City Hall Fellow

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The City is seeking a collaborative and strategic professional to lead regional coordination efforts related to homelessness response and the development of a new non-congregate shelter model for a two-year term beginning July 27, 2026. This role will work across government agencies, service providers, community stakeholders, and funding partners to advance evidence-based, humane, and sustainable solutions to homelessness.

This position will advance planning and implementation of a regional non-congregate shelter strategy in the Des Moines metro area. This position will also strengthen regional partnerships and add clarity around the respective roles of local governments, service providers, and external partners across the region and improve coordination across homelessness response systems. This position will act as a liaison to a broad network of organizations, influencers, and funding sources related to homelessness and support data-informed policy development and public communication.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from Harvard University with a master’s or professional degree in with a focus on public policy and analysis.

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen.
• Possession a valid Iowa driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility is required.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Maintain relationships with service providers as it relates to assigned projects.
• Research to inform on policy and decision making as it relates to assigned projects.
• Facilitate community input listening sessions.
• Coordinate with City staff and developers on projects that serve homeless populations, including research and analysis, working with residents and property owners, coordination and preparation of reports, and coordination of public meetings.
• Coordinate and lead policy or project development that may require multiple board or commission reviews.
• Analyze data, reports, findings, and makes recommendations to City staff, boards, commissions, or other officials.
• Present data, statistics, and analysis to boards, commissions, officials, or the public as needed.
• Work with staff to positively and effectively solve problems related to homelessness.
• Collaborate across City departments and regional partners to implement homelessness response strategies and related initiatives.
• Keep immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Attend meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work.
• Respond to residents’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Perform other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.