HOUSING PROGRAM MANAGER

santacruzcountyca.gov; Santa Cruz (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Administrative leave

Holidays

Job summary

County of Santa Cruz is seeking a Housing Program Manager to lead the Planning Department’s housing programs, policies, and initiatives. The role requires strategic planning, policy analysis, and strong communication with officials and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will navigate complex housing regulations, manage program delivery, and collaborate across departments to advance Santa Cruz County’s housing goals. Remote work may be available based on duties and probation outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public policy, or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible work in affordable housing policy.
• Experience interpreting regulations and developing housing programs.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct County housing programs and policies.
• Evaluate needs and develop policies and programs to address housing challenges.
• Communicate with elected officials, boards, and community stakeholders through presentations and reports.

Skills

Policy development

Housing policy

Public engagement

Housing finance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning/Public Policy/Urban Studies/Related field

Job description

HOUSING PROGRAM MANAGER

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

Final Filing Date: Friday, October 23, 2026

County Equity Statement

Equity in action in Santa Cruz County is a transformative process that embraces individuals of every status, providing unwavering support, dignity, and compassion. Through this commitment, the County ensures intentional opportunities and access, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and belong.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Under administrative direction, to plan, organize and direct the Planning Department Housing Programs, may act, as designated, on behalf of the Planning Director on housing policy issues. The list established will be used to fill the current vacancy and it may also be used to fill other vacancies during the life of the eligible list.

The option for remote work may be available based on the type of work and operational needs, upon successful completion of probation.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The ideal candidate is a strategic, knowledgeable, and community-focused housing professional who thrives in a complex local government environment. They are a strong communicator and relationship-builder who can navigate multifaceted housing issues, interpret complex regulations and legal documents, and develop practical policies and programs that advance the County’s housing goals. The successful candidate will bring:

• Strategic policy and program development — Demonstrated ability to evaluate community and Countywide housing needs and develop, implement, and evaluate policies, programs, ordinances, and other strategies to address complex housing challenges.
• Expertise in housing policy and programs — Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local housing legislation, regulations, programs, and resources, with a strong understanding of affordable housing development and housing program delivery.
• Strong communication and public engagement skills — Clearly communicates complex housing regulations, policies, and technical information to elected officials, boards and commissions, community members, developers, staff, and other stakeholders through presentations, reports, and public meetings.
• Knowledge of housing finance — Experience with financing housing programs and developments, including state and federal funding opportunities, local funding programs, agreements, and budgeting.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Studies, Public Education or related field

AND

Five years of progressively responsible work experience in public or private affordable housing policy and/or affordable development. Specific experience in financing of affordable housing is desirable.

https://www.jobapscloud.com/SCRUZ/specs/classspecdisplay.aspClassNumber=hm8

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE1.Describe your experience developing, implementing, administering, or evaluating housing programs. Please include the types of housing programs you have worked on, your specific role and responsibilities, and any experience addressing affordable housing needs.

2.Describe your experience communicating and presenting housing-related information to the public, boards and commissions, elected or appointed officials, and other stakeholders. Please provide examples of complex or technical information you have presented and describe your role in these communications.

3.Describe your experience related to the financing and funding of market-rate and

4.Describe your experience working with the housing development community, navigating state density bonus law and other state legislation in relation to local zoning ordinances, and working with affordable housing regulatory agreements

https://www.jobapscloud.com/SCRUZ/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=HM8

HIGHLIGHTED BENEFIT OFFERINGS

VACATION - 16 days 1st year, increasing to 31 days per year after 15 years of service. Available after 1 year of service. ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE – One week advanced upon appointment; two weeks accrue each year; can be taken in cash or time off. HOLIDAYS - 14 paid holidays per year. SICK LEAVE - Six days per year. BEREAVEMENT LEAVE - 5 days - 3 paid & 2 unpaid in California, 5 days paid out-ofstate. MEDICAL PLAN - The County contracts with CalPERS for a variety of medical plans. For most plans, County contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and DENTAL PLAN - County pays for employee and eligible dependent coverage. VISION PLAN - The County pays for employee coverage. Employee may purchase RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY - Pension formula 2% at age 60 or 2% at age 62 as determined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit determined by final average compensation of three years. County participates in Social Security. LIFE INSURANCE - County paid $50,000 term policy. Employee may purchase additional life insurance. LONG TERM DISABILITY PLAN - Plan pays 66 2/3% of the first $13,500, up to $9,000 per month maximum. DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay for qualifying child or dependent care expenses may elect this pre-tax program. H-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay a County medical premium may elect this pre-tax program. HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) – Employees may elect this DEFERRED COMPENSATION - A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.

Note: Provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability that requires test accommodation, please call [phone].

To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.