Affordable Housing Program Manager in Bellingham, Washington at Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authority

POSITION: Affordable Housing Program Manager - EXEMPT, NON-REPRESENTED

OPENING DATE: April 29, 2026

CLOSING DATE: May 20, 2026, or until filled

SALARY RANGE: New hires typically start at $87,430 - $93,657 annually, DOQ, plus benefit/retirement package. The full salary range for the position is $87,430 - $115,129 annually and employees enjoy a 36-hour work week.

ABOUT THE BELLINGHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY:

The Bellingham Housing Authority (BHA), an independent municipal organization, is a high performing leader in affordable housing. BHA offers opportunities for people to thrive by ensuring access to quality, affordable homes. Our vision is that every person has the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, affordable home.

We are recruiting for an experienced and service focused Affordable Housing Program Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to the highest standards in public service.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the oversight of the Affordable Housing team administering BWCHA-managed affordable housing properties. Successful management includes proactive identification of site issues, execution of strong property management practices, a keen awareness of community and participant needs, and the ability to deploy strategies to assist clients in maintaining their housing.

This position also supports other management functions in the Housing Programs, Maintenance, and Executive Departments. These functions include, but are not limited to, engaging with the community through meeting representation, educating the community about affordable housing programs, assessing resident needs to inform service planning, and overseeing both property management and resident services staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains regular oversight of affordable housing programs administered by BWCHA, including monitoring, and evaluating operations and maintaining an in-depth awareness of changing environmental, legislative, and program issues to maintain compliant, cost-effective, and high performing operations.
• Supervises and provides front line support to the affordable housing programs team, including recruiting/selection, training, performance reviews, organizational development, and employee relations.
• Supervises and oversees proper program administration (including initial and ongoing eligibility, leasing, property management and unit inspections), assuring compliance with program requirements.
• Maintains strong community relationships that aid the utilization of services that promote resident success.
• Develops and implements short-term and long-term plans and strategies to maintain effective and efficient program and property management operations.
• Acts as a liaison with clients, community partners, public officials and others representing BWCHA in various venues building relationships, partnerships, furthering BWCHA’s mission.
• Develops and implements written operational policies, procedures, and materials in compliance with changing Federal, State, and local regulations, including local landlord-tenant law.
• Initiates and/or collaborates in the preparation and submission of funding applications, resident services, and other applications benefiting the work of the agency.
• Assists the Chief Operating Officer in the preparation, negotiation, monitoring of contracts with outside entities in connection with affordable housing programs.
• Assists Chief Operating Officer in the development, management, and monitoring of operating budgets for affordable housing programs and applicable rental properties.
• Monitors compliance with PHAS, VMS, and other program performance measures.
• Performs weekly site visits at BWCHA affordable housing properties.
• Supports and collaborates with property management and resident services staff to balance BWCHA’s mission of assisting participants in maintaining their housing opportunity while maintaining program compliance and safeguarding the physical asset.
• Acts as liaison with law enforcement jurisdictions.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides support and performs special projects as assigned by the Executive Director and/or Chief Operating Officer.
• Acts as a hearing officer in the resolution of claims made by applicants and program participants.
• Cooperatively coordinates work activities with other BWCHA departments.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

This position functions primarily in an office environment, however, frequently participates in offsite meetings and property site visits. The incumbent must be able to effectively utilize general office equipment such as computers and related software, computer printers, photocopier, calculators, and telephone.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Self-directed, with a strong ability to be resourceful and learn complex federal regulations.
• Ability to understand and work well with government, private agencies, and organizations.
• Ability to communicate well, using courtesy, tact, and good judgement, both orally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, practices and techniques required to perform duties of the position.
• Possess organizational and office skills and ability to keep confidential records.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply local, State and Federal regulations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to apply common sense and keep composure in stressful situations.
• Knowledge of multifamily rental management.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with clients, the general public and provide good customer service in all situations.
• Ability to supervise and motivate employees.
• Ability to write clear, concise procedures from complex policies and regulations.
• Maintain dependable, punctual attendance.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Property Management, or related field required.
• Five years of affordable housing experience preferred of which three years should be at a supervisory level.
• Experience administering Public Housing preferred.
• Combination of education and experience which provides the application with the requisite skills.

Licenses or Certificates:

Valid Washington State driver’s license (within 30 days of employment) and an acceptable driving record according to BHA standards.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Physical

Must be capable of performing normal office functions and be able to walk housing sites for inspection purposes. Ability to attend meetings throughout the community and visit various sites. Some travel by auto is required in the performance of this position.

Mental

Must be capable of resolving complex operating problems, supervising, and leading employees, and working effectively with others including the general public and government agencies.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: $87,430 - $115,129 plus exc. benefit/retirement package
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
• 12 Holidays and 2 Personal Holidays
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals
• Employer $95 Monthly Contribution to VEBA Account
• 36 Hour Work Week

The Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authorities is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. People needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 715-7330. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing (360) 527-4655.