Job Description

The Program Specialist, Homeownership serves as the primary point of contact for one or more contracted agencies or internal CHA programs and is responsible for ensuring that the program and scope of work is executed with the highest quality and efficiency. This role includes designing, coordinating, and implementing homeownership-focused workshops, sourcing and engaging a variety of community stakeholders, and fostering partnerships to deliver robust educational opportunities for residents. The Program Specialist will also be responsible for tracking, analyzing, and reporting program data; delivering engaging presentations; and leveraging social media marketing to promote homeownership resources, workshops, and success stories.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a point of contact and oversee deliverables for contracted agencies in CHA’s homeownership models, including the Choose to Own and Down Payment Assistance programs.
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate homeownership-related workshops, including sourcing speakers and collaborating with community partners, lenders, real estate professionals, and nonprofit organizations to deliver impactful content.
• Identify, engage, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders—including community organizations, housing counseling agencies, and other resource providers—to expand the breadth of services available to residents.
• Respond to program inquiries from prospective participants and partners within two business days, interact via email/phone, and lead large group information sessions (virtually and/or in-person).
• Assist with or initiate marketing activities—including targeted social media campaigns—to increase awareness of CHA’s homeownership programs and community resources.
• Collect, analyze, and report program data, including workshop attendance, participant progress, and outcomes, ensuring data accuracy and timely submission of reports.
• Provide technical assistance to residents/participants interested in homeownership or down payment assistance, guiding them through processes and connecting them to relevant resources.
• Conduct bi-weekly check-ins with participants to monitor and track progress toward homeownership goals.
• Design and distribute program surveys, capture qualitative and quantitative feedback, and review best practices to ensure continuous program improvement.
• Maintain applicant/participant files and waitlists for the Down Payment Assistance program.
• Coordinate with the Housing Choice Voucher program to ensure a smooth transition into homeownership.
• Deliver presentations to internal and external audiences, tailoring content to diverse community needs and literacy levels.
• Explore and recommend additional homeownership models and strategies to support CHA residents’ economic empowerment.
• Represent CHA at community events, housing fairs, and stakeholder meetings to promote homeownership initiatives.
• This position requires occasional Saturday work for outreach and community events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including evening work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of two (2) years of prior work experience in affordable housing, homeownership counseling, or down payment assistance programs. In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree: a combination of four (4) years of education and three (3) years of prior work experience in affordable housing, homeownership counseling, or down payment assistance programs. Experience developing and facilitating community-based workshops, for local, state and federal housing programs particularly in homeownership or similar programs, with demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships with community stakeholders, housing counseling agencies, and down payment and homebuyer resource providers. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) with proven ability to create and deliver presentations both virtually and in-person. Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting skills; experience with Yardi or similar databases preferred. Knowledge of local, state, and federal homeownership programs and resources a plus. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, comfortable delivering program data to stakeholders as well as homeownership presentations to both large and small diverse audience. Strong customer service orientation, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects. Assist and create social media campaigns and strategies to promote housing resource programs. Must possess a valid Driver’s License and be able to work off-site as needed.

BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE

• Vacation, Sick and Personal, competitive PTO package
• Medical (HMO, PPO, and No employee cost High-Deductible PPO) Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Parking Transit
• Prepaid Legal Services
• Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan
• Identity Theft Protection
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan: Empower 457/401(a) with a 3% employer match
• Pension Plan: CHA makes contributions on behalf of the employee, along with the employee's 3% contribution; 100% vesting occurs after 6 years of continuous employment or opt-out of CHA's Retirement Plan and continues to participate in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
• Hybrid work schedule (position specific) This position may be eligible for remote work following a successful completion of a 90-day probationary period according to CHA’s established policies and procedures.

"Applications will be accepted for 30 days from the date of posting. However, the position may be closed at any point if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.”

All applicants must apply directly to the company webpage at: CAREERS.THECHA.ORG to complete the job application.

Salary $62,500

Grade: S6

FLSA: Exempt

Union: No

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