Responsible for managing and administering a wide range of department level administrative and technical program activities and complex projects related to housing for the City of Olympia (City).

Ideal Candidate Profile

Plans, organizes and directs all aspects of the Housing Division with the Community Planning and Economic Development Department.
Builds and sustains strong working relationships with city staff, community groups, stakeholders, other public agencies, neighboring jurisdictions and tribes to advance housing and homeless response programs.
Serves as a technical and policy advisor to the Community Planning and Economic Development Director, City Council, Regional Housing Council and community.
Creates a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure a positive, healthy and welcoming environment for staff and community.
Responds to and resolves potentially confrontational situations.
Supports a trauma-informed, value-based approach to the work of the Housing Division.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume and written responses to the supplemental questions by attaching them to your electronic application. The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and must include specific examples of how you meet the ideal candidate profile above.

Please apply at: https://olympiawa.wd503.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/details/Housing-Director_JR1424.

To be considered for the first round of interviews, apply no later than April 13, 2026.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Tim Smith, Community Planning & Economic Development Director via email at tsmith@ci.olympia.wa.us.

Salary

$132,187 - $198,281

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

1. Plans, organizes and directs all aspects of Housing and Homeless Response such as housing policy and affordable housing development, rental registry and inspection program, encampments, and tiny home villages.
2. Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
3. Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.
4. Selects, motivates, and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures per established policies, procedures, and executive guidance.
5. Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
6. Serves as a technical and policy advisor to the department director, City Council, Regional Housing Council and community.
7. Serves as lead, sponsor, liaison to or member of various internal and external committees, boards, advisory groups, and multi-jurisdictional or inter-disciplinary teams.
8. Serves as a member of the Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) Department Leadership Team.
9. Develops collaborative relationships with elected officials, community groups, stakeholders, other public agencies, neighboring jurisdictions, tribes and employees to advance housing and homeless response programs.
10. Works collaboratively with the department director in the establishment and achievement of department goals and performance measures.
11. Monitors federal, state and local regulations and federal and state legislation regarding housing, renter protections and homeless services.
12. Stays current on the latest best practices and innovations regarding affordable housing and homeless response services.
13. Creates a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure a positive, healthy and welcoming environment for staff and community.
14. Coordinates with City departments to evaluate, develop and strengthen departmental and City-wide policies, procedures and regulations in support of housing program goals.
15. Communicates effectively and develops communications strategies regarding housing division roles, responsibilities and programs.
16. Supports a trauma-informed, value-based approach to the division’s work.
17. Establishes and maintains relationships and engages in professional conversations which may involve controversial policies or policy changes and politically sensitive issues, all of which may be difficult and potentially confrontational.
18. Measures and tracks metrics for success; monitors and evaluates progress towards meeting adopted housing goals.
19. Oversees administration of grants in support of Housing and Homeless Response programs.
20. Engages in strategic planning to address current and projected gaps in housing and homeless response services and funding.
21. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Advanced knowledge of municipal organization and management principles.
2. Advanced knowledge of quality improvement processes and performance measurement systems.
3. Advanced knowledge of principles of effective human resource management.
4. Advanced knowledge of project management.
5. Advanced knowledge of federal, state and local laws, policies and regulations pertaining to housing and homeless response.
6. Advanced knowledge of current principles, best management practices and theory related to housing and homeless response.
7. Knowledge of management strategies regarding behavioral health and substance use altercation.
8. Advanced knowledge of municipal budgeting practices and principles.
9. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook and Excel) and applicable department / organization specific software; ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required.
10. Skill in negotiating with potentially competing interests.
11. Ability to lead and motivate others to achieve goals.
12. Ability to formulate, initiate and administer policies and procedures for effective fiscal control.
13. Ability to effectively present information and technical advice to top management and relevant individuals.
14. Ability to read, analyze and interpret program related laws and regulations and establish necessary work processes and procedures.
15. Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met and to set priorities that move projects through efficiently to achieve customer and quality objectives.
16. Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations and action plans in support of goals.
17. Ability to conduct complex negotiations, mediate conflicts, sort out issues and manage change in relation to overall City goals and objectives in respectful and direct manner.
18. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
19. General awareness of or willingness to learn affordable housing financing.

Experience/Education:

1. High school diploma or GED and twelve (12) years of increasingly responsible local government, community engagement or non-profit management experience, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience in housing and homeless response or similar fields as listed in the subsequent numbering;
2. OR associate degree in social work, planning, social justice, public administration, communications, public policy or a related field and ten (10) years of experience as listed above;
3. OR bachelor’s degree in social work, planning, social justice, public administration, communications, public policy or a related field and eight (8) years of experience as listed above;
4. OR master’s degree in social work, planning, social justice, public administration, communications, public policy or a related field and six (6) years of experience as listed above;
5. OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas.

Special Requirements:

1. A valid Washington State driver’s license may be required.

Union:

Independents

Compensation (minimum-maximum):

$132,187.00 - $198,281.00

Exempt: Yes

For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.

The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at (360)753-8309 or mbosser@ci.olympia.wa.us. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.

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