Becoming part of the Sweetser family means you can make a difference in the lives of Maine children, adults, and families every day. As a nationally recognized and accredited leader, we offer competitive salaries, a wide range of benefits and the opportunity to join a passionate team of more than 700 employees.
The Director of Housing and Special Projects provides strategic and operational leadership for Sweetser’s Housing Programs while spearheading high-priority organizational initiatives that advance the agency’s mission, strategic objectives, and operational excellence. This role oversees Maine’s Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP) and Permanent Supportive Housing Programs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and person-centered housing services for individuals experiencing homelessness, chronic homelessness, and behavioral health challenges. In addition to housing oversight, the Director leads complex, cross-functional projects designed to strengthen service delivery, regulatory compliance, quality outcomes, and organizational infrastructure. Working closely with executive leadership, program directors, and internal stakeholders, this position ensures initiatives are completed on time, within scope, and aligned with Sweetser’s Strategic Plan, regulatory requirements, and organizational values.
Housing Program Leadership & Oversight
• Provide strategic direction and operational management of BRAP and Permanent Supportive Housing programs.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including HUD and Maine Housing requirements.
• Develop, implement, and refine policies, procedures, and performance standards grounded in Housing First principles.
• Monitor program performance, outcomes, and quality indicators to drive continuous improvement.
Team Leadership & Supervision
• Supervise housing staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and trauma-informed care.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and formal performance evaluations.
• Align staffing structures with program growth and service demands.
Strategic Project Leadership
• Lead planning, implementation, and evaluation of cross-departmental initiatives as directed by the CFO.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable project plans with defined timelines, deliverables, and success metrics.
• Conduct needs assessments, environmental scans, and data analyses to inform decision-making.
• Present project recommendations, updates, and final outcomes to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Identify housing system gaps and implement innovative strategies to expand permanent supportive housing.
• Lead efforts to reduce barriers to housing access for individuals with complex needs.
Program & Operational Improvement
• Support development and enhancement of behavioral health programs, including outpatient, crisis, residential, and community-based services.
• Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and resource requirements.
• Develop and manage project timelines and implementation plans.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement corrective strategies.
• Track deliverables and ensure stakeholder alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Evaluate initiatives for effectiveness and continuous quality improvement.
• Lead pilot programs, service expansions, and organizational change efforts.
Compliance, Quality & Accreditation
• Ensure adherence to HUD Continuum of Care standards and other applicable federal regulations.
• Oversee accurate reporting and documentation in HMIS and other required systems.
• Prepare for audits, monitoring visits, and funding renewals.
• Maintain current knowledge of housing and behavioral health regulatory changes.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and payer requirements.
• Partner with Quality and Compliance teams to align with COA, licensing, MaineCare, and other regulatory standards.
• Develop policies, documentation, and workflows to maintain audit readiness.
Community & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Build and sustain partnerships with landlords, property managers, developers, and housing stakeholders statewide.
• Collaborate with Continuum of Care partners, behavioral health providers, shelters, and community organizations.
• Represent Sweetser in coalitions, state workgroups, and public forums.
• Lead landlord recruitment and retention strategies.
• Facilitate communication and coordination across clinical, administrative, and program teams.
• Lead or participate in internal and external work groups and committees.
Data, Reporting & Evaluation
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for programs and projects.
• Monitor outcomes through data analysis and performance reporting.
• Prepare executive presentations, summaries, and comprehensive reports.
• Leverage quantitative and qualitative data to inform strategic decisions.
Financial Oversight
• Develop and manage program budgets in collaboration with finance staff.
• Monitor rental assistance expenditures to ensure fiscal integrity and sustainability.
• Oversee contracts and funding allocations.
• Support grant development, renewals, and funding diversification strategies.
EDUCATION:
• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in behavioral health, healthcare operations, program development, housing programs, or project management.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• Knowledge of HIPAA, MaineCare standards, state behavioral health regulations, and HUD-funded housing programs.
• Experience in a nonprofit or human services organization.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of behavioral health systems, service delivery models, and regulatory environments.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and data analysis tools.
