Community Roots Housing seeks candidates for the Emerging Leader (EL) Fellow board position from the Seattle communities in which we currently operate and serve residents, including but not limited to Capitol Hill, Central District, White Center, and Belltown. The EL Fellow program helps Community Roots Housing cultivate the next generation of leaders who will advocate for the goals of affordable housing and vibrant communities.
The EL Fellow program places a young adult, approximately aged 24-34, on the Community Roots Housing Public Development Authority (PDA) Board for a two-year term. The Fellow will serve on a board committee and will have access to all conversations and information the board considers. The Fellow will be encouraged and expected to engage in those conversations. They will also have access to local leaders in various fields, such as real estate development, nonprofit organization, and finance. The Fellow will be paired with a Board Member Mentor and given opportunities for training and development. The PDA Board is composed of 15 voting members who serve three-year terms, as well as the non-voting EL Fellow.
The PDA Board seeks individuals with developing skills or interests in the areas of forward-thinking building design, banking, finance, property management, real estate development, nonprofit organization, and asset management. The Board additionally invites those with existing connections to Community Roots Housing, particularly those who are current residents, to submit their names for nomination. Please note the Emerging Leader acts in an advisory capacity and will have no voting rights nor rights of board membership, nor will their attendance count toward quorum. The Fellow position does not guarantee full Board membership once the two-year term is up; however, previous EL Fellows have transitioned to become full Board members.
Community Roots Housing seeks candidates who demonstrate the following abilities and characteristics:
• reliability, sound judgment, flexibility, and creativity;
• ability to work effectively and cooperatively with other Board members, staff, community individuals, and groups with diverse backgrounds and philosophies;
• ability to make difficult decisions on behalf of Community Roots Housing;
• ability to take an inclusive perspective and to support strategies that foster diverse, sustainable communities.
Prospective candidates should demonstrate:
• a commitment of time, professional expertise, interest in fostering industry connections and investment in Board endeavors;
• a willingness to serve on Board committees;
• a willingness to represent Community Roots Housing at community functions;
• and commitment to Community Roots Housing’s mission and values.
Interested parties should submit their resume and a short statement of interest to Carolina Rocha at crocha@communityrootshousing.org. Applications should be received by Friday, September 15 for priority consideration.
About Community Roots Housing
Everyone has the right to a quality, affordable home. At Community Roots Housing, this truth drives our work. By embracing community-led development and engaging in deep-rooted partnerships, we’re fostering vibrant, equitable communities where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and welcoming homes. Today, with nearly 50 apartment buildings and over 2,000 residents, we continue our commitment to build community with and for people. Learn more at communityrootshousing.org.
