Homeownership Program Specialist
About The Position
The Homeownership Program Specialist advances Habitat 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. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, mission-driven professional with strong communication, project management, and interpersonal skills who thrives in a collaborative, people-centered environment. ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:  Key Responsibility: Program Delivery and Participant Support (60%)  The Specialist contributes to the daily operations of Habitat Chicagoâs Homeownership Programs and related initiatives, providing participants with guidance, tools, and resources to successfully purchase and maintain their homes. They support participants through each stage of the homebuying journeyâoutreach and recruitment, application intake and evaluation, orientation, coaching, closing, and post-purchase supportâwhile ensuring compliance 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.  Program Design, Evaluation, and Data Management (25%)  The Specialist contributes to the continuous improvement of program design and execution by gathering and analyzing data to evaluate impact, track participant progress, streamline processes for efficiency and accessibility, and ensure program compliance. They generate reports to inform program improvements, identify trends and opportunities, and implement process enhancements that increase efficiency, participant engagement, and neighborhood impact. The Specialist works cross-departmentally to identify best practices and implement strategies that enhance the overall experience and success of homebuyers. Collaboration and Community Engagement (15%)  The Specialist serves as a bridge between homebuyers, community partners, and Habitat Chicagoâs teams. They collaborate with internal teams to inform home design and marketing strategies, deliver tailored educational programming, integrate new homeowners into community networks, identify opportunities to diversify applicant pipelines, and represent Habitat Chicago in community outreach events, strengthening connections across the organization and community. Organizational Expectation: Leadership and Teamwork  As a member of the Habitat Chicago team, the Specialist contributes to a collaborative, value-driven organizational culture. They maintain a team-first mindset, support colleagues across departments, and participate in 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.  Organizational Expectation: Professional growth and skill development:   The Specialist embraces opportunities for continual growth and adapts to evolving business needs. They demonstrate flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to take on new challenges and tasks by contributing to special projects and initiatives as needed. Â
Requirements
- Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Advanced communication abilities, including public speaking, coaching, listening, and negotiation.
- Strong project management, program development, and data management skills.
- Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
- Basic math proficiency for accurate calculations and lending scenarios.
- Commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive information.
- High computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
- Ability and willingness to secure and maintain a Mortgage Loan Originator status as required by Habitat for Humanity International or the State of Illinois.
- Familiarity with Chicagoâs housing landscape, including community-based organizations and affordability initiatives.
- Minimum two years of experience coordinating or administering affordable housing programs.
- Minimum two years of professional experience in counseling, adult education, or program development preferred.
- Minimum two years of management or supervisory experience (employees, volunteers, students, etc.).
- Bachelorâs degree in business, social work, or a related field; may be substituted with two years of relevant experience in real estate, construction, banking, or title/escrow
Nice To Haves
- Understanding of housing market trends, mortgage origination, and housing counseling.
- Experience applying community development strategies.
- Knowledge of adult education principles and curriculum design.
- Familiarity with Habitat for Humanityâs mission and programs.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Experience with Salesforce, or similar platforms.
Responsibilities
- Program Delivery and Participant Support
- Program Design, Evaluation, and Data Management
- Collaboration and Community Engagement
Benefits
- 30+ vacation/sick/personal days per year.
- 90% employer-paid health insurance; access to dental, vision, life and 401k plans.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
