Job Description
Job Title Chief Housing Officer
Organization DeKalb County Georgia Government
Job Location:
Decatur, GA
Salary Range Pay Range: $175,000+ depending on education & experience
Full Job Description DeKalb County, a diverse and vibrant community, seeks a visionary and collaborative
Chief Housing Officer to lead the charge in shaping the county's future of affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Reporting directly to the DeKalb County CEO, this executive role is a critical part of the leadership team, working in close partnership with senior officials—including the Chief Development Officer—to align housing strategies with the county’s broader mission and goals.
In this high-impact position, the Chief Housing Officer will champion the development and execution of a comprehensive Housing Policy Framework and Plan. This will involve leading the strategic planning, policy development, and implementation of housing initiatives. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, this leader will drive policy innovation and implement initiatives that ensure all residents have access to safe, affordable, and stable housing.
If you’re a strategic thinker and want to make a meaningful community impact, we invite you to help shape a stronger, more inclusive DeKalb County.
Ideal Qualifications - Master’s degree, with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience developing and implementing housing-related policies and programs
- Deep expertise in housing policy/program and affordable housing
- Strong background in real estate development and finance, with demonstrated success in managing complex projects
- Proven knowledge of innovative, evidence-based practices related to housing and homelessness
- Prior experience in policy development, legislative advocacy, and public affairs
- Demonstrated experience leading housing-related research initiatives and translating findings into actionable strategies
- Skilled in community engagement, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and populations
- Track record of cultivating strategic partnerships and fostering trust within communities
- Exceptional organizational, project management, and time management abilities
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and initiative
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for varied audiences
- Collaborative team player, able to thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment
- Supervisory or team leadership experience preferred
- Familiarity with the community development landscape in DeKalb County and the greater Metro-Atlanta region is highly desirable
Essential Functions Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and County administrators and elected officials; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.
Develops a housing policy framework and strategic plan for DeKalb County; establishes comprehensive housing strategies to address current and future needs; and develops policy and advocacy positions focused on affordable housing and homelessness prevention by conducting thorough research and engaging with stakeholders to ensure informed, impactful outcomes.
Coordinates DeKalb housing activities across multiple departments and agencies, including the DeKalb Housing Authority, DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority, Community Development, Decide DeKalb, GIS, Code Enforcement, and Planning and Sustainability; collaborates with the Chief Development Officer, Decide DeKalb, and the Housing Authority of DeKalb County to establish a Housing Opportunity Bond program; and maintains strong working relationships with advocacy allies and facilitates working groups, committees, and task forces addressing housing production and preservation, homeownership, tenant rights, supportive and resident services, and homelessness prevention.
Analyzes current housing needs in the community and partners with Long Range Planning on the 2025 DeKalb Housing Study; acts as the principal investigator for research projects related to affordable housing and homelessness prevention; drafts and analyzes legislation, regulations, policies, position papers, and White Papers; and writes and delivers testimony for public hearings to support housing initiatives.
Identifies and implements innovative financing tools for housing and homeownership; and conceptualizes, develops, and writes grant and contract proposals to support affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs.
Ensures effective communication with DeKalb officials, partners, community members, advocacy allies, and key opinion leaders to promote housing policy and advocacy initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Urban Planning, Business/Public Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred); 10 years of progressively responsible experience developing and implementing housing-related polices and programs, with 5 years of senior management experience for a comparably sized organization or as director for a smaller organization; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license
To Apply Date Posted Friday, May 2, 2025
Application Deadline Friday, August 29, 2025
Posting Expiration Date Tuesday, July 1, 2025
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Contract work