Director of Housing

First Place for Youth•Los Angeles, CA

7d•$96,720 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.

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