Program Officer, Homelessness Prevention

OUR COMMUNITY

We live in a world where division, disparity, and poverty affect everyone. When we unite as changemakers at Greater Twin Cities United Way we can disrupt systems, unlock human potential, change narratives, create equitable solutions, and advocate for policies that result in lasting change.

As an interconnected community focused on equity and inclusion, we can draw from our best minds, courageous leaders, responsive services and collaborative partnerships, and bring forth working solutions to shape our future together.

Your Role in Participating:           Program Officer, Homelessness Prevention

Your Department:                           Community Impact               

Your Reporting Manager:             Director, 211 and 988          

OUR MISSION AND VALUES

Mission:  Unite changemakers, advocate for social good and develop solutions to address the challenges no one can solve alone.

Values:  Equity, collaboration, agility, and transparency

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF YOUR ROLE

The Homelessness PreventionProgram Officer leads 211’s strategy to increase equitable access to Homelessness Prevention resources in Minnesota. The Program Officer will play a key role in regional efforts to redesign how people in the Twin Cities are supported through a housing crisis, including improving access to and coordination among Homelessness Prevention services in the region with user experience at the center. They are responsible for collaborating with stakeholders to build and advance collective strategies and actions. The Program Officer will build strategic partnerships, engage community members and government stakeholders, and work closely with other United Way colleagues to strategically align related workstreams.

This position is specially funded through The Pohlad Foundation and has confirmed funding for minimum of 24 months post-hire.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Program Development and Project Management (35%)

• Establish and project manage a multi-year road map with collaborative partners to improve regional Homelessness Prevention coordination.
• Lead landscape analysis/mapping of current eviction prevention resources, funding streams and user experience.
• Engage diverse stakeholders through individual meetings, group convenings and various methods of communication.
• Source and manage potential contractors to support the overall project.
• Track collective progress towards goals and ensure forward momentum.

Relationship Management and Community Engagement (35%)

• Engage and work closely with a variety of key stakeholders including those who have experienced housing instability, including active participation in the Regional Kitchen Table.
• Build relationships with state and local government and nonprofit organizations responsible for Homelessness Prevention service delivery
• Support fundraising efforts in support of re-designed system implementation

Leverage Organizational Infrastructure and Initiatives (20%)

• Leverage data and insight from United Way 211’s experience and engagement in eviction and Homelessness Prevention assistance programs.
• Work closely with 211 Senior Program Manager and 211 operations team to scope and design 211 program strategy and service delivery in support of redesigned system plan 
• Ensure alignment with United Way’s Pathways Home initiative and housing strategies.
• Engage United Way advocacy team for policy changes in support of collective vision.

Other (10%)

• Participate in United Way organizational meetings and events.

• 5-8 years of relevant program management experience, specifically experience leading systems change, collective action or multi-agency projects.
• Supports the mission, vision, and values of Greater Twin Cities United Way
• Experience working in social service or governmental organizations, professional or personal experience with Homelessness Prevention system preferred.
• Proven experience driving vision and purpose which motivates others to action or engagement
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to tailor communications to specific and general audiences
• Has a strategic mindset with a demonstrated ability to bring ideas to action, planning and aligning in accordance with team and organizational goals
• Proven ability to lead collaborative projects, preferably multi-agency
• Experience balancing stakeholder groups with varying needs and requests
• Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity, adapt approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations
• Has an orientation for action, takes on new projects with enthusiasm, urgency and energy
• Ability to build and instill trust in others, relating openly and comfortably in diverse groups of people