Job description
Position Overview
Through the Homelessness is Solvable Campaign, the Campaign Executive Director (CED) is responsible for advancing the expectation that homelessness is solvable among targeted audiences and engaging support for solutions focused policies, and driving the activities that will lead to a measurable tipping point.
The CED will serve as a thought-partner to the President in establishing the strategic direction and for ensuring the Campaign is executed with an appropriate sense of urgency, nimbleness, and continuous adaptation as the external environment shifts.
The CED will have the opportunity to build-out their team, which will include full-time employees plus additional technical consultants and independent advisors.
The CED will report to Community Solutions’ President and will interact with the organization’s Board of Directors and Executive Team.
Background
Community Solutions is a “field catalyst” working to align and mobilize actors, locally and nationally who impact homelessness toward the shared goal of making homelessness rare and brief, everywhere. The organization directly supports more than 140 communities in the US in implementing accountable, community wide efforts that drive measurable reductions in homelessness. This solutions-focused approach involves rigorous collaboration of public and private efforts, comprehensive, real-time information on those experiencing homelessness and increased access to housing. By 2027, Community Solutions’ network aims to reach a tipping point where homelessness is widely perceived to be solvable and public opinion has measurably shifted to support solutions; reductions in homelessness have been achieved in a diverse and growing array of communities, and solutions focused policies increasingly drive federal, state and local responses.
Achieving this “tipping point” requires the political will of elected officials, which in turn requires the expectation and support of community leaders.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Advocacy and Education
- Through the oversight of a team of staff and advisors, analyze opportunities for introducing a solutions-focus to federal, state and local policy proposals relevant to homelessness and engage leaders in targeted communities to support policy priorities that have a proven impact on making homelessness rare and brief.
- Build relationships with adjacent coalitions and policy conversations, staying apprised of recommendations and opportunities to align with related initiatives.
Coalition and Influence Building
Develop, and ensure execution of, comprehensive organizing strategies, including identifying non-traditional allies, building a diverse base of engaged allies in large cities and strategic communities, and educating opinion leaders on how homelessness is solvable.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key executive stakeholders in large cities and strategic communities (i.e. Mayors, City Councilors, Chambers of Commerce, CEOs, faith leaders, philanthropists, etc.) and their staff; with homeless system reform and housing supply coalitions across the political spectrum; and with locally-based organizations in targeted large cities.
As applicable to the locality, maintain coordination with Community Solutions’ coaches and their community points of contact to align activities and advance success.
Support community partners in engaging influential allies and leverage Community Solutions’ national network to speak to specific local audiences.
Research and Messaging
- Establish strategic direction and work with third-party polling and research vendors to develop and test messages to influence public opinion of homelessness in select communities.
- Establish messages and government relations tactics to build non-partisan support at national, state and local levels for practice and policy changes that reduce homelessness.
- Identify new ways to expand and promote effective messages in select communities, which includes framing external materials for targeted audiences.
Team Culture and Environment
- Ensure that every member of the team has clarity on their role and expected contribution to the team and campaign plan and receives regular feedback.
- Establish collaborative, inclusive spirit, open to a wide range of allies.
- Model key behaviors for learning and progress, including accountability, curiosity, non-partisanship, agility, adaptation, and assumption of positive intent.
- Model Community Solutions’ values.
Department Leadership
- Develop and manage the campaign budget.
- Devise and track meaningful outcome metrics and participate in the preparation of required grant reports and Board of Directors quarterly reports.
- Coordinate with Community Solutions Board of Directors, Executive Team and with Built for Zero leadership in select communities.
- Effectively supervise direct reports.
Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in campaign leadership and communications with a proven track record of success in managing staff and leading an effective team.
- Experience in electoral campaigns or issue-based advocacy at the local, state, and/or federal level is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to partner with organizations across the political spectrum and willingness to cross boundaries and work with diverse partners, including with unlikely allies, to achieve shared goals.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and gain the trust of professionals working in diverse geographies and sectors across the US, including community-based organizations, elected and appointed public sector officials, business and faith leaders, policy influencers and people experiencing housing insecurity.
- While not a requirement, preference for demonstrated understanding of housing policy and the homeless response system, and relevant resources and policy debates.
- Exceptional communications skills and ability to distill and share ideas simply and directly.
Work Environment, Travel and Position Structure
The position provides for the flexibility to work from a remote US location without the standard support available at an office. Travel will be required to meet with communities, partners and allies.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $180,000 to $210,000, commensurate with experience and geographic location, in addition to a competitive benefits package.
Application Instructions
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, though applicants are encouraged to apply by April 30. To apply, please submit your resume and a thoughtful cover letter that succinctly responds to the following questions:
- Tell us briefly about a time that you built and executed a campaign to scale from the ground up.
- What experience do you have engaging municipal and local leaders to advance a national campaign?
- Provide an example of how you used qualitative or quantitative research to build or change the narrative on an issue of social concern.
Software/Apps Used:
- Google Business Apps (docs, sheets, slides etc.)
- Asana
- Zoom
- Slack
- Salesforce
- Mural
Diversity and Inclusion:
We strive for inclusivity and diversity by attracting extraordinary people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. We seek to employ an all-star team of people who vary by their race and ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, age, culture, religion, veteran status, physical and mental abilities. We promote equal opportunity in the recruitment, selection, training, compensation, promotion, and benefits of all employees. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act .
