Director, Shelter and Housing

YW Calgary•Calgary, AB

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Shelter and Housing provides strategic leadership for YWCA Calgary’s shelter, transitional housing and affordable housing portfolio, ensuring an integrated trauma-informed continuum that supports women and families as they move from crisis towards stability and independence. This role delivers significant organizational and community impact by advancing program excellence, expanding access to housing supports, and shaping policy that strengthens the sector. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director drives financial sustainability, innovation, optimization and strategic partnerships. Reporting to the VP, Programs & Impact, this position ensures coordinated, high-performing services across a large and evolving portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, nonprofit management or leadership, human services, or a related field. Master’s degree is an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
Minimum 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in shelter, housing, social services, or related community-based sectors
Demonstrated experience leading leaders (managers/supervisors) and overseeing multi-site or complex program portfolios
Proven experience in strategic planning, operational oversight, and managing high-acuity or 24/7/365 service environments
Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, and best practices related to housing, safety and service delivery
Strong strategic planning, operational management, and program evaluation skills
Ability to interpret data, measure impact, and use evidence to inform decisions
Skilled in policy development, risk management and continuous improvement
Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Calgary’s housing and homelessness sector, system partners, and funding landscape is an asset
Additional safety or crisis intervention certifications (ASIST, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention) are assets and can be obtained in-house

Responsibilities

Establishes and implements a cohesive vision for shelter, transitional and affordable housing model services that align with YWCA Calgary’s strategic objectives and priorities
Leads the continued integration of emergency, transitional and affordable housing model services, ensuring seamless pathways for clients from crisis intervention to long-term stability
Champions housing-first and recovery-oriented approaches, evidence-based practices, and innovative service models to enhance client outcomes
Strengthens the synergy between housing programs and counselling, outreach and economic prosperity services, ensuring a holistic support system
Leads budget planning and financial oversight, ensuring sustainable service delivery
Identifies and secures new funding opportunities, including grants, donor partnerships, and government funding streams
Develops innovative revenue models to support the full housing continuum and enhance long-term impact
Positions YWCA Calgary as a key player in sector funding conversations, emphasizing the interconnected nature of shelter, transitional, and affordable housing model solutions
Positions YWCA Calgary as a leader in shelter and housing services, influencing sector-wide discussions and policy frameworks
Strengthens partnerships with government agencies, housing providers, landlords, and social service organizations to expand affordable and sustainable housing solutions
Advocates for systems-level change, ensuring funding and policy support for affordable and sustainable housing model stability and prevention
Engages in conversations that recognize the continuum of housing services as critical to reducing homelessness
Implements data-driven, decision-making ensuring program outcomes are measurable and sustainable
Develops impact measurement frameworks to assess effectiveness across shelter, transitional and sustainable housing model programs
Ensures compliance with regulatory, ethical, and quality assurance standards
Enhances data tracking between housing programs, ensuring clear pathways for individuals transitioning between levels of support
Collaborates closely with Facilities to ensure strong building management, regulatory compliance, and safe, well-maintained environments across all shelter and housing sites
Provides clear communication and strategic direction to portfolio leaders to ensure alignment on purpose, priorities, and expectations
Build and foster an engaged, collaborative, empowered and high-performing leadership team through strong relationships and a trauma-informed, respectful and safe work environment
Supports the recruitment, onboarding, training and development of new leaders and team members
Lead a team with diverse knowledge, experience, and skills; empower leaders to innovate and enhance programs, services, systems and tools
Ensure appropriate cross-training and leadership coverage to minimize operational risks