Employer: DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID)
Title: Director of Homeless Services
Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried,
Salary Range: $100,000-$125,000
Reports to: President, Gerren Price
Who we are:
Founded in 1997 as a private, nonprofit place-management organization, the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) is a catalyst, facilitator, and thought leader in diversifying the economy, promoting public-private partnerships, and enhancing the downtown experience for all. We oversee a 140-block area of approximately 530 properties and numerous parks and public spaces, from Massachusetts Avenue NW on the north, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Square, to Constitution Avenue NW on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue NW on the east to 16th Street on the west.
Since its founding, the BID has supported the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Downtown through street outreach and other services. In February 2019, the BID began operating the Downtown Day Services Center (DDSC) with funding from the DC Department of Human Services. Today, the BID operates the DDSC 6 days a week, funds street outreach services through a third-party provider, and more for while serving as a leader on homeless services for the community.
Position Summary:
The Director of Homeless Services leads the DowntownDC Business Improvement District's (BID)'s strategic efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness in DowntownDC and serves as a leader for public and private stakeholders and partners related to human services. This full-time position oversees the operations and staff of the Downtown Day Services Center (DDSC) and coordinates a comprehensive array of services in collaboration with key partners and contractors including street outreach services. The Director supervises a multidisciplinary team of employees and contractors, ensuring the effective delivery of services through partnerships with various organizations. This role is essential in connecting clients to critical resources, including behavioral health services, medical care, family reunification, and permanent housing solutions. The Director serves as both the internal leader and external face of the DDSC in communications with the DC Department of Human Services (DHS), partners and stakeholders, city officials, and others.
Key responsibilities include program development, establishing relationships with community partners, budget management, staff supervision, compliance with local and federal regulations, and performance monitoring. The Director also advocates supportive policies, secures funding, and fosters a culture of compassion, innovation, and operational excellence.
This position plays a vital role in improving the lives of unhoused individuals by creating meaningful connections and linking them to comprehensive services that support stability and long-term housing.
This position is fully in-office and does not offer any remote work options.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Oversee the overall operations and supervision of the Downtown Day Services Center (DDSC), and its associated drop-in services. Supervise and support staff to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery, accurate documentation, and achievement of performance milestones. Support the professional growth and success of staff. Oversee contracted street outreach services and serve as point person for stakeholder challenges involving individuals experiencing homelessness in outdoor public/private space in DowntownDC. Collaborate with Public Space Operations and SAMs on coordinated responses to public space issues. Collaborate with partner organizations to identify strategies addressing youth homelessness in Downtown DC. Represent the DowntownDC BID as a primary point of contact for the annual Point-in-time (PIT) Count conducted by the city and leads efforts to conduct a monthly count specific to downtown D.C. Develop and implement street outreach strategies that support the safety and health of the public, including individuals experiencing homelessness. Communicate effectively to stakeholders at public safety meetings and other opportunities and serve as a resource for DowntownDC members and stakeholders on homeless services. Manage contractors and partners, including but not limited to: Pathways to Housing DC, The h3 Project, HIPS, Unity Healthcare, DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), DC Department of Human Services (DHS), DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), DC Department of Employment Services (DOES), Social Security Administration (SSA), legal services, private security, cleaning staff, daily food provider, etc. Coordinate closely with the President & CEO and the Director of Administration to ensure optimal functioning of the DDSC. Gain a thorough understanding of grant requirements to effectively manage the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the DDSC's performance, ensuring compliance with DC Department of Human Services (DHS) grant objectives and the BID's internal performance standards. This includes the timely reporting of relevant data to DHS. Convene regular meetings with contractors and key service providers to review operations, address challenges in meeting grant objectives, and identify opportunities to enhance DDSC services and efficiency. Partner with the DowntownDC Foundation to align with its mission, vision, and values and support fundraising strategies to secure donors, grants, and sponsorships supporting homeless services. Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to design and deliver client-centered programs that address the unique needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in DowntownDC. Work with the BID Finance Team and Director of Administration to oversee procurement, inventory, financial reporting, donation requests and logging, and resource planning to ensure responsible fiscal management, grant compliance, and audit best practices. Foster a positive and inclusive environment that supports client growth, independence, and community connection. Plan and coordinate meaningful, inclusive, and well-organized events for DDSC guests, such as holiday celebrations, learning opportunities, activities and guest speakers and providers. Ensure all policies and procedures reflect best practices and meet requirements set by contract funders and regulatory bodies. Collaborate with the President & CEO, and the Director of Administration on contract management with DHS, Pathways to Housing DC, on-site security, and other relevant contractors and partners. Communicate effectively and professionally in verbal and written form about the DDSC, homeless services and DowntownDC. Ensure high-quality delivery of core services at the DDSC, including access to showers, restrooms, lunch and food, ID assistance, medical care, dental screenings, mental health, and substance abuse services, housing support, family reunification, laundry services, computer access, mail services, clothing and more. Strategically expand and improve services to better support client needs. Regularly assess service quality and implement improvements based on evaluation findings and client feedback. Ensure timely, detailed reporting of incidents at the DDSC to the Director of Administration and relevant contractors in accordance with established protocols. Manage safety and security for guests and staff at the DDSC and Manage volunteer programs, offer volunteer opportunities, and participate in tours for external parties.Collaborate with the Public Space Operations team on the deployment and effectiveness of SAM ambassador team members assigned to the DDSC. Represent DowntownDC BID at internal meetings, board of directors meetings, staff events, as well as external meetings and forums to raise awareness of homelessness issues and advocate effective solutions. Identify and document trends, recommendations, and outcomes related to homeless service delivery. Log information in Microsoft SharePoint, Salesforce, and additional software to optimize tracking and performance. Perform all other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
To be successful in this role, the Downtown Day Services Center (DDSC) Director, should possess a combination of compassionate leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking. The following human characteristics are essential:
Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and respect when serving vulnerable populations.Exhibits strong leadership skills, taking responsibility for program outcomes and motivating staff and volunteers in high-pressure situations.Maintains resilience and patience, effectively managing crises and complex issues while staying focused on long-term goals.Upholds integrity and ethical judgment, ensuring fairness, transparency, and confidentiality in all decisions.Displays adaptability and problem-solving skills, developing creative solutions to service gaps and adjusting strategies as community needs evolve.Advocates for social justice, addressing systemic issues related to homelessness, and promoting equity and inclusion.Possesses strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, fostering collaboration with stakeholders and resolving conflicts diplomatically.Demonstrates organizational and strategic thinking, effectively managing budgets, resources, and long-term planning for program sustainability and growth.
Required:
Ten Years Experience in Social ServicesBachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Psychology, or a related field.Management experience five plus years.Strong written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal communications skills.Proven ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and multi-task.Strong work ethic.
Preferred:
Master's degree in social work (MSW), Public Administration (MPA), Nonprofit Management,
or a related field is strongly preferred, particularly for candidates managing large-scale programs, securing funding, and engaging in policy advocacy.
Additional Certifications (Preferred but Not Required):
Certification in
Trauma-Informed Care or
Case Management.Training in
Crisis Intervention, Mental Health First Aid, or Conflict Resolution.Certification in
Nonprofit Leadership or Fundraising (such as CFRE – Certified Fund-Raising Executive).
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How to apply:
This position will remain open until filled; however, interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for priority consideration.
To apply for this position, please click "Apply", where you will be prompted to upload your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience.
Submissions without requested items may not receive full consideration. References will be requested from candidates who receive further consideration. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to queries about application status and will only reach out to candidates we pursue further. Employment offers are conditional upon a successful criminal background check and screening for illegal substances.
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Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, DowntownDC is committed to excellence through diversity. DowntownDC BID recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. Please note that all new DowntownDC BID employees must have permission to work in the U.S.; therefore, employment eligibility verification is required.
Note: Continuation of this position is dependent on city government funding.
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