Housing Policy and Planning Administrator

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The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .

About the Department

The City of San José Housing Department is a leader in the production and preservation of affordable housing, and solutions to homelessness. Its mission is to strengthen and to revitalize our community through housing and community development programs. The Housing Department has an operating budget of approximately $19 million annually and 112 employees. The Department administers multiple local, state, and federal funds. The Housing Department is committed to creating and supporting a diverse work environment with a staff that values inclusion.

Position Duties

The Housing Department is seeking to fill one (1) Housing Policy and Planning Administrator, with the working title of Senior Manager of Policy and Communications. This role reports directly to the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, and will supervise approximately six full-time and one part-time staff in the Policy and Communications Division.

The incumbent will guide the Department’s communications strategy, including messaging, media relations, digital content, and community-facing materials. Lead policy analysis and development, including research, drafting recommendations, and supporting Council and executive decision-making. Coordinate across Housing Department divisions to ensure consistent messaging, alignment on policy priorities, and effective internal communication. Collaborate with other City departments, regional partners, and public agencies to advance shared housing and homelessness policy goals. Represent the Department in meetings, briefings, and public forums, and respond to high-priority or sensitive communications and policy issues.

CLASS SUMMARY

Under general direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in coordinating and administering complex planning, programming, policy development, and program evaluation support services for the Housing Department. Ensures the monitoring of housing program operations for efficiency and effectiveness. Responsible for programs providing homeless interventions and solutions. Responsible for coordinating the development of housing policy and procedures, providing compliance criteria with Federal, State housing laws, and the IRS codes, and securing funds from outside sources. Develops and maintains liaison with Federal, State, and other local agencies, for-profit or non-profit corporations, private foundations, housing industry, and professional groups in order to achieve greater City effectiveness and recognition in housing. Evaluates division staff work and provides for appropriate staff development and discipline. May liaise with boards, commissions, and citizen advisory groups. Performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Housing Policy and Program Administrator classification typically reports directly to the Director of Housing, Assistant Director, or Deputy Director. Incumbents are responsible for managing an entire Division or for a function(s) which may be of exceptionally high significance and complexity.

Responsible for supervising staff and managing a program budget. All other positions in the Division are supervised directly or indirectly by this position, and each is delegated part of the total functions for which this position is responsible. The Housing Policy and Program Administrator differs from the Senior Development Officer in that the incumbent in the Senior Development Officer position is responsible for performing project management and community development functions for the most complex projects or programs.

The salary range for this classification is $138,628.10 - $173,728.62 annually.?? Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates' qualifications and experience. This amount includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay.

Key Responsibilities

The typical duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Directs, plans, implements, and evaluates department programs; prepares and implements program work plans for the policy and communications division.

• Directs short and long-range housing program planning for Housing Department programs for the policy and communications division, and in partnership with other divisions.

• Develops and revises departmental procedures in coordination with other divisions/departments with regard to all levels of policy and communications.

• Directs departmental program evaluations and the development of program changes.

• Contributes to proposals for obtaining housing funds from Federal, State, and private organizations.

• Promotes requests for proposals for developers seeking to obtain City loan funds or land for the development of low and moderate-income housing to ensure awareness and participation.

• Reviews proposed Federal and State legislation affecting housing and homelessness issues and programs in San Jose.

• Develops and maintains relationships with Federal, State, and other local agencies, for-profit or non-profit corporations, private foundations, housing industry, and professional groups in order to achieve greater City effectiveness and recognition in housing.

• Supervises subordinate supervisory and professional staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff members are trained; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.

• Performs other related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in architecture, planning, public or business administration, or related field, and five (5) years of professional analytic or professional administrative experience, which includes at least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in housing, development, or redevelopment.

Acceptable Substitution

Additional related experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Other Qualifications

Basic Competencies - Needed at entry into the job in order to perform the essential duties.

• Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, and federal and state rules and regulations.
  • Knowledge of neighborhood planning, urban development processes, and community participation processes and issues.
  • Knowledge of loan underwriting and title and escrow processes.
  • Knowledge of best practices in providing homeless services, and experience with governmental programs transitioning individuals into interim and permanent affordable housing.
  • Knowledge of real estate finance, development, marketing, and appraisal processes.

• Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

• Analytical Thinking - Approaching a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.

• Collaboration - Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities.

• Initiative - Exhibits resourceful behaviors toward meeting job objectives; anticipates problems, is proactive, and avoids difficulties by planning ahead; displays willingness to assume extra responsibility and challenges; pursues continuing education opportunities that promote job performance.

• Political Skill - In taking action, demonstrates an understanding and consideration of how it will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization.

• Project Management - Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.

• Supervision - Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.

Additional Competencies and/or Desirable Qualifications - Competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities that are more position specific and/or likely to contribute to more successful job performance.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and municipal laws relating to housing development, rehabilitation, urban renewal, and preservation.

• Experience reading complex communications on policy matters and working with the media, neighborhood leaders, and organizations.

• Experience managing political organizations, working with political offices - including development and non-profit/advocacy groups.

• Experience working with racially diverse communities and advocacy groups.

• Understanding of key issues affecting persons experiencing housing instability and/or homelessness.

Additional Information:

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.

The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

Closing Date/Time: 4/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of San Jose

• 408-535-1285

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