Director, Shelter & Housing

Leadership growth is something we celebrate at YWCA Calgary. An internal promotion into a Vice President role has created an opportunity for the Director, Shelter and Housing position.

The Director, Shelter and Housing provides strategic leadership for YWCA Calgary’s shelter, transitional housing and affordable housing portfolio, ensuring an integrated trauma-informed continuum that supports women and families as they move from crisis towards stability and independence. This role delivers significant organizational and community impact by advancing program excellence, expanding access to housing supports, and shaping policy that strengthens the sector. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director drives financial sustainability, innovation, optimization and strategic partnerships. Reporting to the VP, Programs & Impact, this position ensures coordinated, high-performing services across a large and evolving portfolio.

This is a full‑time position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Strategic Leadership and Innovation

• Establishes and implements a cohesive vision for shelter, transitional and affordable housing model services that align with YWCA Calgary’s strategic objectives and priorities
• Leads the continued integration of emergency, transitional and affordable housing model services, ensuring seamless pathways for clients from crisis intervention to long-term stability
• Champions housing-first and recovery-oriented approaches, evidence-based practices, and innovative service models to enhance client outcomes
• Strengthens the synergy between housing programs and counselling, outreach and economic prosperity services, ensuring a holistic support system

Fiscal Sustainability and Resource Development

• Leads budget planning and financial oversight, ensuring sustainable service delivery
• Identifies and secures new funding opportunities, including grants, donor partnerships, and government funding streams
• Develops innovative revenue models to support the full housing continuum and enhance long-term impact
• Positions YWCA Calgary as a key player in sector funding conversations, emphasizing the interconnected nature of shelter, transitional, and affordable housing model solutions

Sector Influence and Community Engagement

• Positions YWCA Calgary as a leader in shelter and housing services, influencing sector-wide discussions and policy frameworks
• Strengthens partnerships with government agencies, housing providers, landlords, and social service organizations to expand affordable and sustainable housing solutions
• Advocates for systems-level change, ensuring funding and policy support for affordable and sustainable housing model stability and prevention
• Engages in conversations that recognize the continuum of housing services as critical to reducing homelessness

Operational Excellence and Impact Measurement

• Implements data-driven, decision-making ensuring program outcomes are measurable and sustainable
• Develops impact measurement frameworks to assess effectiveness across shelter, transitional and sustainable housing model programs
• Ensures compliance with regulatory, ethical, and quality assurance standards
• Enhances data tracking between housing programs, ensuring clear pathways for individuals transitioning between levels of support
• Collaborates closely with Facilities to ensure strong building management, regulatory compliance, and safe, well-maintained environments across all shelter and housing sites

People Leadership

• Provides clear communication and strategic direction to portfolio leaders to ensure alignment on purpose, priorities, and expectations
• Build and foster an engaged, collaborative, empowered and high-performing leadership team through strong relationships and a trauma-informed, respectful and safe work environment
• Supports the recruitment, onboarding, training and development of new leaders and team members
• Lead a team with diverse knowledge, experience, and skills; empower leaders to innovate and enhance programs, services, systems and tools
• Ensure appropriate cross-training and leadership coverage to minimize operational risks

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, nonprofit management or leadership, human services, or a related field. Master’s degree is an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in shelter, housing, social services, or related community-based sectors

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Demonstrated experience leading leaders (managers/supervisors) and overseeing multi-site or complex program portfolios
• Proven experience in strategic planning, operational oversight, and managing high-acuity or 24/7/365 service environments
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, and best practices related to housing, safety and service delivery
• Familiarity with Calgary’s housing and homelessness sector, system partners, and funding landscape is an asset
• Strong strategic planning, operational management, and program evaluation skills
• Ability to interpret data, measure impact, and use evidence to inform decisions
• Skilled in policy development, risk management and continuous improvement
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain
• Additional safety or crisis intervention certifications (ASIST, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention) are assets and can be obtained in-house

If you want to change lives, we want to hear from you.

Deadline: until a suitable candidate is selected

Apply today by submitting your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations. 

Check out our website for more information about YW Calgary:  

YW Calgary is committed to providing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace where all employees, volunteers and clients feel valued and respected, whatever their race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, ancestry, or place of origin.

Privacy statement: Personal information is managed in accordance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and other applicable laws and we are committed to safeguarding your personal information. During the recruitment process personal information is collected for the purpose of people practice management. Privacy inquiries can be directed to the attention of the Privacy Officer at  ***email_hidden*** .