Director of Housing

Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team. 

About First Place for Youth, we’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

 Why Work at First Place For Youth:

• Meaningful Impact:  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Housing is an enthusiastic, compassionate and results-oriented leader who assists in overseeing all agency housing programs and resources. This position will be responsible to set and implement housing strategy to secure and maintain safe and sustainable housing that meets or exceeds requirements for program participants. This position will lead comprehensive housing strategy for approximately 300 units supporting transition aged youth 18-25 while driving operational excellence and supervising regional housing teams located in 6 counties across California. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Programs, the Director of Housing participates on the program leadership team and is responsible to recommend and implement strategies to ensure youth achieve housing stability outcomes. This position requires an experienced property management professional whose passion for First Place’s vision is matched with strong relationship skills, sound judgment in the face of complex challenges and a proven track record of effective property management. The Director of Housing approaches housing operations with compassion, empathy and genuine care for both youth and team members. This position is expected to be onsite at least 2-3 days a week as well as in the community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Property and Department Management

• Maintain high quality, safe and affordable housing portfolio that consistently meets performance benchmarks.
• Responsible for oversight of procurement, management, maintenance, financial reporting, leasing and regulatory compliance of housing units.
• Responsible for vendor procurement and management to control costs, reduce risks, and enhance efficiency.
• Identify and develop appropriate controls for third party vendors to prevent fraud
• Transform housing operations through strategic system improvements, workflow optimization and team capacity building
• Build and maintain strategic partnership with landlords, property manager, repair vendors and inter-organization teams.
• Develop sustainable housing acquisition and retention strategies that support program growth and youth outcomes.
• Ensure comprehensive compliance management and risk mitigation across all housing operations, including inspections, fair housing laws, and regulatory requirements.
• Establishing First Place as the premier housing partner in the community while building sustainable operational systems that support long-term growth, including advanced vacancy optimization, comprehensive budget analysis, integrated property management platforms, and performance accountability frameworks.
• Direct daily operations including housing inventory tracking, rent rolls, security deposit management, master key systems, lock coordination, inspection schedules, compliance documentation and emergency maintenance response.

Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Hire, train, develop and supervise a team of Regional Housing Managers and Housing Specialists.
• Oversee team development and coaching while ensuring trauma-informed, youth-centered housing services.
• Provide oversight and guidance regarding all aspects of property management,
• Lead team members in setting work goals and in maintaining accountability while driving operational excellence across regional housing teams to achieve key performance metrics.
• Work closely with VP of Programs and leadership team to provide leadership to the organizations housing programs.
• Collaborate with all departments to ensure that housing services are being effectively and cohesively delivered to all youth in the region.
• Develop and manage the annual housing budget, reviewing monthly and developing strategies to remain within the approved budget.
• Work collaboratively with First Place service leaders to ensure cohesive delivery of property management services according to First Place polices and guidelines.
• Professionally and effectively represent the agency as needed at meetings with collaborative partners and at other meetings deemed important to the advancement of Frist Place’s mission and goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required with 5 years of progressive leadership experience in housing, property management, or real estate operations with 2 years of direct supervisory experience managing multi-level teams. 
• Alternatively, a BA degree may be substituted with a combination of education and at least 9 years of progressive leadership experiencing in housing, property management, or real estate operations—including a minimum of two years directing and overseeing multi-level teams. 
• Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) a plus. 
• Experience with affordable housing, Public Housing Authority voucher programs, supportive housing, youth-serving programs, or scattered site housing strongly preferred. 
• Proficiency in property management software (AppFolio preferred), data analysis, and experience with housing inspections and habitability standards (HQS, lead paint assessments, annual/biannual inspections).
• Knowledge of landlord/tenant law, eviction processes, emergency maintenance protocols, 24-hour response systems, and master lease agreements with lease routing procedures.
• Ability to acquire new housing partnerships and landlords and negotiate leases and terms.
• Strong financial management, budget oversight capabilities, and exceptional communication and stakeholder relationship management skills using Excel.
• Knowledge of housing regulations, fair housing laws, rent reasonableness standards, and compliance requirements.
• Prior program budget management experience is required for this role
• Computer/Software skills.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

 Benefits:

• 15 days of vacation time in the first year
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 floating holidays
• 15 paid holidays
• Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
• Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
• Paid baby bonding leave
• Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
• Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan 
• Paid sabbatical
• Paid maternity and paternity leave

Northern California Pay Range: $96,720 - $120,000

*We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred

*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience. 

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, please visit our website at www.firstplaceforyouth.org/careers.

We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future. 

First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and applicable law. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA.