Senior Manager, Homeownership Programs

Habitat Chicago Careers•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Homeownership Programs leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Habitat Chicago’s homeownership programs, supporting both prospective and current homeowners in achieving and sustaining successful homeownership. This position identifies and ensures homebuyer and home repair programs meet attendance and participation goals, while ensuring a quality experience for participants. Reporting to the Director of Neighborhood Initiatives, this position implements and manages program strategy, education, operations, partnerships, participant experience, and evaluation. The role supervises the Homeownership Support Specialist and works closely with Housing Development and Construction, Neighborhood Engagement, Volunteers, Operations, and external partners to ensure programs are coordinated, accessible, and responsive to homeowner needs. This position is ideal for a strategic, organized, and people-centered program leader with experience in program management, project coordination, and building coalitions with an interest or prior experience in affordable housing, homeownership, housing counseling, and/or related fields.

Requirements

Experience managing housing, homeownership, housing counseling, community development, or related programs, with demonstrated ability to lead programs from planning through implementation and evaluation.
Strong relationship-building and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with program participants, community partners, staff, and external stakeholders.
Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.
Ability to develop and improve program processes, policies, and systems and use data to inform decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff.
Commitment to equitable, participant-centered service and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
Computer competence, including Microsoft Office and database or CRM systems; Salesforce experience is a plus.
Ability and willingness to secure and maintain Mortgage Loan Originator status as required by Habitat for Humanity International or the State of Illinois, if applicable.
Five or more years of relevant professional experience in affordable housing, homeownership, housing counseling, community development, or related field.
At least two years of experience supervising or managing staff, programs, or significant projects preferred.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Experience with affordable mortgage lending, underwriting, housing counseling, or homebuyer education.
Familiarity with Chicago’s housing landscape and community development organizations.
Experience with Monday.com or similar program management systems.
Experience developing adult education programs or curriculum.
Experience working with community-based organizations, lenders, or other housing partners.
Understanding the connection between homeownership, housing stability, wealth building, and neighborhood health.
Familiarity with the Habitat for Humanity mission and operations.
Bachelor’s degree in business, social work, housing, community development, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Leads the planning and ongoing development of Habitat Chicago’s homeownership programs, translating organizational and neighborhood priorities into effective programs, policies, and participant experiences.
Identifies buyer pipelines and program participants and recognizes opportunities to improve access to homeownership, strengthen homeowner outcomes, and respond to changing housing needs and conditions.
Leads the delivery and continuous improvement of Habitat Chicago’s homeownership education programs, including Homebuyer University, education provided through the Affordable Homeownership Program (AHP), and emerging homeowner education initiatives such as HOA education and post-purchase programming.
Ensures that educational content, instructors, and delivery methods effectively prepare prospective and current homeowners for successful and sustainable homeownership.
Evaluates participant needs, identifies opportunities to strengthen program offerings, and regularly assesses and improves existing educational programs.
Develops and implements outreach and participant recruitment strategies to ensure a strong pipeline of qualified homebuyer and homeowner program participants.
Works collaboratively with Neighborhood Engagement, Housing Development and Construction, community partners, lenders, and housing organizations to increase awareness of Habitat Chicago's programs, connect prospective participants to resources, and reduce barriers to participation.
Expands access to homeownership opportunities and strengthens engagement with current and future homeowners through partnerships and outreach efforts.
Provides oversight of program operations and ensures consistent, high-quality service to prospective and current homeowners.
Establishes effective processes and standards, ensures program requirements are met, and works across departments to coordinate the homeowner experience.
Provides oversight of programs supporting existing homeowners and homeowner repair initiatives, including coordination with Housing Development and Construction for assessment and construction activity.
Establishes and monitors program goals, measures, and outcomes and uses data and participant feedback to inform program improvements.
Maintains effective program systems, procedures, and documentation and works with the Director and Operations to manage budgets, resources, compliance, and program risks.
Supervises, supports, and develops their direct reports, establishing clear expectations, priorities, and accountability.
Provides direction on participant support, education, and program operations while ensuring their team has the tools and information needed to effectively support prospective and current homeowners.
Fosters a collaborative and participant-centered approach and works with the Director and peer managers to ensure alignment across programs and departments.
Contributes to a collaborative, values-driven organizational culture.
Maintains a team-first mindset, supports colleagues across departments, and participates in organization-wide events and initiatives as needed.
Represents Habitat Chicago with professionalism, respect, and a strong commitment to the organization’s mission.
Embraces opportunities for continual growth and adapts to evolving business needs.
Demonstrates flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to take on new challenges and tasks by contributing to special projects and initiatives as needed.