Executive Director, Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs
: Job Details :

Executive Director, Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs At the Department of Commerce, we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future. The Housing Division (HD) partners with local governments, Tribes, housing authorities, and nonprofits to develop and preserve affordable housing, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, and reduce homelessness. This position is the Executive Director of the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs (OHY) which manages state funding and directs the state's efforts to address youth and young adult homelessness. Youth of color and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ experience homelessness and housing instability at higher rates than their peers. The OHY strives to achieve equity for these youth and places youth at the center of funding, practice, and policy decisions. The Executive Director reports to the Assistant Director of the Housing Division and provides leadership for departmental strategic initiatives to address the needs of vulnerable and low-income populations in communities throughout the state.

Duties

• Plan, organize, and direct OHY's operations and programs.
• Develop cross-sector strategies for partnerships with state and local agencies, private sector businesses, philanthropy, and non-profits to address youth homelessness across Washington State.
• Direct the development of strategic plans to achieve OHY goals.
• Oversee research and data analysis on youth homelessness in collaboration with the Research and Data Analysis team at DSHS and Commerce's Data and Performance team.
• Co-lead a public/private partnership aimed at preventing and ending youth and young adult homelessness in Washington State.
• Represent OHY at hearings, boards, and committees.
• Represent Commerce and OHY at national and state convenings/events.
• Build strategic partnerships with cross-sector entities.
• Initiate and respond to communication with the press.
• Direct and oversee community engagement and partnership efforts.
• Design and set the overall direction for implementing the Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Act and the state's homeless youth policy.
• Develop decision packages and agency request legislation to support the goals of the Office of Homeless Youth.
• Develop the organizational staffing structure for the Office of Homeless Youth (OHY).
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop a diverse team of employees to fulfill OHY's mission.
• Manage senior-level employees, including the deputy director, systems change manager, and statewide initiatives manager.
• Update employee position descriptions, review duties, establish essential functions, determine staff training needs, and implement corrective actions as necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• Nine years of professional-level experience in advanced level management of homeless programs.
• OR Nine years total combination of professional-level experience and post-high school equivalent formal education (including college level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs) in advanced level management of homeless programs.
• OR Associate's degree and seven years of professional-level experience in advanced level management of homeless programs.
• OR Bachelor's degree and five years of professional experience in advanced level management of homeless programs.

AND

• Two years of experience supervising one or more employees including hiring staff, training and development, assigning work, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action. Supervisory experience may have been gained concurrently.
• Demonstrated knowledge of homeless youth programs or experience in administering state and federal programs for youth experiencing homelessness.
• Knowledge and experience with state government budget and fiscal processes.
• Demonstrated communication skills (both verbal and written) required to articulate policies and program objectives to a wide range of audiences and stakeholders with competing interests which may include affordable housing experts, advocates, the press, elected officials, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and evaluate policy and program outcomes collaborating with various internal and external stakeholders; identify and advocate for changes necessary to streamline systems, enhance customer services, and improve efficiency and effectiveness.

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.
• A Cover letter (enter online).
• At least three (3) professional references (enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: ...@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your message.

State employees may also receive annual cost of living adjustment increases (COLA). COLAs vary and are not guaranteed every year, but if the Legislature approves them, they typically are applied at the beginning of the state fiscal year (July 1). For example, state employees received a 4% COLA on July 1, 2023, and also received a 3% COLA on July 1, 2024. Employees with a King County duty station will receive a 5% King County premium pay in addition to your annual salary. Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on their length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, and as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days. Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-###-#### (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at ...@des.wa.gov. Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity:The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (360) ###-####. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-###-####. Work From Anywhere In Washington State This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.