The Housing Strategy Specialist plays a vital role in identifying and securing suitable emergency, temporary and permanent housing solutions for refugee, migrant and other at risk populations. They ensure that housing solutions meet federal, local, and state housing quality standards. Responsibilities include devising housing procurement strategies, cultivating relationships with landlords, developers, municipalities and community stakeholders. This specialist will be a mentor and resource to direct service housing navigation staff in identifying and following through on local and individual case needs. They will be a key member of the Services for New Americans program leadership and will work closely across sub teams on various housing initiatives. They will lead creative housing solutions and advocacy across sites in order to improve quality housing access to the vulnerable populations served.

Duties

• Oversee creative emergency, temporary and permanent housing solutions, short and long term strategy.

• Oversee the research, needs analysis, development and implementation of housing procurement plans in collaboration with Resettlement Navigators and site leadership.

• Maintain up to date knowledge of state, local and federal housing policies and act as a source of knowledge and network for colleagues.

• Maintain knowledge of local housing and utility assistance programs in order to support staff training, problem solving and program standards.

• Train and support Resettlement Navigators in understanding tenant rights and responsibilities in order to educate and advocate for the vulnerable population served

• Collaborate with Resettlement Navigators to design and implement relevant housing orientations and trainings for clients served, landlords and volunteers.

• Establish and maintain positive and mutually beneficial relationships with landlords including but not limited to exclusive housing options, building maintenance expectations and lease negotiation.

• Work with Volunteer Coordinator to coordinate household supply donation relations, as well as housing-set-up volunteer coordination to be implemented locally by site staff.

• Implement systems, metrics, and productivity focus.

• Oversee data governance of lease, rental payment and landlord relations tracking.

• Optimize budget allocation, and provide insights for financial sustainability.

• Collaborate with program leadership and advancement to strategize and identify opportunities for funding.

• Assist in the review and preparation for grants, RFP's, and new business opportunities

• Communicate pertinent information to stakeholders in an accurate and timely manner.

• Cultivate relationships with external partners including state and national agencies, institutions, developers and legislators.

• Partner with Advancement Team regarding advocacy related efforts including: preparing and/or delivering testimony, presenting or speaking with advocacy partners, legislators, or key stakeholders as needed to influence policy and funding needs

• Support communication with funding agencies and other non-profit partners.

• Review and interpret contracts and translate into actionable strategy and goals.

• Collaborate with SNA Leadership to ensure activities of program staff align with funder expectations.

• Support timely reporting, billing, and documentation processes.

• Develop and monitor use of Standard Operating Procedures

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Behavioral, Political Science, Community Development or related field; Master's preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Housing, Advocacy or Social Services leadership.

• Strong understanding of non-profit operations, contract interpretation, and housing policy.

• Proficiency in client database software.

• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Physical/Mental Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

Physical Demands are generally:

Sedentary - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit, read, talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus.

• Position is primarily sedentary, requiring long periods of sitting and computer work.

• Requires mental focus, problem-solving, and the ability to work under stress.

• May participate in apartment set-up

Mental Demands are generally:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to problem solve, make decisions, interpret data and organize.

• Ability to do detailed work with high degree of concentration

• Ability to work under stress or in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to shift focus based on evolving circumstances and needs.