Program Officer - Community Affairs

Illinois Housing Development•Chicago, IL

8h•$60,089 - $75,111•Hybrid

About The Position

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is seeking a Program Officer for its Community Affairs Department. This department manages programs focused on building financially stable households and communities, working with external partners like local governments, housing counseling agencies, and community action agencies. The Program Officer will support current and future funding programs by reviewing applications, making funding recommendations, preparing reports, building partner relationships, providing support, improving programs, ensuring compliance, processing payments, and training partners. This role requires strong skills, initiative, and reliability, with an emphasis on clear and professional communication, policy interpretation, and application. The position is currently in a hybrid work arrangement, but candidates must reside in Illinois at the time of hire. Flexible scheduling is available after a six-month probationary period.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Political Science, Business Administration, Finance, or related field, or minimum of five years’ experience in a related field.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills.
Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills.
Strong relationship-building skills.
Highly organized, efficient, self-motivated and detail-oriented.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and proficiency with or willingness to learn systems such as Monday.com and JotForm.
Highly effective interpersonal skills including demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with a variety of staff and external partners from various fields of interest.
Must be a resident of Illinois or willing to relocate.

Nice To Haves

Experience in grant and program management preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyze program partner files, documents, and applications.
Review and make recommendations on project eligibility based on application and/or program criteria and requirements.
Maintain confidentiality and professional discretion through the review and approval process.
Manage a portfolio of grantees, including building relationships with program partners, providing coaching to address challenges, and ensuring grantees can meet performance goals.
Develop in-depth program knowledge and serve as a subject matter expert and trainer on the program for partners.
Review and score partner applications for funding.
Participate in team discussions on funding recommendations.
Analyze programmatic policies and procedures, and collaborate with the team and management to develop, write, and implement improvements.
Perform research as needed to support those efforts.
Develop content and supporting materials for webinars and present the material to program partners and applicants.
Process, review, and approve the submission of payments to program partners.
Prepare memos and associated exhibit materials on program matters for Board and make presentations for Board approval.
Develop, write, and edit supporting materials for programs including, manuals, checklists, forms, summaries, and other documents.
Conduct desk and on-site monitoring reviews; ensure proper documentation exists in client files.
Assist with occasional client concerns as needed.
Assist with the design and implementation of new programs as needed.
Collaborate and assist with other Community Affairs projects as needed.
Attend outreach events as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.