Senior Manager, Housing Innovation &

Position Overview:

The Senior Manager, Housing Innovation & Partnerships is a key externally focused leadership role responsible for cultivating and managing partnerships with community organizations, social service agencies, and other stakeholders to support innovative and sustainable housing initiatives. This role plays a critical part in shaping housing models that meet the diverse needs of vulnerable populations while ensuring strong collaboration, tenant advocacy, and financial and operational alignment.

As a senior leader, the position oversees a team of Housing Liaisons working closely with internal departments, external partners, and property management to ensure that agency relationships are aligned with the organization's mission and strategic goals. The Senior Manager is also a primary contributor to strategic planning, crisis resolution, policy development, and business development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the organization's primary representative in fostering and sustaining relationships with non-profit organizations, government agencies, and social service providers.
• Lead efforts to expand partnerships that strengthen housing stability, enhance tenant support, and drive systemic change in the affordable housing sector.
• Manage Expressions of Interest (EOI) from partner agencies for new developments or housing programs.

Innovation in Housing Models & Program Development

• Co-create and implement innovative, sustainable housing models that support vulnerable populations, ensuring alignment with community needs and agency capabilities.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend new housing models and support services based on emerging trends and best practices.
• Collaborate with agencies to ensure service delivery models are tenant-centric and operationally viable.

Contract & Agreement Oversight

• Lead negotiation, execution, and oversight of all agency lease and service agreements, ensuring accountability, compliance, and performance alignment.
• Ensure agency partners uphold contract terms and provide necessary support to tenants while adhering to organizational standards.
• Evaluate and mitigate financial risk associated with agency and tenant agreements.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Lead and support a team of Housing Liaisons to effectively manage tenant-agency relationships and support service coordination.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and guidance to ensure high-quality service delivery and team development.
• Align Housing Liaison efforts with broader organizational strategy and performance expectations.

Tenant Advocacy & Conflict Resolution

• Act as a senior escalation point for grievances involving tenants and agency relationships, resolving conflicts with fairness and adherence to policy.
• Collaborate with support agencies to address complex tenancy issues, including payment plans, property damage, or compliance disputes.
• Advocate for equitable housing practices, including ensuring appropriate compensation for tenant-related damages.

Crisis Management & Risk Mitigation

• Lead timely and effective responses to housing-related crises involving tenants or partner agencies.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to proactively prevent and mitigate issues.
• Identify and address emerging risks, including financial, operational, and reputational concerns.

Policy, Training & Sectoral Development

• Develop, refine, and implement policies and procedures related to tenancy management, tenant selection, and partnership agreements.
• Provide training to internal teams and agency partners on tenancy legislation, housing models, and effective collaboration.
• Stay informed of legal, regulatory, and sectoral changes and share insights to continuously improve practices.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Represent the organization in community outreach efforts, policy discussions, and stakeholder events.
• Advocate for improved housing policies and systems that promote equity, affordability, and tenant well-being.
• Drive awareness of housing issues and solutions in collaboration with civic and community leaders.

Business Development & Strategic Planning

• Identify and pursue new partnership opportunities, housing initiatives, and funding sources that align with the organization's strategic goals.
• Contribute to long-term organizational planning, reporting, and evaluation to inform growth and innovation.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public or community development, business administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in leadership, preferably in housing, community development, or non-profit environments
• Demonstrated success in managing external partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and strategic collaborations.
• Proven experience with housing programs, lease agreements, tenant services, and agency contract management.
• Experience in risk management, crisis response, and innovative program development.

Skills:

• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Deep understanding of housing policies, supportive housing models, and community support services.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strategic thinking, financial acumen, and operational oversight.
• Knowledge of regulatory and legal frameworks related to housing and tenancy.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the Calgary area.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the organization's mission to address housing and homelessness.