ELDE - Deputy of Homelessness Solutions (lived experience)
City of Oakland
Jun 20
Full-time
On-site
Oakland, California, United States
$172,963.68 - $212,374.44 USD yearly
Peer Support, Lived Experience
- The Position
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The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
Why join the City of Oakland's City Administrator's Office?
The newly created Office of Homelessness Solutions serves as the lead entity coordinating services across departments, community partners, and all levels of government. The Office tracks funding and leverages outcome data to guide policy and program decisions, improving coordination, accountability, and equity outcomes across the full spectrum of homelessness services and housing.
The Deputy will work closely with the Chief to form a high-functioning executive team. This is a rare opportunity to lead and develop a newly established office with the visibility and influence to drive meaningful change. The Deputy shapes citywide strategy on shelter and interim housing, builds innovative partnerships with Alameda County, the Oakland Housing Authority, and nonprofit providers, and advances equity for those most impacted — especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color experiencing homelessness.
The team works in close alignment with partners at Alameda County toward the shared goal of eliminating homelessness for all, but especially for those most impacted by racial disparities.
We are looking for someone who is: An expert in policy, program, and fiscal management. You have a proven track record of expertly managing diverse funding streams — Federal, State, County, City, and philanthropic — to maximize impact and drive results in interim housing, shelter, and permanent housing programs.
An exceptional communicator. You are a compelling spokesperson who builds trust with diverse stakeholders and confidently represents the City in public, political, and community arenas.
Deeply committed to equity. You have a strong, demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and effectively addressing disparities affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color experiencing homelessness.
Deeply committed to equity. You have a strong, demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and effectively addressing disparities affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color experiencing homelessness.
Experienced in operational oversight. You possess the leadership skills to drive high-performing teams operating shelter, interim housing, and permanent housing programs toward impactful, measurable results.
A systems thinker. You understand how interim solutions connect to permanent housing exits, and you can design and refine systems — like Coordinated Entry — that maximize system flow.
Politically astute. You navigate high-profile, sensitive issues with diplomacy and provide clear, timely updates to elected officials, the Mayor, City Administrator, and City Council.
A collaborative partner. You build and sustain productive relationships with nonprofit providers, the Continuum of Care, Alameda County, and people with lived expertise to shape humane and effective policies and programs.
What you will typically be responsible for:
Leading strategic planning and funding decisions for interim housing, shelter, short-term rental support, shallow subsidy, and permanent homeless housing — maximizing 'system flow' through interim solutions to permanent housing exits.
Partnering with nonprofit providers to support and improve programs serving people currently or previously experiencing homelessness, and oversee contract performance, outcomes, and accountability.
Collaborating strategically with the Community Homelessness Services Division, the Human Services Director, and the Director of Housing and Community Development to align shelter and housing operations with citywide goals.
Recommending tactical refinements to the Coordinated Entry System and partner with the Continuum of Care and Alameda County on implementation.
Building and strengthening partnerships with Alameda County, the Oakland Housing Authority, affordable housing developers, and service providers to expand the supply of interim and permanent housing options.
Leading long-term planning with City agencies and external partners on initiatives such as Home Together 2030 and identify and implement best practices to mitigate the harms of homelessness and maximize housing stability.
Preparing and reviewing staff reports, resolutions, and communications for the City Administrator, City Council, and commissions; represent the Office in public meetings and with elected officials, stakeholders, and the public.
Nurturing relationships and two-way communication with nonprofit partners, Community Based Organizations, and community members — including those with lived expertise — to guide humane and effective policies and programs.
A few reasons you might love this job: Impact: Increase the supply of safe, stable shelter, interim housing, and affordable housing options — and help reverse the legacy of racial and economic injustice driving homelessness in Oakland.
High Visibility: Extensive interaction and a high level of visibility with the Mayor, City Council, the City Administrator, and numerous community leaders.
Collaboration: Play an integral part of a passionate executive leadership team aggressively pursuing City goals related to homelessness, working in close alignment with County partners.
Build a New Office: Help stand up a newly created Office of Homelessness Solutions, shaping its systems, culture, and impact from the ground up.
Policy and Advocacy Direction: Help lead the City's agenda by building power among the people most impacted by housing injustice, shaping the narrative, and advocating statewide and regional policy solutions on shelter and permanent housing.
A few challenges you might face in this job:Time-sensitive deadlines: The role requires managing projects with strict, time-sensitive deadlines, often balancing multiple priorities without compromising quality.
Multi-faceted responsibilities: Success depends on handling multi-faceted responsibilities that span strategic planning, operational execution, contract oversight, and cross-department coordination.
Navigating relationships and competing interests: A key challenge involves navigating complex relationships and balancing competing interests among providers, residents, elected officials, and County partners to achieve shared goals.
System constraints: Demand for shelter and housing far exceeds available capacity; the Deputy must lead with creativity, urgency, and equity within significant fiscal and operational constraints.
High public scrutiny: Decisions on shelter siting, contracts, and operations are subject to public, media, and political scrutiny that requires careful judgment and clear communication.
Competencies Required:Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims.
Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
Influencing: Affecting or changing others' positions and opinions.
Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new and better ways of doing things.
Involving Others (Engaging Teams): Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes.
Leadership: Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal.
Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue.
Political & Organizational Savvy: Working skillfully with politics, procedures, and protocols across organizational levels and boundaries.
Presentation Skill: Formally delivering information to groups.
Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization.
Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job — including HUD, HMIS, CoC, and Coordinated Entry frameworks relevant to shelter and interim housing.
Strategic Thinking & Perspective: Evaluating immediate actions in context of achieving long-range objectives.
Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing.
- Minimum Requirements for Application
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Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable.
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration or other relevant degree for particular project assignment. A Master's degree is desirable.
Experience:
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in area(s) related to the particular project assignment. Supervisory experience is desirable.
License or Certificate / Other Requirements:
Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.
Additional licensing or certification may be required based upon project needs or requirements, as applicable.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:Direct experience overseeing shelter, interim housing, transitional housing, or permanent supportive housing programs at scale.
Experience managing contracts with nonprofit homeless service providers, including procurement, performance monitoring, and outcomes-based contracting.
Demonstrated knowledge of HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) requirements, HMIS data systems, and Coordinated Entry System operations.
Experience with federal and state funded programs in affordable housing and homelessness (e.g., HHAP, ESG, ERA, CalAIM, HUD CoC, ESG-CV).
Supervisory experience overseeing teams working in homelessness services, shelter operations, or community housing programs.
Experience working in close partnership with County government, public housing authorities, and Continuum of Care governance bodies.
Lived experience with homelessness or housing insecurity, or deep, sustained engagement with communities most impacted by homelessness.
- Supplemental Information
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This is an at-will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules, per Charter Section 902(f). All applications received will be forwarded to the City Administrator's Office for further consideration.
Meeting the minimum qualification requirements may not result in further consideration, only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Exempt Limited Duration Employee (ELDE): This is an at-will position, exempt from the provisions of the City of Oakland Civil Service Rules (per Charter Section 902f). Exempt Limited Duration positions may not exceed a period of one year.
What’s in it for you?Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks
15 paid holidays
Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.
*Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found here: Working for Oakland | City of Oakland, CA
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.
Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
How to Apply
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user on the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at:
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm.
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Winnie Woo at WWoo@oaklandca.gov