Director of Long-Term Housing

The City of Philadelphia offers a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and opportunities to grow and excel in a workforce of over 30,000 people across more than 1,000 job categories. We value inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work.

About the Role

The Housing Services Division implements and supports contracted programs with a Housing First, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach. This position directs the Long-Term Housing Programs for Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services (OHS), overseeing over 3,700 long-term housing beds for individuals and families, as well as the Housing Inspection Unit. The Director will plan, organize, and direct program implementation, establish goals, manage budgets, and lead a team of supervisors, program analysts, consultants, and administrative staff. The role supports OHS’s mission to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate programmatic needs to ensure housing contracts and providers maximize service quality and compliance with federal, state, and local standards.
• Analyze administrative, operational, and managerial challenges using data to guide programmatic and budget decisions.
• Initiate policy and operational changes within the unit and contracted programs as necessary.
• Communicate changes in philosophy, process, program, or contract requirements to staff and providers.
• Manage fiscal, staff, and program resources through budgets, reports, and performance goals.
• Ensure staff effectively utilize data systems and automated reporting tools.
• Participate in contract negotiations with public and private agencies to align proposals with program needs.
• Meet with union officials to discuss operational and disciplinary issues.
• Provide guidance and support to contracted housing providers.
• Direct or participate in divisional, interdepartmental, and external agency meetings to evaluate service providers and program achievement.
• Support, encourage, and build capacity of staff.

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Work, Public Administration); Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in housing, social services, or programs for individuals/families experiencing homelessness.
• At least three years of experience in supervision, coaching, evaluation, and team building.
• Experience administering federal grants, understanding program regulations, and implementing programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and maintain a goal-oriented, positive attitude.

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work closely with internal staff, service providers, participants, and the public.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong project management skills, including independent work and seeking guidance when needed.
• Ability to balance detail-oriented tasks with big-picture thinking and multitasking.
• Knowledge of federal housing regulations and homeless programs.
• Ability to adapt to, manage, and lead change, with an understanding of the change process.
• Commitment to performance measurement, best practices, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Creative problem-solving and advocacy for people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
• Ability to develop professional relationships and work as a team player.
• Local and national travel may be required.
• Ability to work beyond regular work hours as needed.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation via SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships (10%–40%) through partnerships with local colleges and universities, extending to spouses and dependents in some cases.

Pay

$100,000 – $115,000 annually.

The successful candidate must become a resident of the City of Philadelphia within six months of hire.