Manager of Advancing Black Homeownership (ABH)

Habitat for Humanity Portland Region•Portland, OR

1d•$66,547 - $96,496•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Advancing Black Homeownership (ABH) plays a crucial role in advancing equitable access to Habitat’s Homeownership program. This position requires a deep understanding of and commitment to affordable homeownership, with a clear awareness of how Black Portlanders have been systemically excluded from opportunities to build wealth and stability through homeownership. The role involves actively applying this understanding to drive equitable access, delivering and evaluating culturally responsive services, and addressing systemic barriers impacting historically underserved communities. The successful candidate will be comfortable working within the Habitat homeownership model, motivated to design and implement new, culturally responsive strategies to engage Black Portlanders, and increase access to Habitat’s homeownership opportunities. This is an outreach-focused role that involves presenting, building trust, and developing lasting partnerships with community members, organizations, and leaders. The position requires strong collaborative, creative problem-solving, and communication skills, with in-depth knowledge of systemic housing barriers and equitable community development. The Manager will serve as a connector and advocate for the Black community, elevating Habitat’s Homeownership program, reducing barriers to participation, and ensuring the program is inclusive, accessible, and impactful for Black families.

Requirements

Demonstrated understanding of racial disparities in housing and wealth-building.
5+ years of experience in housing, community development, racial equity initiatives, nonprofit management, lending, or related fields.
5+ years of progressive experience; 2+ of which is direct or leadership experience. (Or 3+ years of progressive experience, 1+ of which is direct/leadership, and relevant bachelor's degree.)
Self-directed and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects.
Experience managing community-based programs and strategic partnerships.
Strong project management, communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
Experience with grants management, reporting, and program evaluation.
Knowledge of fair housing laws, housing finance systems, and homeownership programs.
Strong relationship-based communication skills, both written and verbal.
Strong public speaking, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and build trust across communities.
Experience using data, participant feedback, and evaluation findings to inform decision-making and improve program outcomes.
Any combination of formal education, paid work experience, unpaid/volunteer experience, and life experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

HUD Housing Counseling Certification
Experience designing and implementing equity-focused programs
Experience with coalition building and advocacy
Strong foundation in Trauma Informed Care

Responsibilities

Increase awareness of Habitat's homeownership opportunities among Black households through participation in community events, information tables, coalitions, and speaking engagements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations, faith-based groups, advocacy groups and community leaders working at the intersections of social justice, housing, and equitable community development.
Collaborate with the Education team to develop and deliver pre-application workshops designed to increase participation among Black households and other communities historically excluded from homeownership.
Coordinate open houses and tours of newly constructed Habitat homes to inform prospective buyers about Habitat home features and quality.
Serve as Habitat's internal subject matter expert on Advancing Black Homeownership, advising leadership and staff on equitable outreach, applicant navigation, partnership development, and strategies to reduce barriers to homeownership.
Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of Habitat's three-year Advancing Black Homeownership strategy, establishing annual priorities, measuring outcomes, and recommending future strategic direction.
Serve as Habitat Portland Region's primary representative for Advancing Black Homeownership initiatives with Habitat for Humanity International, local and national partners, community organizations, and peer agencies.
Develop written publications that promote the Advancing Black Homeownership (ABH) initiative and highlight lessons learned.
Partner with the Data and Program Evaluation Manager to track whether outreach, navigation, and program improvements are reducing disparities in application completion, approval, and successful homeownership outcomes.
Partner with Data and Evaluation Program Manager to analyze application, approval, and dropout data by race to identify disparities or unintentional barriers.
Make recommendations and collaborate with program leadership to implement equity‑centered improvements in program policies and practices that disproportionately exclude Black applicants while remaining compliant with fair housing and fair lending laws.
Develop annual budget recommendations for the Advancing Black Homeownership initiative and manage approved program resources and grant-funded activities.
Conduct culturally responsive outreach to ensure Black households are aware of Habitat’s homeownership opportunities.
Serve as a visible, consistent point of contact to reduce mistrust rooted in historical housing discrimination.
Explain eligibility requirements, mortgage terms, program requirements, and timelines in clear, accessible language.
Help applicants successfully navigate program requirements and overcome barriers that may impact application completion such as gathering documentation (income verification, credit reports, identification, etc.).
Provide one-on-one coaching to applicants throughout the application and approval process.
Center feedback from Black applicants and homeowners to inform program changes and elevate participant voices in the organization.
Ensure program materials, policies, and communications reflect racial equity values and inclusive language.
Champions continuous improvement efforts that enhance applicant experience and promote equitable outcomes.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Generous paid time off
Life insurance
Paid family and medical leave
100% employer-paid premium for health insurance (medical, vision, alternative care, prescriptions) for employee; 50% premium paid for dependents
100% employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
100% employer-paid premium for dental insurance for employee; 50% premium paid for dependents
Generous paid time off: starting at three weeks of Vacation time; two weeks of Sick time; 11 paid holidays; paid birthday off
3% matching 403(b) retirement savings plan
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)