Program Manager

Position: Program Manager

Organization: Helena Area Habitat for Humanity

Office

Location:

Helena, Montana

Status: Exempt, Full‑time position (General schedule: 8:30 – 5:00 Monday‑to‑Friday) Some evening and weekend hour required

Reports to: Director of Operations
Direct Reports: Program Coordinator(s)

The Program Manager plays a leadership role in advancing Helena Area Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building strength, stability, and self‑reliance through affordable home ownership. This position is responsible for managing and coordinating all activities related to homeowner loan underwriting, approval, and closing, in collaboration with lenders, legal counsel, and internal leadership.

The Program Manager oversees all aspects of Habitat’s home ownership and home repair programs, ensuring high‑quality customer service, full regulatory compliance, and long‑term stewardship of Habitat’s permanent affordability portfolio. This role provides hands‑on oversight of program delivery, supervises program staff, develops systems and processes to improve efficiency and equity, and serves as the organization’s internal subject‑matter expert on housing finance, affordable housing mechanisms, and homeowner support.

Mission commitment – committed to Habitat’s mission and values and consider them as a framework for all professional decisions.

Diversity commitment – compelled by our Koinonia roots to put God’s love into action and pursue housing justice for all by driving diversity, equity and inclusion with accountability and trust while attracting and retaining diverse, mission‑driven talent representative of the community we serve.

People commitment – dedicated to working effectively as a team member with staff, volunteers, homeowners, and other stakeholders from all races, faiths and backgrounds.

Results commitment – goal‑driven, results‑oriented and committed to building quality, affordable homes, and recognize that each member of our team has a vital role in that goal.

Personal development commitment – committed to self‑evaluation and ongoing professional development, striving to stay current with best practices in our work personally and as an organization.

• Manage and coordinate the full loan underwriting and closing process, including documentation, compliance verification, and communication with lenders, title companies, and legal counsel.
• Prescreen applicants and prepare complete loan packages to secure mortgage financing and down payment assistance for home ownership and home repair participants.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of mortgage lending requirements, affordable housing finance structures, and applicable reporting standards.
• Program Oversight and Customer Experience
• Deliver consistent, high‑quality customer service to prospective and current homeowners and home repair participants, ensuring a respectful, transparent, and supportive experience.
• Develop, document, and refine program procedures to promote efficient delivery, clear communication, and equitable access to services.

• Manage the full lifecycle of Habitat’s home ownership and home repair programs, from intake and eligibility determination through approval, construction coordination, and post‑closing follow‑up.
• Evaluate applicants, prepare supporting documentation, and present qualified applicants to committees or leadership for approval.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Habitat for Humanity, USDA Rural Development (RD), Montana Board of Housing (MBOH), and other relevant housing and lending regulations.
• Oversee accurate and timely preparation and submission of required USDA RD and MBOH reports, in coordination with the Director of Operations and finance staff.

• Administer all aspects of Helena Area Habitat’s permanent affordability strategies, including Community Land Trust (CLT) and deed‑restricted home ownership programs.
• Ensure legal documents are properly reviewed, executed, and recorded to protect Habitat’s long‑term affordability and asset stewardship goals.
• Manage…