Program Officer, Safe & Stable Housing

United Way of Massachusetts Bay•Boston, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

United Way of Massachusetts Bay is seeking a Program Officer for Safe & Stable Housing. This role is part of the Impact area staff and serves as the content area expert on Affordable and Supportive Housing and Housing Policy. The focus is on stable housing as a key supporting goal in the organization's mission to advance an economically just region. The Program Officer will collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders including housing and homelessness service providers, grassroots organizations, funders, schools, state and local officials, business leaders, candidates, and residents with lived experience. The ideal candidate will be a results-oriented, systems thinker with the ability to build relationships and manage projects effectively.

Requirements

Minimum of 6 years of senior-level program management experience, preferably with a background in education, state government funding, or large-scale grant administration.
Deep knowledge of the Massachusetts housing landscape, particularly regarding Affordable and Supportive Housing systems, Mass Health and Behavioral Health delivery.
Demonstrated operational capabilities, including the ability to build operational systems, manage staff objectives, and navigate organizational interdependencies.
Strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the mission of United Way.
Ability to work a hybrid work schedule, currently a minimum of 2 days per week in the Boston office.

Nice To Haves

College BS/BA education level preferred

Responsibilities

Help position United Way of Massachusetts Bay as a catalyst for housing stability by connecting homelessness prevention, supportive housing, housing-health partnerships, and shared data infrastructure into a stronger, more coordinated system.
Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of 10–20 nonprofit partners.
Lead annual End of Year Conversations as opportunities for honest reflection, shared learning, and stronger partnership.
Build and share deep knowledge of housing and homelessness systems, inequities, and prevention strategies.
Bring local and regional partners together to make housing resources easier to find, access, and coordinate.
Bring housing expertise to United Way's priority initiatives and cross-functional work.
Use data and research partnerships to shape stronger housing policies, programs, and learning agendas.
Create persuasive issue briefs, grant applications, and other materials grounded in evidence, community insight, and provider expertise.
Learn continuously, adapt quickly, and help others navigate change.
Build internal systems and provide high-level project management to strengthen the team's operating backbone.
Stand in partnership with priority communities and advance the goals of the housing justice movement.