Chief Administration Officer

Description

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!

Core accountabilities and responsibilities

Technology Strategy

• Ensure technology investments, priorities, and systems are aligned with Agency business needs and strategic objectives.
• Oversee cybersecurity, business continuity, information management, and technology modernization efforts.
• Promote the effective use of technology and emerging tools to improve efficiency, collaboration, service delivery, and decision-making.
• Recommend prioritization and resource allocation for Agency-wide technology initiatives.

Human Resources Strategy

• Maintain effective talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, succession planning, compensation, and employee engagement practices.
• Direct the development and implementation of human resource policies, programs, and practices that support organizational goals and compliance obligations.

Marketing, Communications & Public Affairs

• Direct the marketing strategy and oversee its implementation.
• Maintain strategic communications plan and oversee its implementation.
• Serve as strategic advisor on communications, messaging, reputation management and public engagement.
• Oversee crisis communications planning and response efforts.
• Oversee legislative affairs, public policy and intergovernmental relations.
• Coordinate organizational responses to legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments affecting the agency’s mission and operations.
• Direct internal agency-wide communications and all-staff meetings to address general organizational matters.

Administrative Services and Facilities

• Maintain a safe, professional, and productive work environment through effective facilities and equipment management.
• Oversees stewardship of administrative resources, vendor relationships, contracts, and operational budgets.
• Maintain effective systems for records management, workplace safety, and business continuity.
• Organizational Leadership & Administration
• Provide strategic leadership for the Agency's administrative, technology, human resources, and facilities functions.
• Ensure organizational infrastructure, business systems, and administrative services effectively support Agency operations and strategic priorities.
• Promote operational excellence, continuous improvement, and organizational effectiveness across administrative functions.
• Contribute to Agency-wide planning, decision-making, and implementation of strategic initiatives.

Leadership and Management

• This position supervises the following role(s): IT Director; Public Affairs Director; Human Resources Manager; Administration and Facilities Specialist; and Administrative Support Specialist
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, relevant operational information by fully utilizing enterprise software systems.
• Provide direction, accountability, coaching, and development to support individual and team success.
• Connect day-to-day activities to long-term organizational goals and identifies opportunities to advance VHFA's mission.

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!

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.