DHS Assistant Undersecretary for Shelter Systems

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is seeking an Assistant Undersecretary for Shelter Systems in the Division of Housing Stabilization.

AGENCY MISSION:

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is leading the Commonwealth's efforts to create more homes, lower housing costs, and ensure that every Massachusetts resident has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Within EOHLC, the Division of Housing Stabilization (DHS) works to make homelessness in the Commonwealth rare, brief, and non-recurring by providing prevention, shelter, and stabilization services.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

The DHS Assistant Undersecretary for Shelter Systems serves as a senior strategic leader, responsible for overseeing the operations, policy development, and performance of the Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter System, as well as family shelter exits, including through the HomeBASE program, and stabilization services. This position plays a critical role in shaping and executing strategies that help families transition from homelessness to stable housing. The Assistant Undersecretary reports directly to the Undersecretary of Housing Stabilization and works collaboratively with internal and external partners to strengthen program coordination, improve system performance, and enhance the overall quality and accessibility of services.

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven and results-oriented leader with deep experience managing large teams and complex human service or housing systems. They bring a strong understanding of policy development, program implementation, and interagency collaboration, along with a commitment to advancing equity and innovation within the Commonwealth's housing stabilization system. This is a leadership role for someone who wants to make a lasting impact on one of the Commonwealth's most pressing challenges: ensuring that every family in Massachusetts has a safe and stable place to call home.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):

1. Program Oversight and Implementation:

· Oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of housing stabilization programs, including the bridge and rapid tracks of the family shelter program, rapid rehousing, shelter exits, HomeBASE, stabilization and other housing stabilization services.

· Develops strategic plans to ensure services align with overall agency goals.

2. Policy Development and Execution:

· Collaborates with the Undersecretary of Housing Stabilization, DHS Director of Policy and Implementation, DHS Chief Operating Officer, Assistant Undersecretary of Homelessness Prevention, and other senior leaders to develop and implement policies that promote housing stability.

3. Team Leadership and Management:

· Supervises and supports two DHS program directors and their teams, ensuring that they and their teams have the necessary resources, training, and guidance to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.

· Fosters a collaborative and innovative working environment across DHS.

4. Stakeholder Engagement:

· Coordinates and collaborates across EOHLC, as well as other state agencies, local governments, housing authorities, service providers, advocates, and community organizations, to align and integrate goals and strategic priorities for addressing family homelessness and housing instability.

5. Performance Management:

· Provides oversight and management of performance metrics across DHS programs to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges.

· Utilizes data to monitor program effectiveness to inform decision making and policy developments and make recommendations.

· Works with senior leaders to adjust throughout the program as needed to improve outcomes.

· Creates reports and supports in communication of program progress to senior leadership.

6.DHS representation:

· Coordinates with the Undersecretary of Housing Stabilization to represent DHS in various forums and meetings, such as legislative hearings, public events, media interviews, and community partner events.

· Communicates the DHS' mission, vision, goals, and achievements, and advocates for the needs and interests of the populations served in shelter.

7. Resource Allocation and Budget Management:

· Manages program budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and efficiently to support program goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of public housing programs and resources and/or human services programs, with particular emphasis on local, state and/or federal homelessness prevention and/or rapid rehousing programs, rental assistance, supportive housing, and/or transitional housing.

Proven experience in leadership roles within public sector, with a track record of successfully supervising and managing cross-functional teams.

Experience working with State and Federal programs with complex regulations and policies and the demonstrated ability to develop necessary strategies for effective implementation.

Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously as a result of effective planning, delegation and communication.

Intermediate to advanced proficiency using PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Outlook.

Strong understanding of operational processes and best practices, particularly in the context of contractor support and engagement.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels and lead within a matrixed organization.

Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex issues, develop innovative solutions, and drive results.

Leadership experience in state government or other public sector or a related field is highly desirable.

10.   Demonstrated ability to thrive and lead in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

11.   Experience in program evaluation, performance management, or process improvement initiatives.

COMMENTS:

Please upload resume and cover letter.

This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed.

Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division's Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

PRE-OFFER PROCESS:

A background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.