The National Alliance to End Homelessness (the Alliance) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. The Alliance uses qualitative and quantitative data and research—including the perspectives of people with lived experience of homelessness—to identify solutions to homelessness; works with Congress and the Administration to support and advance these solutions; and helps communities to implement the solutions. Recognizing the disproportionality of people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups who experience homelessness and the disparities that cause this, it undertakes its work in the context of achieving equity for all.
What we are looking for:
The Chief Equity Officer (CEqO) is a visionary and collaborative leader who will drive the Alliance’s efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion both within the organization and in its work to prevent and end homelessness. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CEqO is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, shaping and implementing strategies that align with the Alliance’s mission and commitment to equity. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading organizational change, fostering inclusive practices, and building partnerships to achieve meaningful and sustainable impact.
What you will do:
The Chief Equity Officer will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of the Alliance’s work. This includes setting actionable goals, driving progress toward equity for marginalized groups, including but not limited to racial equity, in both internal operations and external initiatives, and embedding an equity lens in strategies to end homelessness. The CEqO will work collaboratively with leadership and staff to build capacity, ensure accountability, and develop policies, programs, and partnerships that align with the Alliance’s mission and values. This role requires strong leadership, effective communication, and the ability to inspire and guide organizational change.
Internal Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with leadership to set and achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion goals for the organization.
- Shape and implement the organization’s internal equity strategy, ensuring staff needs and impacts are addressed.
- Build capacity within and across Alliance teams to strengthen the use of an equity lens in organizational functions.
- Work with leadership to ensure policies and practices are inclusive of people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized identities, fostering a workplace for all staff.
- Develop consistent communication and feedback mechanisms to address and inform staff on equity issues and goals related to race, gender, sexual orientation, and other intersecting identities
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators demonstrating progress on equity goals.
- Assist the Board of Directors in achieving diverse and inclusive membership.
- Chair the internal Equity Committee.
External Responsibilities:
- Define and operationalize an equity identity and lens for the organization’s external work.
- Develop and monitor progress on equity goals related to ending homelessness.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to develop tools, training, and initiatives that center racial equity.
- Ensure the inclusion of people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities and other marginalized identities with lived experience of homelessness in policy decision-making.
- Partner with external experts to evaluate the racial equity impact of recommended housing and service policies.
- Provide strategic leadership for culturally specific and responsive policies and practices.
- Represent the organization in coalitions and partnerships focused on equity goals.
- Develop communication strategies to share best practices, celebrate achievements, and maintain transparency on equity initiatives.
- Inform fundraising strategies to support and expand equity-centered work.
What a successful candidate will need:
Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications:
- Proven ability to engage with diverse staff and leadership to foster trust, collaboration, and partnership across departments and organizational levels.
- Demonstrated expertise in applying an equity lens to organizational practices, with a track record of encouraging and guiding peers to do the same.
- Strong organizational and management skills, capable of designing and monitoring structures to achieve goals and managing multiple projects effectively.
- Deep knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion research and best practices, particularly within the context of homelessness and social justice.
- Exceptional interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, with the ability to build and sustain productive relationships internally and externally.
- Experience in leading teams, driving organizational change, and developing and implementing training programs that enhance equity-focused skills and knowledge.
- Solution-focused, respectful, and sensitive in interactions, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; Master’s degree preferred. Equivalent professional experience combined with lived experience of homelessness will be considered.
- Minimum of ten years of experience in homelessness or related fields, with a strong focus on racial equity.
- In-depth understanding of cultural values and norms across diverse communities, including communities of color, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ groups.
- Demonstrated ability to address barriers to access and engagement through thoughtful and inclusive strategies.
What we can offer you:
The Alliance is a dynamic and flexible team of professionals working collaboratively to achieve its mission of preventing and ending homelessness nationwide. We provide a supportive work environment where staff are empowered with the responsibility and opportunity to drive solutions to this pressing national issue. Every team member is valued and encouraged to contribute meaningfully.
In addition, the Alliance offers the following benefits:
- A hybrid work environment.
- Competitive salary.
- Employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- 403(b) retirement plan.
- Financial support for professional development and wellness activities.
- Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave, along with a generous holiday schedule.
How to Apply:
We accept online applications only. Please visit our Careers page at https://naeh.bamboohr.com/careers.
Please note: No phone calls please. Only those selected to participate in our hiring process will be contacted.
The Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.