Raftelis Santa Monica, CA, USA
Director of Housing and Human Services
The City of Santa Monica is seeking a visionary, collaborative leader to serve as its next Director of Housing and Human Services. This is a rare opportunity to lead a newly reorganized department with strong political and organizational support in one of California’s most iconic coastal communities.
As a key member of the City Manager’s Executive Team, the Director will oversee a broad portfolio—including affordable housing development and programs, the Santa Monica Housing Authority, homelessness strategy and services, human services grants, and direct youth and family programming. The Director will also serve as the City’s lead on homelessness initiatives, driving cross-departmental collaboration, advancing strategic goals, and representing the City at regional, state, and federal levels.
This impactful role requires a leader with deep expertise in housing, human services, and homelessness, as well as strong management skills, policy acumen, and a passion for serving diverse and vulnerable populations. The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and a commitment to equity and innovation.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of housing and human services, including affordable housing finance and program development, along with a creative, mission-driven approach to solving complex challenges. A collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader, the Director will inspire trust, lead with empathy, and foster a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and results.
This is a role for someone who not only understands policy and operations but is also driven by the human impact of their work—someone who leads with heart, builds strong teams, and creates lasting change through meaningful engagement.