DHA HOUSING SOLUTIONS FOR NORTH TEXAS

JOB VACANCY

JANUARY 10, 2022

Job Title:                 Chief Research and Innovation Officer

Location:                 Executive Office

Summary: The Chief Research and Innovation Officer (CRIO) is responsible for driving and implementing research-based transformative initiatives to advance DHA’s growth, productivity, service delivery and to expand the organization's long-term innovative capabilities. The CRIO will report to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer as well as the Executive team on the design and delivery of such solutions.

The Chief Research and Innovation Officer (CRIO) is responsible for managing the innovation process inside the organization which includes pursuing operational and technological advancement within and across departments, introducing innovative and practical models, and accordingly delivers and implements pioneer solutions. The CRIO will actively identify key areas for innovative transformation to improve DHA’s operational efficiency, departmental performance, and foster self-sufficiency for DHA-served families and North Texas communities. The CRIO must have a proven track records of successfully conceptualizing, strategizing, and implementing innovative programs and policies.

The CRIO is responsible for identifying business opportunities when developing innovation models and solutions. The CRIO should actively identify where intellectual capital, which includes new capabilities and operational expertise, can generate revenue. Thus, where suitable, the CRIO should pursue funding opportunities through (1) grant/funded research with universities/research organizations and (2) through partnerships/consulting services in the delivery of innovative housing solutions. The CRIO must have a proven track records of successfully capitalizing on innovation and securing funded partnerships. 

The CRIO should also develop and recommend strategies to highlight DHA’s innovative work in an effort to market intellectual capital, attract business opportunities, and contribute to the agency’s overall reputational value.  Overall, the CRIO is responsible for identifying opportunities for innovation, designing and deploying programs and infrastructure to meet identified needs and to provide leadership and implementation oversight to department heads. Importantly, the CRIO must encourage creative thinking in senior management staff and must follow inclusive and collaborative change and growth management practices.

The Chief Research and Innovation Officer must possess an inquisitive and creative mind, demonstrate superior research and analytical skills as well as a strong business acumen and passion for entrepreneurship. Must be forward-thinking and adaptable to dynamic situations, highly proficient at project design, planning, and oversight, and must have a solid understanding of innovation and how it should be applied in governmental affairs. Importantly, must possess excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.

 Departmental Responsibilities:

• Policy Development and Research
• Family Self-Sufficiency
• Resident Services (strategies in service delivery)

Essential Job Functions:  The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification.  Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Develop and implement short-term and long-term innovative strategies designed to boost performance and operational efficiency, promote agile decision making, and foster DHA's goals and priorities.
• Provide agency-wide innovation/R&D planning and vision recommendations to CEO
• Identify opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and business opportunities
• Design, develop, and deploy tech-driven innovative programs and policies to further DHA’s mission
• Provide leadership and oversight to current PD&R programs including, but not limited to: Children First North Texas, Emergency Rental Assistance programs, Dallas Rapid Rehousing Program
• Provide guidance and oversight on designated AI projects and CRM-based operations
• Must be able to concurrently manage highly complex initiatives
• Perform a variety of spatial and statistical analyses related to residential living patterns and neighborhood quality for protected classes and residents of publicly supported housing programs
• Perform qualitative analysis of public input, policy, federal housing programs and practices using standard and non-standard methods and techniques.
• Serving as a liaison to the city, County, State, and federal officials, Community Boards and other agencies, advocacy groups, foundations, and private sector businesses
• Coordinating the creation, collection, evaluation, analysis, and distribution of information for meetings with the DHA Board of Commissioners, City Council, HUD, and others, conveying DHA goals and initiatives
• Preparing white papers, testimony and testifying to organizations as needed
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and DHA information.
• Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with tenant, landlord, and DHA staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required by CEO
• Upholds DHA’s Mission, Vision and Core Values

Knowledge and Skills:

•  Knowledge of DHA organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• PhD and at least 5 years of full-time relevant professional experience in Applied Research, Planning, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a field related to this position
• Must have a proven track records of successfully conceptualizing, strategizing, and implementing innovative programs and policies
• Must have a proven track records of successfully capitalizing on innovation and securing funded partnerships
• A background in policy planning, public relations, journalism or legislative and/or intergovernmental affairs is essential
• An understanding of issues relating to housing, transportation, health care, segregation and poverty in a large urban setting is essential
• Knowledge of Dallas and North Texas governmental structure and policy context and a firm grasp on local politics
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in terms of creating, directing, and translating rigorous, defensible public policy and operational models into transparent conclusions that can be easily explained and understood by the public
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience in leveraging GIS, CRM, and advanced data to foster innovation and data-driven operation
• Demonstrated experience with building relationships with government and community stakeholders
• Excellent task management, information management, and organizational skills, as well as impeccable writing, copyediting, and proofreading skills
• Ability to gain the support of independent stakeholders
• Willingness to work as part of a team environment, and adapts well to change
• Experience in staff supervision and development
• Government work experience or relevant technical, consulting or business background is a plus
• Willingness to travel or work after hours, as required
• Fluency in a second language is a plus.
• Skill in establishing cooperative working relationships with employees and the public
• Skill in effective communication, both verbal and written.
• Skill in interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to lift/carry up to 10 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

PhD degree from an accredited college or university, and experience in public policy, business administration, public administration, technology, or similar fields. At least 5 years’ experience in research, technology, and innovations in welfare policy. 3-5 years' experience in a management position; executive experience preferred.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Open Until Filled

Explanation of Hiring Process

Thank you for your interest in job opportunities with the Dallas Housing Authority. All applications for open posted positions must be submitted via on-line at www.dhantx.com. No on-line applications will be accepted after the noted closing date on the announcement. We encourage you to visit our website often to view and apply for vacant positions with the agency.

DHA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and all employees and applicants are treated equally without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.