HomeGrown Public Engagement Specialist

GRANT-FUNDED POSITION NOTICE

This position is funded through the Home Grown Grant Program for a defined term of 1-3 years. While NHS intends for the role to remain active for the duration of the grant, employment with NHS is strictly at-will. Continued employment is contingent upon ongoing grant funding.

The Public Engagement Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for public inquiries related to the Home Grown Grant Program. The role ensures accurate and consistent information is delivered to stakeholders and community members. The ideal candidate is customer-service oriented, highly organized, and able to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse audiences.

• Serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking information about the Home Grown Grant Program.
• Respond to phone calls, voicemails, emails, and other inquiries within 2–3 business days.
• Provide accurate and consistent information regarding program eligibility, application processes, timelines, documentation requirements, and other program components.
• Track inquiries and responses using NHS’s approved systems and maintain organized communication records.
• Complete soft underwriting on all files before routing them to Underwriting for formal evaluation.

• Clearly explain program guidelines and connect members of the public to additional resources as needed.
• Represent the Home Grown Program in a professional, courteous, and culturally competent manner.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging to the public.
• Assist with outreach efforts, public information sessions, and community-facing materials as needed.

• Identify common themes and frequently asked questions based on incoming inquiries.
• Recommend improvements to website content, FAQs, and public communication materials.
• Monitor inquiry volume and provide updates to program leadership.
• Support administrative and operational tasks related to the program as assigned.

$25/hour

• Paid time off
• We also offer a team spirit, which strives for excellence in customer service.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience.

• 2–3 years of experience in customer service, community engagement, or program support.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage high volumes of inquiries and meet response timelines.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Technology: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Salesforce or CRM inquiry-tracking systems (preferred).

To succeed in this role, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Customer/Client Focus
• Professional Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

This position involves a combination of office-based work, virtual communication, and occasionally community-based engagement. Some evening or weekend availability may be required for special events or outreach activities.

The Home Grown Program staff are required to work full-time in the office. Remote work arrangements are not available for this position. Employees must be present in-office for all scheduled workdays and attend meetings as needed.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) is deeply committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our work and advances our mission. NHS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.