Homeownership Program Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Home ownership Program Specialist advances Habitat Chicago’s mission by guiding prospective and current home buyers through the Affordable Home ownership 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 home ownership. 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 Chicago’s Home ownership 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 home buying journey—outreach and recruitment, application intake and evaluation, orientation, coaching, closing, and post-purchase support—while 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 home buyers.

Collaboration

and Community Engagement (15%)

The Specialist serves as a bridge between home buyers, community partners, and Habitat Chicago’s 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• 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…