City of Oakland
Chief Homelessness Solutions Officer (Exempt)
City of Oakland, Oakland, California, United States, 94616
Overview
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
Position Summary The classification title for this position is Project Manager III; the working title is Chief Homelessness Solutions Officer (CHSO). The CHSO reports to the City Administrator’s Office within the newly created Office of Homelessness Solutions and serves as the lead entity coordinating services across city departments, community partners, and all levels of government. The CHSO will guide policy, program, and fiscal management to implement the Oakland Homelessness Strategic Action Plan, ensuring services are racially equitable and evidence‑based.
Why Join the City of Oakland? This is a rare opportunity to lead and develop a newly established office with visibility and influence to drive meaningful change. As Oakland’s CHSO, you will shape citywide strategy, build innovative partnerships, and advance equity for those most impacted. The role offers high visibility, policy leadership, and the chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while guiding Oakland toward a sustainable, equitable future.
Responsibilities
Lead strategy and operations of the Office of Homelessness Solutions, ensuring homelessness is rare, brief, and non‑recurring, especially among racially impacted populations.
Provide strategic guidance across departments on homelessness‑related priorities, policies, and emerging issues.
Align and optimize homelessness response efforts, coordinating street outreach, encampment mitigation, and interim housing solutions.
Build and strengthen partnerships with Alameda County, Oakland Housing Authority, service providers, and affordable‑housing partners.
Co‑chair an interdepartmental working group to evaluate and improve homelessness policies, programs, and administrative systems.
Coordinate long‑term planning with city agencies and external partners.
Prepare and review staff reports, resolutions, and communications for the City Administrator, City Council, and commissions.
Engage elected officials, stakeholders, and the public to promote and support homelessness initiatives.
Evaluate departmental operations and lead implementation of multi‑year plans for improved effectiveness and efficiency.
Work in homeless encampment environments, engaging with stakeholders, residents, businesses, and community members.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with community‑based organizations, city departments, residents, elected officials, and external agencies necessary to coordinate services.
Coordinate and collaborate with partners to ensure completion and execution of encampment response and management operations, resolving challenges and providing support to partners.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with federally funded programs.
Supervisory experience overseeing a team working in a homelessness services or community housing program.
Master’s degree directly related to the project assignment.
Valid California Driver’s License or ability to travel as required.
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, social work, human services, psychology, urban planning, social sciences, project management, public administration, public policy, public health, or a related field.
Experience
Five (5) years of progressively responsible project manager and executive leadership experience related to homelessness services or housing for homeless and at‑risk populations (e.g., emergency housing programs, permanent supportive housing programs, homeless outreach services, prevention or rapid diversion programs).
Competencies
Building & Maintaining Relationships
Critical Thinking
Displaying Ownership and Accountability
Influencing
Innovative Problem Solving
Involving Others (Engaging Teams)
Leadership
Oral Communication
Political & Organizational Savvy
Presentation Skill
Professional Impact
Professional & Technical Expertise
Strategic Thinking & Perspective
Valuing Diversity
Writing
Employment Terms & Benefits
Work/Life Balance: 37.5‑hour work weeks.
Paid Holidays: 15 holidays.
Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum, with accrual.
Retirement: CalPERS with pension options.
Health: Full cost by City, Kaiser rate; other plans available.
Dental: Delta Dental full premium.
Vision: VSP full premium.
Sick leave: 12 days per year.
Deferred compensation: 457(b) and Roth 401(k).
Other benefits: Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k, and Employee Training.
Application Instructions
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system.
Applications are accepted online only.
Visit the City of Oakland employment opportunities webpage at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm
For recruitment‑specific questions contact Sasha Hauswald at SHauswald@oaklandca.gov.
EEO statement The City of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an affirmative action employer. The City of Oakland is committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination against any, and is not discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, parental status, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or disability.
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Position Summary The classification title for this position is Project Manager III; the working title is Chief Homelessness Solutions Officer (CHSO). The CHSO reports to the City Administrator’s Office within the newly created Office of Homelessness Solutions and serves as the lead entity coordinating services across city departments, community partners, and all levels of government. The CHSO will guide policy, program, and fiscal management to implement the Oakland Homelessness Strategic Action Plan, ensuring services are racially equitable and evidence‑based.
Why Join the City of Oakland? This is a rare opportunity to lead and develop a newly established office with visibility and influence to drive meaningful change. As Oakland’s CHSO, you will shape citywide strategy, build innovative partnerships, and advance equity for those most impacted. The role offers high visibility, policy leadership, and the chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives while guiding Oakland toward a sustainable, equitable future.
Responsibilities
Lead strategy and operations of the Office of Homelessness Solutions, ensuring homelessness is rare, brief, and non‑recurring, especially among racially impacted populations.
Provide strategic guidance across departments on homelessness‑related priorities, policies, and emerging issues.
Align and optimize homelessness response efforts, coordinating street outreach, encampment mitigation, and interim housing solutions.
Build and strengthen partnerships with Alameda County, Oakland Housing Authority, service providers, and affordable‑housing partners.
Co‑chair an interdepartmental working group to evaluate and improve homelessness policies, programs, and administrative systems.
Coordinate long‑term planning with city agencies and external partners.
Prepare and review staff reports, resolutions, and communications for the City Administrator, City Council, and commissions.
Engage elected officials, stakeholders, and the public to promote and support homelessness initiatives.
Evaluate departmental operations and lead implementation of multi‑year plans for improved effectiveness and efficiency.
Work in homeless encampment environments, engaging with stakeholders, residents, businesses, and community members.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with community‑based organizations, city departments, residents, elected officials, and external agencies necessary to coordinate services.
Coordinate and collaborate with partners to ensure completion and execution of encampment response and management operations, resolving challenges and providing support to partners.
Desired Qualifications
Experience with federally funded programs.
Supervisory experience overseeing a team working in a homelessness services or community housing program.
Master’s degree directly related to the project assignment.
Valid California Driver’s License or ability to travel as required.
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, social work, human services, psychology, urban planning, social sciences, project management, public administration, public policy, public health, or a related field.
Experience
Five (5) years of progressively responsible project manager and executive leadership experience related to homelessness services or housing for homeless and at‑risk populations (e.g., emergency housing programs, permanent supportive housing programs, homeless outreach services, prevention or rapid diversion programs).
Competencies
Building & Maintaining Relationships
Critical Thinking
Displaying Ownership and Accountability
Influencing
Innovative Problem Solving
Involving Others (Engaging Teams)
Leadership
Oral Communication
Political & Organizational Savvy
Presentation Skill
Professional Impact
Professional & Technical Expertise
Strategic Thinking & Perspective
Valuing Diversity
Writing
Employment Terms & Benefits
Work/Life Balance: 37.5‑hour work weeks.
Paid Holidays: 15 holidays.
Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum, with accrual.
Retirement: CalPERS with pension options.
Health: Full cost by City, Kaiser rate; other plans available.
Dental: Delta Dental full premium.
Vision: VSP full premium.
Sick leave: 12 days per year.
Deferred compensation: 457(b) and Roth 401(k).
Other benefits: Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k, and Employee Training.
Application Instructions
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system.
Applications are accepted online only.
Visit the City of Oakland employment opportunities webpage at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm
For recruitment‑specific questions contact Sasha Hauswald at SHauswald@oaklandca.gov.
EEO statement The City of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and an affirmative action employer. The City of Oakland is committed to eliminating unlawful discrimination against any, and is not discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, parental status, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or disability.
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