Company Profile
Company Overview
About the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development
The Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development Inc. (Women’s Institute), a highly regarded affordable and supportive housing developer, is seeking an executive director. The Women’s Institute is rather unique among nonprofit housing and community development organizations: it is a mission-driven developer that works regionally by partnering locally, and is deeply committed to creating affordable housing that prioritizes supportive programs and community building. Its next leader will be an articulate and knowledgeable housing development professional with a passion for promoting the well-being of individuals and families in need.
The Women’s Institute was formed in 1981 to enhance the quality of life for families and individuals throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, increasing their opportunity and economic stability through the development and preservation of safe, affordable, and supportive housing. Over the decades, the Women’s Institute has successfully produced or preserved over 1,800 units of affordable and supportive housing across 80 properties through its direct development, training, and consulting work. It has a pipeline over the next four years of an additional 1,300 units in the mid-sized market, located in over 40 communities. The Women’s Institute is a regionally known leader in the development and preservation of inclusive housing communities and strives to meet local housing and community needs with high quality development expertise and management capacity. It highly values its partnerships with local organizations, community groups, and local leaders to create inclusive housing and preserve at risk and aging affordable housing.
The Women’s Institute is a nimble and financially stable organization, with an annual operating budget of approximately $1.6 million, current property budgets totaling $3.7 million, and overall organizational assets nearing $100 million. The organization is led by a small, engaged board of six professionals and 11 dedicated, experienced and resourceful staff. It is a fun, family-like, creative place to work, and the staff are deeply connected to the mission. The current board is particularly noted for its ability and willingness to technically advise the staff on projects. Its offices are in Boston, Mass. and Hartford, Conn.; the new executive may be based in either location.