Director, Housing Services

About the Role

The Director of Housing Services at Lifelong leads the organization's housing initiatives, driving equitable access to stable housing for communities facing health and housing disparities. This executive role oversees the strategic direction, multi-site operations, key partnerships, and funding management. The Director promotes client-centered, trauma-informed services aligned with Lifelong's mission to eliminate health inequities and collaborates closely with executive leadership to integrate housing services with overall organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a multi-year strategic plan for Lifelong's housing programs, ensuring alignment with organizational health equity objectives.
• Advise executive leadership on housing policies, program directions, and resource allocation.
• Establish consistent policies, operational standards, and scalable models across the housing portfolio.
• Provide leadership and coaching to management staff, fostering a positive workplace culture based on dignity, respect, and inclusion.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and equity-centered human resource practices.
• Oversee program operations, maintain trauma-informed and culturally competent service delivery, and continuously improve programs based on data and client feedback.
• Manage risk, compliance, and safety protocols according to relevant federal and state regulations.
• Lead financial management of the housing portfolio including budgeting, forecasting, revenue diversification, and sustainability planning.
• Drive business development efforts by identifying funding opportunities, applying for grants, and negotiating contracts with public and private partners.
• Collaborate on policy advocacy and externally represent Lifelong in coalitions, forums, and with government officials to advance housing as a health equity issue.
• Implement measurement frameworks with key performance indicators to monitor outcomes and report to stakeholders.
• Engage clients, staff, and community partners in program design and feedback for continuous equity-focused improvements.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for executive leadership and board committees.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required in Public Administration, Public Health, Social Work, Urban Planning, Business, or closely related discipline; master's degree or equivalent leadership experience preferred.
• At least 8 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience in housing, homelessness services, affordable/supportive housing, or integrated health and housing sectors.
• Minimum 5 years experience supervising managers and multi-location programs.
• Proven ability managing complex funding sources, including public contracts, grants, and philanthropic support.
• Experience navigating compliance frameworks such as HUD, Continuum of Care, fair housing, and landlord-tenant regulations.
• Proficiency with housing program data systems (e.g., HMIS) and demonstrated financial stewardship at portfolio scale.

Work Environment and Additional Information

• Work occurs primarily in leased apartment buildings, extended stay motels, and scattered community sites within King County, requiring both office and field engagements.
• All client-facing staff must complete TB testing within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.
• Employment contingent upon successful criminal background checks; some roles may require additional screenings.
• Role demands regular computer work combined with client interactions in diverse environments, occasionally involving physical activities such as lifting up to 20 pounds and exposure to variable surroundings.

Organizational Commitment

Lifelong is deeply dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and supportive workplace rooted in respect for all individuals. Candidates who are motivated by the organization's mission but may not meet every qualification are encouraged to apply, reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Lifelong prohibits discrimination based on legally protected characteristics and strives to accommodate all employees. Employment is at-will, and job descriptions do not constitute contracts but guide hiring and performance management processes.