The Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) Board of Directors is sharing plans around its search for a new Executive Director. As planned, Eric Burmeister will be retiring in June after more than 12 years of service.
“With Eric’s leadership PCHTF has become the ‘go to’ for housing affordability in our region and thousands of families now have an opportunity to live in safe, stable, and affordable homes,” said Cole McClelland, Chair, PCHTF Board of Directors. “Increasing the supply and quality of affordable housing is critical and we are approaching this leadership transition with great attention. We expect our next leader will maintain the momentum of the great work underway, while also seeing the amazing potential that is possible and approaching the work with the urgency needed.”
In 2022, Polk County Housing Trust Fund helped leverage over $20M in housing production and preservation while assisting local governments in planning for their future housing needs. A complete review of the organization’s work can be found in its Annual Report https://www.pchtf.org/annual-report. For the coming year the impact will be much greater; in 2022 PCHTF was selected to manage $12M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to develop and improve multifamily housing. This comes at a time when the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates Polk County is short about 11,635 affordable and available rental units for people whose incomes fall under 30% of area median income.
The infusion of funding, additional programs, and growing needs of the community have also led the PCHTF Board of Directors to add a position for a Director of Housing Development. This new position, in addition to the Executive Director role, will also be posted at the same time to ensure the organization has the capacity and clear roles to execute its Strategic Plan and growing responsibilities.
“This is an incredibly exciting and important time,” said Eric Burmeister, Executive Director of PCHTF. “The support and momentum around housing affordability has never been greater and I am grateful to the board, staff and the many community partners, developers and elected officials who have all been part of getting us to where we are now — well-positioned for the critical policy work and support that is needed next. I hope the new Executive Director receives all the support needed to close the gap and be that much closer to ensuring everyone in Polk County has a place to live.”
About the Search Process
The PCHTF Board and special Transition Committee are working with a local team of Cassandra Halls (2 THE TOP) and Diana Deibler (Deibler & Company) to lead the searches and transition effort. The Executive Director and Director of Housing Development positions and job postings are available at www.PCHTF.org/join-our-team. The Transition Plan and new Job Descriptions were informed by input from a cross-section of community stakeholders and the organization’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and the goal is to have both positions filled in May.
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund is pleased to announce the creation of a new leadership position, the Director of Housing Development.
Position Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Position Start Date: No later than June 1, 2023
Competitive Compensation: $85,000 - $115,000/annually
The complete position description is available at PCHTF.org/join-our-team.
About PCHTF
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) has earned a reputation as the "go to" non-profit for all things related to housing affordability in Polk County. Located in Downtown Des Moines, the organization provides strategic leadership, expertise, and resources to strengthen area communities through affordable housing. It does this through three areas of actionable focus - comprehensive planning, advocacy, and funding.
About the role of Director of Housing Development
Essential team member doing the integral work of connecting PCHTF financial resources to projects that meet the most critical housing needs in Polk County. This role must also have an eye for detail, a precision mindset and knowledge to document and navigate terms and conditions of PCHTF funding, as well as ensure ongoing compliance with those provisions.
Be part of a dynamic team improving housing access/opportunity for people in Polk County. If you believe everyone should have access to affordable, safe housing and the opportunity to thrive, we welcome your application for this leadership position.
Key Priorities
Evaluates and works with the Board of Directors to identify affordable housing investment opportunities for significant community impact and improvement.
High-level skill in contract negotiations and document management including but not limited to a variety of grants, mortgage documents, loans and notes.
Collaborates and partners with key stakeholders, maintaining long-term relationships supporting the mission of the PCHTF.
Expert manager, able to be versatile while working on several complex projects, ensuring compliance with policy regulations and portfolio performance expectations.
Essential Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with experience in at least one of the following areas is required: housing development, real estate lending, or real estate loan servicing.
Familiarity with documentation of real estate loans and grants is essential.
Understanding the requirements of federal and state affordable housing funding programs is a plus.
How to apply
A full job description can be found at www.pchtf.org/join-our-team. Please send your resume, a brief cover letter (up to 500 words) that aligns your experience with key priorities of the role of Director of Housing Development, and 3 references to: Diana Deibler at diana@deiblerandcompany.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination of any kind. The PCHTF is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees with a work environment free of discrimination, harassment and intimidation. All employment decisions at PCHTF are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected class by federal, state or local laws. The PCHTF encourages all applicants.
Updated: Mar 6
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) is seeking an Executive Director to succeed our retiring leader, Eric Burmeister.
Position Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Position Start Date: No later than June 1, 2023
Competitive Compensation: $140,000-$170,000 annually.
The complete position description is available at pchtf.org/join-our-team.
About the Polk County Housing Trust Fund
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) has earned a reputation as the “go to” non-profit for all things related to housing affordability in Polk County. Located in downtown Des Moines, the organization provides strategic leadership, expertise, and resources to strengthen area communities through affordable housing. It does this through three areas of actionable focus —comprehensive planning, advocacy, and funding.
About the role of Executive Director
High-profile community position leading critically important conversations to shape perceptions, increase collaboration and expand partnerships leading to more affordable housing.
Be part of a dynamic team improving housing access/opportunity for people in Polk County. If you believe everyone should have access to affordable, safe housing and the opportunity to thrive, we welcome your application for this leadership position.
Key priorities
Builds positive relationships, partnerships and high-level trust with elected and appointed officials, community organizations, funders, and providers to inspire systemic change and improve housing affordability options.
Supports sustainability of funded affordable housing providers and projects, while encouraging innovative solutions and new practices.
Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias to ensure equitable affordable housing experiences for all.
Leads a positive work culture with clarity around roles and a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose within the team and in the community.
Outstanding communication and persuasive skills backed by strong use of data, problem-solving and understanding of regulations related to housing/community planning.
Provides guidance and recommendations to the Board of Directors in the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan and serves as point for the adherence to financial and accounting policies, practices and budget.
Essential qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with experience in an executive or senior management level position. Advanced degree in a related field of study is preferred.
Experience in at least one of the following areas is required: public administration, housing development, public policy, or community development. Prior experience in non-profit agency administration is preferred.
Ability to lead, support and develop team members within their areas of fundraising, major gifts, grant procurement, marketing, research, planning and community partnerships.
How to apply
A full job description can be found at www.pchtf.org/join-our-team. Please send your resume, a brief cover letter (up to 500 words) that conveys your beliefs around housing affordability and why you feel uniquely qualified to lead PCHTF, and 3 references to: Diana Deibler at diana@deiblerandcompany.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination of any kind. The PCHTF is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees with a work environment free of discrimination, harassment and intimidation. All employment decisions at PCHTF are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected class by federal, state or local laws. The PCHTF encourages all applicants.