Director of Technical Assistance

About Us  

Grounded Solutions Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to cultivating equitable, inclusive and opportunity-rich communities by advancing affordable housing solutions that last for generations. We provide training, technical assistance, technology solutions, resources and research to our members, nonprofits, community groups and local governments that lead to permanently affordable housing policies and programs rooted in equity, inclusion and access.  Our work specifically targets creating and expanding resources dedicated to community-led housing with lasting affordability using a racial equity lens.

Grounded Solutions Network is committed to fostering an organizational culture rooted in critical thinking and consciousness about race and class. We seek candidates who are dedicated to achieving racial equity and are committed to building a staff team that is as racially and culturally diverse as the communities that we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. 
 

About the Position 
The Director of Technical Assistance is responsible for overseeing Grounded Solutions Network’s growing Technical Assistance (TA) program, as part of an effort to ensure that Grounded Solution’s effort to produce and preserve 1 million homes with lasting affordability over the next 10 years in a racially equitable way. More specifically, our TA helps cities adopt and improve inclusive housing policies and helps nonprofit organizations develop strong, scalable shared-equity homeownership programs. The Director will be responsible for developing strategies and business models for delivering grant-based and fee-for-service technical assistance that center racial equity, impact and sustainability. As part of our senior leadership team, the Director will have tremendous opportunity to help shape organizational strategy and advance our commitment to racial equity.

The Director will bring deep knowledge and expertise in affordable housing policy and program administration to the organization. With the support of their initial team of 4-5 FTE (which could grow considerably and rapidly depending on funding), the Director will develop and oversee the annual technical assistance workplan and budget. The Director will augment our existing team by bringing expertise in strategy, business development, and managing staff, projects, and clients, as well as by deepening our racial equity practice. Technical Assistance is a fully remote, multi-racial team and so we are looking for someone who is an effective collaborator in the cross-cultural virtual arena. 

Key Responsibilities 

Direct technical assistance program strategy (50%) 

• Ensure that Grounded Solutions racial equity and inclusion (REI) and other strategic priorities are at the forefront of the TA approach and outcomes. 

• Develop, implement and track the department’s annual strategic work plan and budget. 

• Oversee complex, signature initiatives including the permanently affordable housing program focused Catalytic Land Cohort and inclusive housing policy focused ForEveryoneHome, managing multiple funders, partners and clients. 

• Manage the business-side of TA including proposal writing (in collaboration with consultant or staff subject matter experts), contracting, reviewing deliverables, producing invoices and reports, and monitoring time and expenses compared to budget. 

• Collaborate with other teams at Grounded Solutions to make sure that lessons learned through TA are shared out and vice versa. 

Grow the TA program and team (20%) 

• Collaborate with existing staff and external TA providers to create a road map, business model, team structure and organizational infrastructure that supports sector growth. 

• Develop new lines of business and TA opportunities that are both grant funded and fee-for-service. 

• Identify, recruit and support new TA providers—both staff and consultants—to provide policy and programmatic TA to public and nonprofit clients.  

Lead and manage the TA team (30%) 

• Manage and mentor a growing team of Grounded Solutions staff and consultants. 

• Create feedback loops with staff to make sure that the organization and team is consistently reflecting, learning and evolving. 

• Manage grant, funder and partner relationships, as assigned. 

• Participate in Grounded Solutions’ Senior Leadership Team and staff meetings. 

Qualifications for Entry into this Position  

• 8+ years of experience in roles that included providing technical assistance to municipal governments and/or community-based organizations, incorporating meaningful community engagement and participation. 

• 2+ years of experience leading, supporting and growing a team of people of who may have different skillsets and areas of expertise than your own. 

• Ability to grow lines of business in ways that advance the organization’s mission, commitment to racial equity and sustainability.  

• Track record of incorporating racial equity and centering the experiences and voices of people of color in technical assistance engagements and team management. 

• Ability to work successfully in self-directed, virtual environments, including managing evolving projects and timelines and sensitive client relationships under general direction.  

• Comfort in engaging with and learning new technology as part of a remote work environment.  

Starting Salary Range 

$100k to 120k annually, commensurate with experience. 

Travel required 

Approximately 5-8 trips per year of out-of-state travel as needed to attend staff meetings, conferences and provide technical assistance to clients. 

Location  

Flexible location. Grounded Solutions Network has two primary office locations in Oakland, CA and Washington, DC, with additional staff working from home throughout the contiguous 48 states. Candidates must have direct local access to a major airport. All staff are expected to demonstrate the ability to work remotely while maintaining high levels of efficiency and productivity and communicating effectively with their direct supervisor and colleagues.  

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements 

Grounded Solutions Network is requiring all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022.  All candidates must be fully vaccinated or plan to be fully vaccinated by their start date or by January 1, 2022, whichever comes later.  ‘Fully vaccinated’ means that two weeks have passed since a second dose of the 2-dose series for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine. Offers of employment will be contingent on compliance with Grounded Solutions Network’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.  A current employee or applicant (i) who is disabled or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. 

Join our team and build your career with us!  We offer: 

• Supportive, stimulating and collaborative environment with passionate colleagues dedicated to building community, equity and justice 

• Opportunities for professional growth and development   

• Competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, matching 401k and paid time off.