HOUSING PROGRAM MANAGER

County of Santa Cruz; Santa Cruz (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Administrative leave

Holidays

Sick leave

Healthcare plan

Job summary

County of Santa Cruz is seeking a Housing Program Manager to plan, direct, and advance housing programs within the Planning Department. The ideal candidate will guide policy development, program delivery, and stakeholder engagement to meet County housing goals.

The role requires deep knowledge of federal, state, and local housing regulations, plus strong communication and financing expertise to maximize program impact. Remote work may be available based on needs, with probation considerations.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible work experience in public or private affordable housing policy and/or affordable development.
• Experience interpreting complex regulations and legal documents.
• Ability to develop practical policies and programs to advance housing goals.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and direct Housing Programs within Planning Department.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies, programs, ordinances, and strategies for housing challenges.
• Communicate complex housing regulations to officials, boards, commissions, community members, developers, staff, and stakeholders.
• Oversee financing of housing programs, including state and federal funding opportunities.

Skills

Strategic policy development

Housing policy knowledge

Public engagement

Communication & presentations

Financing housing programs

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning/Public Policy/Administration or related field

Job description

HOUSING PROGRAMMANAGER

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

County Equity Statement

Equity in action in Santa Cruz County is a transformative process that embracesindividuals 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.

Final Filing Date: Continuous

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

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

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

ABOUT THE POSITION

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

• Strategic policy and program development — Demonstrated ability toevaluate community and Countywide housing needs and develop,implement, and evaluate policies, programs, ordinances, and otherstrategies to address complex housing challenges.
• Expertise in housing policy and programs — Deep knowledge offederal, state, and local housing legislation, regulations, programs, andresources, with a strong understanding of affordable housingdevelopment and housing program delivery.
• Strong communication and public engagement skills — Clearlycommunicates complex housing regulations, policies, and technicalinformation to elected officials, boards and commissions, communitymembers, developers, staff, and other stakeholders throughpresentations, reports, and public meetings.
• Knowledge of housing finance — Experience with financing housingprograms and developments, including state and federal fundingopportunities, local funding programs, agreements, and budgeting.

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

Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in UrbanPlanning, 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 affordablehousing policy and/or affordable development. Specific experience in financing ofaffordable housing is desirable.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE1.Describe your experience developing, implementing, administering, or evaluating

housing programs. Please include the types of housing programs you haveworked on, your specific role and responsibilities, and any experience addressingaffordable housing needs.

2.Describe your experience communicating and presenting housing-relatedinformation to the public, boards and commissions, elected or appointed officials,and other stakeholders. Please provide examples of complex or technicalinformation 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 localzoning ordinances, and working with affordable housing regulatory agreements

Women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Ifyou have a disability that requires test accommodation, please call (831) 4542600.

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

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

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 accruedeach 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. Formost 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 asdetermined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit determined by final average compensation of threeyears. County participates in Social Security.
• LIFE INSURANCE - County paid $50,000 term policy. Employee may purchaseadditional life insurance.
• LONG TERM DISABILITY PLAN - Plan pays 66 2/3% of the first $13,500, up to $9,000 permonth maximum.
• DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay for qualifying child or dependent careexpenses may elect this pre-tax program.
• H-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay a County medical premium may elect this pretax program.
• HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) – Employees may elect this
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION - A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.