Assistant Director - Housing (Unclassified)

City of San Jose•San Jose, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of San José is seeking an Assistant Director - Housing to join its diverse and inclusive workforce. This role is crucial in implementing the City Council Focus Areas and the Housing Department’s Roadmap, which outlines priorities for the City and the department. The Assistant Director will report to the Director of Housing and work closely with the Director, two Deputy Directors, the Housing Department’s Leadership Team, and the City’s management team. Initially, the Assistant Director will have five direct reports, including the two Deputy Directors, and will oversee the Administrative Office (Finance, Budget, and Human Resources) and the Grants Division. The position is responsible for the overall administration and operations of the Housing Department, including budget, Human Resources, Technology, Emergency Response, and Communications, ensuring smooth workflows, informed staff, and effective training and support. The ideal candidate is an energetic, self-directed, forward-thinking implementer and leader with a keen eye for detail, strong organizational skills, excellent writing abilities, and an understanding or curiosity about regulations. This role requires a high legal, ethical, and moral compass, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and busy environment, supporting policy and program implementation.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, public policy, urban studies, economics, sociology, or a closely related field.
A minimum of seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional experience at a senior level with administrative, policy and program work in a public serving organization.
Five years of management and supervisory experience in an executive role.
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country.
Must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree is preferred.
Demonstrated experience in housing and community development systems is desirable.
Familiarity with affordable housing finance, homelessness response systems, federal and state housing programs (e.g., HUD, HOME, CDBG), and the regulatory and funding environments that shape local housing delivery.
Experience working with developers, service providers, regional partners, and community stakeholders—particularly those most impacted by housing instability—is highly valued.

Responsibilities

Oversee the Administrative Office, including Finance, Budget, and Human Resources, and the Grants Division.
Direct and participate in the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the operating budget.
Ensure Housing Department workflows, administrative policies, and procedures are current.
Ensure all employees are familiar with and trained in City and Housing Department policies.
Ensure new employees have the necessary tools and understand the programs they will be implementing.
Ensure Deputy Directors and Division Managers understand their role in onboarding.
Foster a welcoming environment for all employees.
Implement performance reviews and encourage professional development.
Foster an environment that motivates and recognizes staff.
Understand the Race, Equity and Inclusion work plan and advance the mission by using racial equity tools.
Develop and oversee annual work plans, programs, and projects aligned with City Council priorities and Focus Areas.
Ensure program implementation is consistent with funding sources and spending deadlines are met.
Oversee the creation and distribution of work, support systems, internal reporting, and processes for accountability and quality.
Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures, identify improvements, and direct change implementation.
Track service delivery quality and timeliness.
Represent the Housing Department on the Emergency Management Team.
Ensure the Disaster Housing Plan is completed and updated.
Serve as a representative of the Housing Department at meetings, conferences, and other public functions.
Support the Director in City Council relations.
Engage collaboratively with community leaders and non-profit leaders in the administration of the City’s Shelter System.
Coordinate the execution of shared activities with the County of Santa Clara.
Contribute to the quality of the Department’s memorandums, reports, and website.