Coalition System Improvement Manager

United Way Of The Plains; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

United Way Of The Plains invites applications for the Coalition System Improvement Manager in Wichita/Sedgwick County. The role leads the HUD Continuum of Care grant processes, coordinates annual counts, and drives system improvements with homeless service providers and public agencies.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in a social service field, strong communication, and a track record of leading cross‑sector initiatives to reduce homelessness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a social service field is required.
• At least one year of experience with homelessness or homeless service providers.
• Proficiency with MS Office, the Internet, and databases.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Ability to build relationships and work well with teams.
• Ability to lead teams toward a common goal with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual HUD Continuum of Care grant process and submission.
• Monitor HUD-funded programs for compliance and provide technical assistance.
• Analyze program performance and outcomes to improve effectiveness.
• Coordinate annual Point-in-Time and Housing Inventory Counts.
• Convene CoC meetings and working groups to advance Coalition priorities.
• Build collaborative relationships with service providers, government agencies, and funders.

Skills

MS Office

Written and oral communication

Relationship building

Project leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a social service field

Tools

MS Office

Databases

Job description

Are you driven by the opportunity to create lasting change in your community? Are you passionate about building collaborative solutions that prevent and end homelessness? Do you have the leadership, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills to bring diverse partners together around a shared vision? If so, we invite you to join the Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita/Sedgwick County and help strengthen our community’s homeless response system.

The Coalition System Improvement Manager is a full-time position with the Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita/Sedgwick County, the federally recognized lead agency for the local homeless response system and HUD Continuum of Care, powered by United Way of the Plains. The Coalition brings together nonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, businesses, and community partners to coordinate a comprehensive response to homelessness throughout Wichita and Sedgwick County.

The Coalition System Improvement Manager plays a key leadership role in strengthening and advancing the community’s homeless response system. This position works closely with the Associate Vice President of Homeless Initiatives and homeless service providers, public agencies, and community stakeholders to identify system gaps, improve coordination, implement best practices, and develop strategies that increase access to emergency shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services. The position also oversees the planning and implementation of the HUD Continuum of Care Program and other federal, state, and local funding opportunities, ensuring resources are strategically aligned to improve system performance and achieve measurable outcomes.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, mission-driven leader who excels at building partnerships, facilitating cross-sector initiatives, and translating data into meaningful action. This individual is an exceptional communicator and project manager who is comfortable leading workgroups, analyzing system performance, managing complex initiatives, and driving continuous quality improvement. Success in this role requires strategic thinking, initiative, adaptability, strong organizational skills, and a deep commitment to creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to obtain safe, stable housing and thrive.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCITONS

• Lead the annual HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) grant competition, including coordinating local applications, project review, and submission of the community’s HUD funding application.
• Monitor HUD-funded programs for compliance by reviewing performance, providing technical assistance, delivering training, and ensuring grant requirements are met.
• Analyze program performance, financial data, and system outcomes to improve effectiveness, ensure responsible use of grant funds, and identify service gaps.
• Coordinate the annual Point-in-Time Count and Housing Inventory Count to support HUD reporting and community planning.
• Convene and support CoC meetings, Advisory Board meetings, committees, workgroups, and the annual membership meeting to advance Coalition priorities.
• Collaborate with Coordinated Entry, HMIS, and community partners to strengthen the homeless response system and improve access to housing and supportive services.
• Lead strategic planning activities, maintain governance documents, and ensure required planning, reporting, and training activities are completed.
• Pursue new funding opportunities and develop grant applications that expand housing resources and improve services for people experiencing homelessness.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with service providers, government agencies, healthcare organizations, landlords, funders, and other community stakeholders.
• Represent the Coalition by communicating community needs, promoting CoC initiatives, and advancing the mission to prevent and end homelessness.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Coalition’s mission.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a social service field required.
• At least one year of experience working with persons experiencing homelessness, and/or homeless service providers.
• Proficiency in using computers, including MS Office, the Internet, and databases.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong relationship and team-building skills.
• Strong ability to lead teams towards a common goal.
• Excellent administrative skills and ability to accurately maintain highly detailed data.
• Capable of working effectively with limited supervision.
• Able to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

NON-NEGOTIABLE HIRING CRITERIA

• Naturally curious and self-motivated in a never-ending pursuit of continuous improvement.
• Ability to interact positively with individuals and groups.
• Must be flexible and multitask oriented; can adapt to changing priorities.
• Can work independently and responsibly while managing numerous projects simultaneously.
• Dependable and reliable to meet deadlines; remains calm under pressure.
• Lead by personal example; your word is your bond.
• Servant leader who can positively influence others not under their control.
• Possess excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
• Helps create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity.

WORK SCHEDULE

Office hours are primarily Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., though extended hours may be warranted at any point in time.

Every day, our neighbors are working hard to overcome barriers and get ahead. Together, we connect people to the opportunities they need to reach their potential and make our community a place where everyone can thrive. United is the way we build a stronger future for all.