Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
Are you an executive leader ready to shape the operational backbone of a mission-driven agency?
At the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), we are on a mission to ensure all Vermonters have access to affordable housing. We are seeking a visionary Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to serve as a key member of our Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic direction across our core operational pillars: Information Technology, Human Resources, Marketing & Public Affairs, and Administrative Services & Facilities.
This isn't just an operations role—it is a transformational leadership position responsible for modernizing agency technology, nurturing a high-performing culture, safeguarding institutional reputation, and aligning organizational infrastructure with state housing priorities. If you excel at connecting day-to-day operations to long-term strategic vision, building accountable teams, and driving operational excellence, we want you on our executive team!
The Impact You’ll Make
Executive Leadership & Strategy
- Drive Organizational Excellence: Serve as a strategic partner on the Executive Leadership Team, ensuring all administrative, HR, IT, and facility functions support VHFA's broader mission and strategic plan.
- Guide Public Policy & Public Affairs: Oversee marketing, legislative affairs, intergovernmental relations, and public communications, acting as a key advisor on media relations, crisis messaging, and agency reputation.
Modernization & Technology Strategy
- Lead IT Transformation: Oversee technology strategy, cybersecurity, business continuity, and system modernization to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and service delivery across the Agency.
- Empower Innovation: Promote the adoption of emerging tools, business intelligence, and digital workflows to support data-driven executive decision-making.
Human Capital & Organizational Culture
- Nurture Talent & Growth: Direct human resources strategy, including talent acquisition, compensation, employee engagement, succession planning, and compliance.
- Build High-Performing Teams: Provide direct leadership, coaching, and accountability for five key directors and managers (IT Director, Public Affairs Director, HR Manager, Administration & Facilities Specialist, and Administrative Support Specialist).
Infrastructure & Administrative Stewardship
- Ensure Operational Resilience: Oversee facility management, workplace safety, vendor contracting, administrative budgets, and records management to ensure a productive, secure work environment.
Work Environment & Flexibility
This position offers a hybrid work structure. You will work in our collaborative Burlington office environment and remotely as coordinated with executive leadership, with in-office presence required for key agency events, board meetings, and legislative sessions.
The Perks
- A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and the family or optional buy-out plan
- Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care Account
- Company-sponsored Short and Long-Term Disability
- Company-sponsored Life Insurance
- Up to $4,000 educational assistance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Combined Time Off & Holiday Pay
- Up to 6 weeks of paid time off for parental and family leave
- Parking Reimbursement for designated lots
- 403b Savings Account & 457 Retirement Plan
Ready to help us build a stronger community?
Apply today to join our executive leadership team!
Requirements:
What You Bring to the Table
- Executive Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, HR, Information Technology, or a related field (Master’s preferred), paired with at least 8–10 years of progressively responsible executive leadership experience across administrative, HR, or technology operations.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven ability to manage diverse functional areas—from IT infrastructure and cybersecurity to media relations, HR policy, and facilities management.
- Strategic Vision & Analytical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex operational data, interpret financial metrics, allocate resources effectively, and translate agency strategy into clear priorities and results.
- Exceptional Communication: Outstanding executive communication and diplomacy skills with experience advising leadership on public engagement, crisis response, and legislative developments.
- Mission Alignment: Deep alignment with VHFA’s VIIBE values: Integrity, Innovation, Belonging, and Equity.