Deputy Chief of Affordable Housing Programs

Kinsley Power Systems; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cambridge is seeking a Deputy Chief of Affordable Housing Programs to join the Housing Department's senior leadership team. This role leads inclusionary rental housing, homeownership, resident engagement, and housing production programs, with strategic oversight of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities include policy development, inter-department collaboration, budget management, and representing the Department in public meetings and to officials and partners.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field is required.
• Eight years of leadership experience in affordable housing, community development, or related fields.
• Experience with policy development and program implementation for housing.
• Proven experience supervising staff and managing diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Housing Department’s affordable housing programs and strategic direction.
• Supervise directors and managers; provide vision and leadership.
• Represent the Department with elected officials and external partners.
• Use data to drive policy and program design decisions; address gaps.
• Oversee budgets across multiple funding streams; ensure compliance.
• Oversee departmental publications and communications.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Diversity, equity, inclusion

Collaboration with partners

Education

Master’s degree in Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Deputy Chief of Affordable Housing Programs reports to the Chief of Housing and serves as a member of the senior leadership team of the Housing Department. The position leads the Department’s work to provide affordable housing to residents, overseeing programs related to inclusionary rental housing, homeownership, resident engagement, and program operations. The Deputy Chief provides strategic direction across these program areas, supervises a multidisciplinary team of directors and managers, and represents the Department with elected officials, community stakeholders, and external partners.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team of the Housing Department; work with the Chief of Housing and departmental senior team to coordinate intra- and inter-departmental efforts to advance the Department’s goals.
• Lead the Department’s work to provide affordable housing to residents, including strategic direction and oversight of inclusionary rental housing, homeownership, resident engagement, and housing production programs.
• Supervise the Director of Inclusionary Rental Housing, Director for Homeownership, Resident Engagement Manager, Housing Production staff, and other direct reports; provide vision and leadership to support and uplift direct reports and their staff.
• Serve as liaison to City Councillors, other elected officials, and external stakeholders regarding questions about affordable housing programs and policies; attend, present at, and participate in City Council and other public meetings.
• Oversee the Department’s work to engage with residents in City-assisted affordable housing.
• Use data to drive policy and program design decisions; identify gaps in programs and services and develop strategies to address them.
• Collaborate with the Community Development Department and other City departments to ensure housing policies and programs are coordinated and effective.
• Create and manage budgets across multiple funding streams, ensuring compliance with city, state, and federal guidelines; manage cyclical processes including budgeting and reporting.
• Oversee departmental publications including reports and web materials.
• Represent the Department on special projects, committees, and internal and external working groups; attend industry meetings and other stakeholder forums.
• Engage in and support the Department’s Race and Equity Initiative.
• Provide managerial and logistical support to ensure the success of daily office operations, programs, and events.
• Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience

• Master’s degree in Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Eight (8) years of leadership experience in affordable housing, community development, homeless services, or a related field.
• Extensive experience with housing program policy development and program implementation, including both affordable rental housing and homeownership programs.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning and program management, including reporting and financial management.
• Demonstrated experience with staff supervision and team management.
• Experience working with diverse populations and stakeholders including elected officials, residents, and nonprofit partners.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal affordable housing programs and resources, including inclusionary zoning, affordable rental housing, homeownership assistance, and housing production programs.
• Knowledge of the complex systems governing affordable housing policy, financing, and program administration.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong supervisory skills and a proven ability to lead a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to think deeply and creatively about approaches to best serve residents and advance housing equity.
• Ability to collaborate with partners across sectors, including elected officials, community organizations, developers, and government agencies.
• Must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups across diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general direction of the Chief of Housing, receiving broad policy guidance and exercising considerable independent judgment in advancing the Department’s affordable housing programs and initiatives; work is reviewed for results and conformance to City and departmental policy.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Provides direct supervision to the Director for Inclusionary Rental Housing, Director for Homeownership, Resident Engagement Manager, and other direct reports; provides indirect oversight of their respective staff teams; assigns work, coaches, evaluates performance, and supports professional development.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The position requires the ability to travel to meetings within the city. Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with moderate noise and typical office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to access, input, and retrieve information using a computer and standard office equipment. Ability to answer phones, manage multiple files and documents, and perform routine administrative tasks in a fast-paced environment. Ability to occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 10 pounds.

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.