Marta Asfaw
Seattle,WA
Summary
Strategic housing and human services professional with over 10 years of experience in affordable housing, homelessness services, youth development, and community programs. Experienced in advising executive leadership, managing complex projects, and navigating cross-sector partnerships in large organizations and government systems. Skilled in integrating equity and social justice into programs and policies, overseeing contracts and procurement, and facilitating collaborative decision-making. Proven ability to track and report outcomes, lead multi-site initiatives, and advance organizational priorities that strengthen community impact.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Field Operations Coordinator
King County Regional Homelessness Authority
07.2023 - Current
- Oversee contract management, ensuring compliance with state and organizational policies, and facilitating the timely execution of agreements across multiple programs.
- Lead site relocations, coordinating logistics and stakeholder communications to ensure smooth transitions and minimal disruption to services.
- Manage the State Encampment Resolution Program, supervising operations, coordinating with local government and agencies, and implementing strategies to address homelessness effectively.
- Serve as project lead on complex initiatives, developing timelines, tracking deliverables, and reporting progress to leadership.
- Advise program leadership on operational, programmatic, and policy issues, providing strategic recommendations to optimize service delivery and resource allocation.
- Facilitate collaboration among cross-functional teams, community partners, and government agencies to advance program goals and support equity-focused outcomes.
- Draft briefings and communications for senior leadership, ensuring clarity, political sensitivity, and alignment with organizational priorities.
- Develop systems and processes for tracking projects, contracts, and program outcomes to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
Program Specialist
King County Regional Homelessness Authority
09.2022 - 07.2023
- Monitored contracts and ensured compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements, guiding program staff and leadership.
- Maintained daily communication and collaboration with local government entities, fostering strong cross-sector partnerships and supporting coordinated service delivery.
- Facilitated provider meetings, including agenda development, note-taking, and follow-up to ensure actionable outcomes and alignment with program goals.
- Supported policy and program development by gathering data, analyzing trends, and making recommendations to improve program effectiveness.
- Applied equity and social justice principles in all programmatic work, promoting inclusive practices and culturally responsive approaches.
- Tracked program performance metrics, reporting outcomes to leadership and identifying areas for improvement or strategic adjustment.
Director of Youth Services
Mary's Place
06.2017 - 09.2022
- Led organizational initiatives to advance racial equity and social justice, creating inclusive and affirming environments for youth and families from historically marginalized communities.
- Advised leadership on programmatic and policy decisions, providing strategic recommendations to improve outcomes and operational effectiveness.
- Managed administrative and operational functions, including budgeting, record-keeping, and grant reporting, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational and funding requirements.
- Built and maintained cross-sector partnerships with schools, community organizations, families, and volunteers to support coordinated service delivery and program expansion.
- Designed, implemented, and evaluated programs to address the needs of families experiencing homelessness, using data-driven insights to inform improvements and strategic priorities.
- Supervised and developed staff across multiple sites, including hiring, training, performance management, and professional development, ensuring high-quality program implementation.
- Facilitated team and stakeholder meetings, fostering collaborative decision-making, clear communication, and alignment on program goals.
- Coordinated referrals and advocacy efforts, connecting families with community resources and addressing barriers to equitable access.
- Researched and applied best practices in youth development, collaborating with external agencies to standardize quality programming and ensure consistent outcomes.
Associate Youth Services Director
Mary's Place
Seattle, WA
06.2016 - 08.2018
- Supervised volunteers who assisted in the delivery of programs designed for young people.
- Developed positive relationships with parents and guardians and community members.
- Assisted in developing and implementing youth programs to meet the needs of a diverse group of adolescents.
- Participated in regular professional development opportunities related to working with adolescents.
- Provided crisis intervention services for at-risk youth when necessary.
- Facilitated weekly meetings with staff to discuss program goals and objectives.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated and mentored staff members.
Youth Specialist
Boys & Girls Club of King County
06.2010 - 03.2017
- Developed and facilitated recreational and educational programs, fostering safe and engaging group environments for youth.
- Applied crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations and ensure youth safety.
- Provided transitional support to youth in education, life skills, and career development, promoting long-term success.
- Designed individual and group programs to encourage prosocial behaviors and reinforce positive decision-making.
- Modeled strengths-based problem solving, goal setting, and study skills to guide youth development and achievement.
- Leveraged youth development principles to motivate, support, and empower diverse participants.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Shoreline College
Shoreline, WA06-2012
Skills
- Project & Program Management
- Contract & Procurement Oversight
- Policy Analysis & Strategic Advising
- Equity & Social Justice Integration
- Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Leadership & Staff Development
- Effective communication and reporting
- Youth & Community Services
- Cross-Sector Partnership Building
- Crisis management
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Field Operations Coordinator
King County Regional Homelessness Authority
07.2023 - Current
Program Specialist
King County Regional Homelessness Authority
09.2022 - 07.2023
Director of Youth Services
Mary's Place
06.2017 - 09.2022
Associate Youth Services Director
Mary's Place
06.2016 - 08.2018
Youth Specialist
Boys & Girls Club of King County
06.2010 - 03.2017
Associate of Science - Nursing
Shoreline College