DIRECTOR OF HOUSING PROGRAM

Location: Chicago, IL

Impact for Equity, a highly regarded and impactful public interest law and policy center, seeks a mission-driven Director of Housing. The Director develops and leads the advocacy agenda of the Housing team and provides organizational leadership for Impact for Equity.

Description

Impact for Equity, formerly known as BPI, is a public interest law and policy center that has been at the front lines of the fight for social justice in the Chicago region for over fifty years. Known for its innovative and effective advocacy for racial and economic equity, today Impact for Equity is deeply engaged in advancing systemic change in housing, policing, and the criminal legal system.

With collaboration as a core value, Impact for Equity partners with people directly impacted by racial and economic injustice and the community-based and advocacy organizations that serve them. The organization’s tenacious lawyers and policy staff employ a combination of legal tools, policy research, organizing, advocacy, and convening to achieve transformational change. Impact for Equity works to develop nuanced policies and programs, advance effective strategies, catalyze strong coalitions, and advance progress toward its overarching vision of a state where every person has the right and opportunity to live their fullest life in a thriving community and free of systemic barriers. A stimulating workplace, Impact for Equity is committed to offering opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to work that advances racial, economic, and social justice.

The housing program focuses on the unjust racial, social, and economic roots at the heart of the housing system in the Chicago region and throughout Illinois and the inequitable policies and practices that have resulted in racial and economic segregation, community disinvestment, and other systemic inequities. Our legal and policy advocacy focuses on removing barriers to fair, safe and affordable housing and expanding housing choice in Illinois. We strive to preserve and increase the availability of affordable housing in Chicago and throughout the metropolitan region. We work to expand housing options, increase access to public and affordable housing, and promote investment in neighborhoods that have affordable housing but may lack other important resources.

The Position

Serving as a key senior leader of the organization, the Director of Housing develops and leads the advocacy agenda of the housing team and provides organizational leadership for Impact for Equity.

Responsibilities

Lead and shape the visioning, direction, and agenda for the housing team, including short- and long-term goals, strategies and priorities, and outcomes of the work, in consultation with Impact for Equity leadership, program staff, and community and advocacy partners;
Identify, develop, implement and execute advocacy strategies consistent with the agenda of the housing team, including policy development, legislative advocacy, litigation, education, convening, and other relevant, effective strategies;
Manage the housing team members and oversee the day-to-day execution of the program’s advocacy work, including identifying annual strategic goals for the program and team, developing workplans, and measuring progress toward goals;
Effectively supervise and mentor program staff members, interns, and volunteers to ensure they have the skills and tools necessary to advance Impact for Equity’s work and with an eye toward their professional development;
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with leaders and organizations in the housing field, including community-based organizations, allies, stakeholders, communities affected by our work, government officials, and systems stakeholders;
Represent Impact for Equity in public, providing inspiration and building external engagement, including by speaking to community groups, funders, media, and other audiences on program issues;
Draft and edit program and Impact for Equity communications, including reports, newsletters, blog or social media posts, or other publications;
Collaborate with development staff to identify, apply for, and be accountable for external funding to support the work;
Maintain a deep understanding of local, state, and national issues related to housing work;
Consistently integrate equity concepts into projects and interactions; and
Exemplify Impact for Equity’s core values and advance Impact for Equity’s vision.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will bring the following knowledge, skills, and experiences:

Seven or more years of experience in public interest law or policy advocacy;
Knowledge of and/or experience working on an issue or issues related to housing;
Juris Doctor degree and admission to the Illinois Bar preferred;
At least 3 years in a management and leadership role; an enterprising mindset; a commitment to equity, inclusion, and shared power; and a passion for racial, economic, and social justice and Impact for Equity’s mission;
Top-notch research, writing and public speaking skills, including an ability to succinctly translate complex policy and legal concepts into information understandable by legislative, media, political, legal, and public audiences;
Ability to take initiative, multi-task, identify priorities amidst competing demands, and lead projects to completion with strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and relationship-building skills, flexibility and good judgement;
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with diverse constituencies both internally and externally;
Proven management skills with the ability to motivate, stimulate and inspire attorneys and program staff to consistently produce high-quality results while developing knowledge, skills, and abilities;
Excellent track record of working with individuals and communities with diverse identities and an ability to develop and manage strong relationships and partnerships with coalitions of organizations, community members/leaders, and public officials;
Highly collaborative with the desire to consult and share information with colleagues and to respectfully resolve differences;
Willingness to travel; and
Multilingual skills are a plus, but not required.

This is a full-time position with some evening and weekend hours occasionally required.

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience with a likely range of $120,000-130,000. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision insurance,403(b) retirement plan, paid leave, cell phone reimbursement, and a hybrid work schedule.

To Apply

Please apply by sending a resume, writing sample, and a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for this position to hiring@impactforequity.org. Please note the name of the position in the subject line of your email. If your candidacy advances, you will be asked to provide a list of three professional references.

Impact for Equity is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce, an inclusive culture and are dedicated to growing teams with people who have diverse experiences, backgrounds, and skills. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ community, people with lived experience of poverty, and people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

Reasonable accommodation will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process.  Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.