Homeownership Program Specialist

POSITIONÂSUMMARYÂ

TheÂHomeownership Program SpecialistÂadvancesÂHabitat Chicagoâs mission by guiding prospective and current homebuyers through the Affordable Homeownership Program (AHP) and related initiatives. This role manages the full participant journey ensuring individuals are informed prepared and supported from recruitment and application through closing and ongoing homeownership. The Specialist fosters strong relationships connects homeowners to neighborhood networks and integrates educational resources to promote both individual success and community health.Â

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented mission-driven professional withÂstrong communication project management and interpersonal skills whoÂthrivesÂin a collaborative people-centered environment.Â

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:Â

Key Responsibility: Program Delivery and Participant Support (60%)Â

The Specialist contributes to the daily operations ofÂHabitat ChicagoâsÂHomeownership Programs and related initiatives providing participants with guidance tools and resources to successfullyÂpurchaseÂand maintain their homes.ÂTheyÂsupport participants through each stage of the homebuying journeyâoutreachÂand recruitment application intake and evaluation orientation coachingÂclosingÂand post-purchaseÂsupportâwhileÂensuringÂcompliance with fair housing lending and regulatory standards The Specialist prioritizes relationship-building clear communication and participant privacy while continuously refining program processes to enhance access engagement and outcomes.ÂÂ

Program Design Evaluation and Data Management (25%)Â

The Specialist contributes to the continuous improvement of program designÂand executionÂbyÂgatheringÂand analyzingÂdata to evaluate impactÂtrack participant progressÂstreamline processes for efficiency and accessibility and ensure program compliance.ÂThey generate reports to inform program improvementsÂidentifyÂtrends and opportunities and implement process enhancements that increase efficiency participant engagement and neighborhood impact.ÂThe Specialist works cross-departmentally toÂidentifyÂbest practices and implement strategies that enhance the overall experience and success of homebuyers.Â

Collaboration and Community Engagement (15%)Â

The Specialist serves as a bridge between homebuyers community partners and Habitat Chicagoâs teams.ÂThey collaborate with internal teams to inform home design and marketing strategies deliver tailored educational programming integrate new homeowners into community networksÂidentifyÂopportunities to diversify applicant pipelinesÂand represent Habitat Chicago in community outreach events strengthening connections across the organization and community.Â

Organizational Expectation: Leadership and TeamworkÂÂ

As a member of the Habitat Chicago team the Specialist contributes to a collaborative value-driven organizational culture. TheyÂmaintainÂa team-first mindset support colleagues across departments andÂparticipateÂin organization-wide events and initiatives as needed. The role requires consistent engagement with volunteers staff donors customers community partners and program participants modeling excellent customer service communication and mission-driven professionalism in all interactions.ÂÂ

Organizational Expectation: Professional growth and skill development:ÂÂ

The Specialist embraces opportunities for continual growth and adapts to evolving business needs. TheyÂdemonstrateÂflexibility curiosity and a willingness to take on new challenges and tasks by contributing to special projects and initiatives as needed.ÂÂÂ

RequiredÂknowledgeÂskillsÂand abilitiesÂ

• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.Â
• Advanced communication abilities including public speaking coaching listening and negotiation.Â
• Strong project management program development and data management skills.Â
• Exceptional organization attention to detail and ability to work independently.Â
• Basic mathÂproficiencyÂforÂaccurateÂcalculations and lending scenarios.Â
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive information.Â
• High computer literacy including Microsoft Office and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).Â
• Ability and willingness to secure andÂmaintainÂa Mortgage Loan Originator status as required by Habitat for Humanity International or the State of Illinois.Â
• Familiarity with Chicagoâs housing landscape including community-based organizations and affordability initiatives.Â

WeâdÂlove it if you had these qualifications butÂtheyâreÂnotÂdealbreakers.Â

• Understanding ofÂhousing market trends mortgage origination and housing counseling.Â
• Experience applying community development strategies.Â
• Knowledge of adult education principles and curriculum design.Â
• Familiarity with Habitat for Humanityâs mission and programs.Â
• Bilingual in English and SpanishÂ
• Experience with Salesforce or similar platforms.Â
• Bachelorâs degree inÂbusinessÂsocialÂwork or a related field; may be substituted with two years of relevant experience in real estate construction banking or title/escrowÂ
• Minimum two years of experience coordinating or administeringÂaffordableÂhousing programs.Â
• Minimum two years of professional experience in counseling adult education or program development preferred.Â
• MinimumÂtwo years of management or supervisory experience (employees volunteers students etc.).Â

Even if youÂdonâtÂmeet all the qualifications listed we encourage you to apply if this is a role that gets you excited. Let us know what you bring to the table that we may be overlooking.Â

Reports To:ÂHomeownership Programs ManagerÂ

Hours:ÂFull-time; 8am-4pm plusÂeveningÂand weekend meetings asÂrequired.Â

Environment:ÂThe Habitat Chicago office isÂlocatedÂat 111 W Jackson Blvd in Chicago. It is accessible by car and public transit. This position will have a desk laptop computer and phone line in an open office environment.ÂÂ

Conditions: Must be ableÂto lift 25 pounds and work at a computer forÂlong periodsÂof time.Â

Compensation: Hourly position ranging fromÂ$53000-Â$58000ÂaÂyear depending on experience. 30 vacation/sick/personal days per year. 90% employer-paid health insurance; access to dental visionÂlifeÂand 401k plans.Â

FLSA Status: This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It does not earn overtime or compensatory time forÂadditionalÂtime worked.ÂÂÂ

Onboarding:âTheâpositionâwill begin with an onboarding period to become familiar with the organizationâs work and policies;ÂtheyÂwill be trained on the specifics of the role through a combination of in-person online and written trainings and will be expected to take the initiative to review materials as needed and seek understanding of new developmentsÂin order toÂperformÂtheirÂresponsibilities.ÂÂ