GENERAL DIRECTOR

ABOUT SMHDF
The St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) was established in 1996 with the mission to provide affordable, safe, and sustainable housing solutions for the people of St. Maarten. As the island’s largest social housing organization, SMHDF plays a vital role in supporting national housing policy objectives and community development.

The Foundation manages and maintains a diverse portfolio of social and affordable housing units, undertakes new housing and renovation projects, and works in close collaboration with the Government of St. Maarten and other partners to promote equitable access to decent housing. Guided by values of transparency, integrity, and social responsibility, SMHDF strives to build stronger, more resilient communities.

ROLE SUMMARY

The General Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of SMHDF. This includes ensuring the financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and organizational integrity of the Foundation. The General Director reports directly to the Supervisory Board of Directors (SBoD) and leads a dedicated management and operational team.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, a solid understanding of the housing sector, and the ability to balance social objectives with sound financial management.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement SMHDF’s strategic and operational plans in alignment with its mission, vision, and policy objectives.
  • Financial Oversight: Ensure sound financial management, budgetary control, and long-term sustainability of the Foundation’s housing programs.
  • Operational Management: Oversee property development, maintenance, and tenant management activities to ensure efficient service delivery and compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with government authorities, financial institutions, contractors, and the community.
  • Governance and Compliance: Ensure full adherence to legal, regulatory, and governance frameworks governing the Foundation’s operations.
  • Human Resource Leadership: Cultivate a motivated and high-performing workforce by promoting accountability, professional development, and a positive organizational culture.
  • Public Representation: Represent the Foundation in public forums, fostering transparency and reinforcing SMHDF’s reputation as a trusted community partner.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public/Business Administration, Finance, Real Estate Management, or a related field.
  • Experience: At least 10 years of senior management experience, preferably in social housing, property management, construction, or public-sector organizations.
  • Strong leadership, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Proven ability to manage complex budgets, projects, and multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Excellent command of English (spoken and written); proficiency in Dutch is considered an asset.
  • In-depth understanding of St. Maarten’s social, economic, and governance context.
  • Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and strategic thinking.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • The position is offered on a five-year performance-based contract, renewable based on results and mutual agreement.
  • Remuneration is competitive and commensurate with experience.
  • The position may require occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences, and site visits.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents by Sunday, November 16, 2025, to applications@bdo.sx with reference “Application – General Director SMHDF”:

  1. Cover letter outlining motivation and suitability for the role;
  2. Updated Curriculum Vitae;
  3. Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications;
  4. Names and contact details of three referees, two of whom must have supervised the applicant in the past 5–10 years.

 

Note: The successful candidate must present a clean police record and undergo a comprehensive assessment as part of the selection process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.