Program Manager

The Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles (MFLA) works to prevent Angelenos from falling into homelessness through partnerships with community organizations providing access to eviction prevention services and support such as legal services and healthcare. The Fund's programmatic work comprises two major programs, We Are LA and We Are LA: Foster Youth. We Are LA connects individuals with local, state, and federal resources they are eligible for, empowering them to stay in their homes and maintain housing stability. The program also provides free legal aid to ensure that tenants are equipped with timely, comprehensive legal support and possible representation in court. In 2024, the Fund launched We Are LA: Foster Youth with the overarching goal of ensuring that Transition Age Youth exiting extended foster care are connected with support in their search for stable housing and employment.

Reporting to the Vice President of Programs, the Program Manager will play a vital role in managing the Fund’s We Are LA and Foster Youth programs. The Manager will work alongside a diverse team of colleagues, partners, community organizations, and stakeholders to ensure the success of the Fund’s current and future programs.

The Program Manager will support the Vice President of Programs in the execution of MFLA’s We Are LA and Foster Youth programs. The Program Manager will play a crucial role in managing the day-to-day operations of the programs and initiatives at the Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles. The Program Manager will be responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of programs, monitoring their outcomes, and fostering partnerships that enhance the Fund’s effort to keep Angelenos housed.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management:

• Provide thought partnership on the design, implementation, and expansion of the We Are LA and Foster Youth programs, ensuring alignment with homelessness prevention goals and the broader mission of MFLA.
• Manage the daily operations of the We Are LA and Foster Youth programs, ensuring seamless coordination between MFLA staff and external stakeholders.
• Support the Vice President of Programs in assessing overall program accessibility, effectiveness, and growth and identify effective pivots where appropriate.
• Stay informed on landscape changes that have short to long term impacts on program goals and homelessness prevention at large (e.g. policy changes) and conduct research as necessary.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local government agencies (City of LA), legal aid organizations (e.g. Eviction Defense Network), community-based organizations (e.g. current and future program partners), and other key stakeholders.
• Conduct routine visits with partners to observe the program in action and help identify areas of strengths and improvements.
• Join the Vice President of Programs (and at times, act as a representative of the Mayor’s Fund) at key public forums, events, and within relevant local networks to raise awareness about the program (e.g. TAY collaborative meetings, community outreach days, etc.)
• Advocate for the program within the community, highlighting its value in preventing homelessness and stabilizing families and work to ensure that We Are LA’s services are reaching those who need them most and that residents have a clear understanding of the resources available.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Track program evaluation metrics to measure the program's success in preventing homelessness and help ensure that grant deliverables are met.
• Prepare regular reports for Internal Leadership, Board of Directors, funders, and stakeholders that highlight program impact.
• Work with MFLA Development and Communications staff as needed to provide program related information in the development of fundraising and communications materials.

Qualifications (candidates’ experience should include some of the following:)

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• At least 2-4 years of experience in program management, especially in housing, homelessness prevention, the child-welfare system, community-based social services or other programs serving vulnerable residents
• Familiarity with Los Angeles’ housing, social service or legal systems, including tenant protections, eviction prevention, rental assistance programs, child welfare programs or the equivalent of the above
• Proven success in managing large-scale programs that involve cross-sector collaboration, particularly in public-private partnerships.
• Experience in working with vulnerable populations, including renters, those facing housing instability or foster youth
• Strong understanding of local, state, and federal resources related to housing stability, tenant rights, eviction prevention and the foster care system.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with government agencies, community organizations, and diverse community groups.

Core Competencies:

• Community Engagement: Ability to connect with diverse communities and effectively mobilize resources to support renters facing housing insecurity.
• Strategic Program Management: Strong skills in overseeing and improving complex programs with multiple stakeholders and resources, with keen attention to detail.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Expertise in building partnerships across sectors, including government, legal service providers, and community organizations.
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: Ability to address challenges related to housing stability and navigate complex frameworks.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to advocate for the program, communicate with residents, and report to stakeholders.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Capable of working in a fast-paced environment and adapting to the evolving needs of the community.

The Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles offers competitive health, dental, vision, and other benefits. The position is full-time, based on working onsite at the Fund’s office located in Downtown Los Angeles. This is an exempt position with occasional evening and weekend work or other organizational obligations expected, without overtime pay. The position is eligible for annual leave time off, plus holiday and sick pay.