastructure needed to effectively maintain operations, guiding change management as the organization grows.

Board Partnership (Core Responsibility)

Work closely with the Board of Directors to shape HJC's strategic direction. Actively engage the Board in generative dialogue about the organization's future, solicit their input on key decisions in a timely and effective manner, and support the ongoing development of a strong, engaged Board

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring leadership experience and a deep commitment to housing justice. Specific qualifications include:

• Progressive nonprofit leadership experience, including significant time in a senior leadership role (e.g., Executive Director, Deputy Director, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute organizational strategy.
• Passion for and commitment to housing justice, with knowledge of affordable housing systems and policy.
• Proven track record of inspiring leadership, team development, and building collaborative cultures.
• Experience managing complex programs and projects.
• Ability to articulate an understanding of and passion for affordable housing and housing justice, Deep knowledge of affordable housing systems and policy
• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and overseeing organizational finances.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling vision to diverse audiences.

Desired Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree; member in good standing of the Minnesota Bar, or member of the bar in any jurisdiction.
• Demonstrated fundraising success, including grant writing and building relationships with diverse funders (foundations, individuals, government).
• Legislative advocacy experience and political savvy.
• National profile or experience in housing, legal, or policy advocacy spaces.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references as a single PDF document to by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, April 21 . Questions about the search may be directed to Melissa Martinez-Sones at Mighty Consulting: or .

HJC is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are interested in this role but your experience does not align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be a strong candidate for this or other opportunities.

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