Senior Manager, Homeownership Programs

Job Description

The Senior Manager, Homeownership Programs leads the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Habitat for Humanity 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.

Responsibilities

Key responsibility: homeownership program strategy and planning (25%)

The senior manager leads the planning and ongoing development of Habitat Chicago's homeownership programs, translating organizational and neighborhood priorities into effective programs, policies and participant experiences. The manager 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.

Key responsibility: homeownership education, partnerships and outreach (30%)

The senior manager 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 Homeowners Association (HOA) education and post-purchase programming. The senior manager is responsible for ensuring that educational content, instructors and delivery methods effectively prepare prospective and current homeowners for successful and sustainable homeownership. This includes evaluating participant needs, identifying opportunities to strengthen program offerings and regularly assessing and improving existing educational programs.

The senior manager is also responsible for developing and implementing outreach and participant recruitment strategies to ensure a strong pipeline of qualified homebuyer and homeowner program participants. The senior manager 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. Through these partnerships and outreach efforts, the manager expands access to homeownership opportunities and strengthens engagement with current and future homeowners.

Key responsibility: program operations and participant experience (20%)

The senior manager provides oversight of program operations and ensures consistent, high-quality service to prospective and current homeowners. The senior manager establishes effective processes and standards, ensures program requirements are met and works across departments to coordinate the homeowner experience. This includes oversight of programs supporting existing homeowners and homeowner repair initiatives, including coordination with housing development and construction for assessment and construction activity.

Key responsibility: program evaluation, systems, and resource management (15%)

The senior manager establishes and monitors program goals, measures and outcomes and uses data and participant feedback to inform program improvements. The senior manager maintains effective program systems, procedures and documentation and works with the director and operations to manage budgets, resources, compliance and program risks.

Key responsibility: team leadership and development (10%)

The senior manager supervises, supports and develops their direct reports, establishing clear expectations, priorities and accountability. The senior manager 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. The senior manager fosters a collaborative and participant-centered approach and works with the director and peer managers to ensure alignment across programs and departments.

Organizational expectation: leadership and teamwork

As a member of the Habitat Chicago team, the senior manager contributes to a collaborative, values-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 residents, volunteers, community partners, donors and officials, and represents Habitat Chicago with professionalism, respect and a strong commitment to the organization's mission.

Organizational expectation: professional growth and skill development

The senior manager 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

• 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.
• We'd love it if you had these qualifications, but they're not dealbreakers.
• 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.
• 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.

Even if you don't meet all the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply if this is a role that gets you excited. Let us know what you bring to the table that we may be overlooking.

Compensation

Salaried position ranging from $70,000- $75,000 a year, depending on experience. 30+ vacation/sick/personal days per year. 90% employer-paid health insurance; access to dental, vision, life and 401k plans.

#LI-aff

How to Apply

By email: Please submit a compelling cover letter and resume to [email protected] with "Senior Manager Homeownership Programs - Your Name" in the subject line by 10/16/2026. Successful applicants will be contacted for interviews.

Online: Visit https://habitatchicago.jobs.flair.hr/ to complete an application.