Overview
Lutheran Services in America in Washington, D.C.—a national network of 300 innovative health and human services organizations working in 1,400 U.S. communities—seeks a policy and practice leader with a strong background in housing to lead a new Housing Solutions Collaborative of Lutheran Services in America members and national partners. The ideal candidate will have at least three to five years of subject matter expertise in housing issues and be skilled at developing partnerships, promoting innovation and leading through entrepreneurship. Preference for candidates who have experience addressing housing insecurity and approaching housing solutions through a social determinants of health lens, recognizing housing and integrated supports as key drivers of individual and community health and well-being.
Position Description
The Director of Housing Solutions is a new position designed to deliver on key goals of the Housing Solutions Collaborative, a new collaborative of Lutheran Services in America members with a strong presence in housing. The Collaborative is focused on addressing housing insecurity for older adults, persons with disabilities, foster youth and families with limited incomes, while promoting the integration of supportive services in housing to address social determinants of health. The role will be a critical driver of the goals of the Collaborative and immediately engage to access member expertise and peer leadership, develop new national partnerships, seek funding and financing for member housing solutions and advance policy priorities. The role is part of Lutheran Services in America’s broader Health and Housing portfolio and sits on the Member Engagement team—a five-person team which leads innovation, impact and leadership development work across a wide variety of issues of member interest and national importance.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the Director of the Housing Solutions Collaborative and related activities.
- Provide strategic direction, oversight and staff support for all Collaborative activities and related member engagement work.
- Build relationships with members interested in/or currently offering housing solutions, serving as the organization’s subject matter expert and connection to work in member communities.
- Coordinate and facilitate Collaborative meetings, training and other learning and action opportunities.
- Communicate effectively with members to foster collaboration, information exchange and peer connections in a trusted environment.
- Collaborate and build strategic partnerships with stakeholders in government, philanthropy, finance and lending, the business community, academia and nonprofit organizations.
- Cultivate and engage partners in the provision of advice, training, technical assistance and other support for the Collaborative.
- Work with senior staff to secure strategic investment in member housing solutions.
- Access partner data and expertise to understand the understand and reflect the context of housing insecurity in U.S. communities.
- Elevate Collaborative voice and influence.
- Develop case studies, convenings and other public-facing opportunities.
- Working in partnership with senior staff, advance a supportive health and housing federal policy agenda.
- Manage and oversee the Collaborative budget and impact reporting; plan and track expenses; reconcile invoices; ensure expenses stay within approved budgeted funds; report on impact.
Key Qualifications
- At least three to five years of subject matter expertise in housing policy and/or practice. Preference for candidates with experience and understanding of housing as a driver of health.
- Knowledge and/or relationships in the public and private sectors that can advance the goals and influence of the Housing Solutions Collaborative through partnership.
- Experience leading collaboratives or coalitions to advance housing, health, economic opportunity or other causes.
- Experience reflecting lived experience of front-line staff and residents in strategy.
- Experience with developing and facilitating interactive virtual and in-person gatherings.
- Experience with federal, state and/or local advocacy around housing or other related issues.
- Knowledge of the major issues and concerns in U.S. housing, including housing concerns for older adults, persons with disabilities, foster youth and other populations with limited incomes.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with experience starting-up new projects, thinking strategically and initiating creative solutions with high levels of independence and autonomy.
- Inclusive and welcoming facilitation and communication style that demonstrates superior interpersonal and public speaking skills to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
- Comfortability with gathering, analyzing and using data to prepare reports, monitor progress and evaluate effectiveness.
- Willingness and ability to travel, as needed, to meet objectives (estimated 3-4 trips per year).
Experience
5-10 years of relevant experience in housing, community development or other related fields.
Education
Candidates with degrees in public policy, politics, social policy, social work, community development or other related fields are encouraged to apply. All candidates are encouraged to reference education and training beyond degrees, including credentials, professional development and life experiences.
About Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America is a national network of 300 health and human services organizations that reaches one in 50 people in America each year. Recognized by The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Forbes as one of the nation’s top nonprofit organizations, the Lutheran Services in America network operates with more than $23 billion in combined annual revenue. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Lutheran Services in America leads innovative collaborations with its member organizations and partners in philanthropy, academia, healthcare and business to address the most critical challenges in our communities and advance health and opportunity for all. Together, we create pathways to keep families together, champion solutions that empower older adults to age with independence, dignity and purpose and advocate for policies that expand access to services, improve quality of life and provide greater independence for people with disabilities. We are committed to equity and to dismantling the impact of systemic bias. Learn more at lutheranservices.org.
To Apply
To apply, please send a brief cover letter with salary requirements and a resume to Kent Mitchell, VP of Strategy and Innovation (kmitchell@lutheranservices.org). No calls, please.
