Position: Vice President, Sonoma County
Location: Santa Rosa, CA (Hybrid)
Reports to: Chief Program Officer
Status: Full Time, Exempt
Compensation: $140,000/year
ABOUT HOMEFIRST
Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With more than 40 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.
ROLE SUMMARY:
The Vice President of Sonoma County (VP SoCo) will oversee HomeFirst’s programs, services, systems, and community partnerships within the Sonoma County region. This role includes managing programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, such as Outreach, Interim Housing, and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). The VP SoCo will also supervise initiatives and systems including Landlord Recruitment, Sonoma County’s Coordinated Entry System, and other related projects.
The VP SoCo will manage a team of up to 6-8 direct reports, including Directors and Program Managers, and will collaborate with the Chief Program Officer (CPO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) to set the strategy and direction for the region. They are responsible for ensuring that program, departmental, and mission goals are achieved.
Under the guidance of the CPO, the VP SoCo will strengthen community relationships, support resource development, and manage stakeholder connections. They will enhance financial support, expand programming, build partnerships, and advocate for the agency through various community and media channels.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This role reports to the Chief Program Officer.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program & Systems Oversight
- Works with HomeFirst's CPO to set strategy and direction for regional departments and programs as necessary.
- Works with the CPO and COO in envisioning new program and systems development as well as developing operational plans for respective areas.
- Provide regular supervision direct reports, as well as conduct team meetings, as necessary.
- In partnership with the CPO and CFO, responsible for the fiscal viability of programs in the region, including the development of budgets and ongoing management of fiscal performance.
- In partnership with the CPO and Grants Manager, lead contract management processes including negotiation, modifications, and performance monitoring to alignment with organizational goals and scope of work.
- Maintain systems-level awareness of trends and emerging needs within Sonoma County and the broader Housing Services field.
- Proactively identify opportunities and risks to address challenges and drive long-term success, collaborating with internal stakeholders including the Executive Leadership Team.
General Leadership
- Provides professional leadership that embodies HomeFirst’s mission and values.
- Responsible for identifying and maintaining national best practices in service delivery for their division.
- Leads the region in developing and implementing processes to ensure staff competency and continuous growth. This includes enhancing knowledge, skills, and abilities, and equipping staff with up-to-date, innovative information.
- Participates in local Continuum of Care workgroups and committees to offer input and feedback as it relates to county-wide efforts in homelessness services.
- Attends key internal stakeholder meetings, including Quarterly Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Meetings, Senior Leadership Team Meetings, Quality Improvement Committee sessions, etc.
- Encourages engagement with agency events, promotes participation in events that impact agency culture, and streamlines DEI/ERG efforts. Partners with the DEI Council, DEI Director, ERG Co-Leads, and other internal entities as needed to advance these initiatives.
Community Partnerships
- Facilitates connections between external stakeholders and the Chief Development Officer (or other Development staff) to support the development of resources, identify potential volunteers and donors from individuals, corporations, service organizations, schools, and faith-based organizations, and enhance financial and philanthropic participation from community representatives.
- Develops and expands programming and service access through partnerships and other opportunities with community partners.
- Collaborates with the Chief Program Officer and Marketing Communications team to ensure effective responses to internal and external crises, including media relations under the guidance of the Chief Development Officer.
- Effectively advocates for the agency and sector through relationships with community leaders, participation in government meetings, attendance at local events, media engagements, and presentations.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellence: Commits to high achievement by setting personal standards of excellence, driving results, and continuously improving performance while fostering team success and organizational goals.
- Collaboration: Works effectively to build strong relationships, foster open communication, and create a cohesive and high-performing team.
- Diversity & Inclusion: Cultivates an inclusive environment that values and respects the social identities of all individuals, creating space for authenticity and equity.
- Managing Performance: Ensures team goals are met by proactively addressing concerns, providing guidance, and fostering accountability to achieve desired outcomes.
- Empowering & Developing Others: Delegates authority confidently, provides the freedom for individual styles, and offers recognition and constructive feedback to develop team members effectively.
- Managing Change: Leads teams through organizational shifts by positively guiding others, encouraging adaptability, and aligning priorities with the agency’s mission.
- Risk Management: Evaluates and mitigates risks in operational and strategic areas, prioritizes safety, and raises concerns to address potential issues proactively.
- Technical Expertise: Maintains a high level of skill and knowledge relevant to the role, staying adaptable and current in their field.
- Customer Service: Understands the needs and goals of both internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Planning and Organizing: Develops and adheres to efficient workflows, ensuring deadlines and processes are streamlined for maximum effectiveness.
- Critical Thinking: Approaches challenges with a logical, systematic, and thoughtful methodology to effectively navigate complex situations and make informed decisions.
BENEFITS
HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 4 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.
ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT
At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.
HomeFirst proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.
HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
HomeFirst takes pride in its safety values, the wellness of our team, and respect for everyone we serve. Due to this commitment, HomeFirst is mandating that all employees be vaccinated or render a religious or medical exemption effective September 13, 2021.
