The City is recruiting for a full-time Housing and Community Services Manager (HCSM) to advance and strengthen the City’s efforts in affordable housing production and preservation, homelessness response, tenant protections, and coordination of supportive services for vulnerable community members. Since the creation of the Housing and Community Services Division, it has become a key part of the City’s strategy to address city-wide housing challenges. This leadership position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on housing accessibility, homelessness response, and community well-being in Gilroy. Under the general direction of the Community Development Director, the HCSM will plan, direct, and oversee the operations and programs of the Housing and Community Services Division and provide leadership and oversight of the development and administration of housing programs and grant-funded initiatives that support long-term housing affordability and stability for residents, including unhoused and at-risk populations. Working collaboratively with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, regional partners, and community stakeholders, the HCSM will help implement innovative housing solutions and advance strategic initiatives aligned with City goals and community priorities. This position is an exempt, mid-management level position that must exercise competent discretion and judgement in the performance of duties and interactions with others. This position will be included with the Gilroy Management Association employee group. THE TEAM AND DEPARTMENT - The Community Development team is a collaborative and close-knit group with a strong commitment to public service and community improvement. The City of Gilroy takes pride in serving the community through responsive, thoughtful, and forward-looking leadership that enhances the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit Gilroy. Team members work alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community. The Department is committed to partnering with residents, the development community, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations to promote safe, attractive, and sustainable development that supports the City’s long-term vision and goals. The team values collaboration, innovation, and customer service, and fosters a dynamic, fast-paced, and supportive work environment where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas, build partnerships, and help shape the future of the community. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL - Be well experienced in the administration and management of local government Housing and Community Service programs. Develop and implement a variety of programs, projects, and federal, state, and regional housing/community service grants. Demonstrate compassion and a strong ability to work with culturally and economically diverse individuals and families, and those impacted by homelessness. Confidently interact and effectively communicate with members of the community both verbally and in writing and will be knowledgeable of outreach methods using a variety of platforms and languages. Be a solutions-oriented leader and a collaborative problem solver with competent decision-making skills. Have quality supervisory and management skills with experience in training and evaluating staff creating development goals and set work priorities. Stay abreast of evolving laws and regulations relating to affordable housing and housing programs. Maintain effective working relationships with funding agencies, community-based organizations, other public agencies, and the public. Be knowledgeable in the areas of grant administration, contract development, and budgeting principles. Provide exemplary customer service skills to include timely and accurate responses to residents and customers conjoined with empathy and a sincere desire to provide service to the community. Have strong time management skills to effectively manage workload. Have strong attention to detail. Be comfortable speaking in front of large and small groups of people. Seek out professional development and training opportunities to become an expert in the field. Have supervisory experience and enjoy leading, managing and mentoring others. EXAMPLES OF FIRST YEAR PROJECTS/ ASSIGNMENTS:Create and implement an affordable housing policy and a prioritization system for affordable units in coordination with members of the Community Development Department. Collaborate with Santa Clara County, other agencies, nonprofit service providers, and community-based organizations to develop and implement strategies, plans, and programs that reduce and prevent homelessness. Identify, monitor, and preserve at-risk units and administer processes for new affordable units. Oversee the Community Development Block Grant program to provide public services, public improvements, or other programs to meet community’s priority needs. QUALIFICATIONS - Any combination of experience and education equivalent to (equivalency shall be made at the sole discretion of the City of Gilroy): A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration, or any field related to community development, housing policy or services, community services, or social science. Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in affordable housing programs or development, public services grant program administration, housing policy development or financing, community services program development and delivery, resource development, or other closely related activities. A Master’s degree may be substituted for one year of the required professional experience. Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and a safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s). Strong computer/technology skills required. Willing to continue education and training, and expand skills, by taking additional courses, attend seminars, workshops, and individual study. Pass a post-offer medical examination, which includes a drug test. Pass a detailed employment background check which includes a Department of Justice criminal record check for employment. Prefer non-tobacco user. Bilingual (English/ Spanish) highly desired, but not required.