The Regional Outreach Manager is responsible for, under the direction of the Director of Community Engagement, implementing Community Outreach strategies, programs and initiatives in the target neighborhoods of the NHS West Region that support existing residents and homeowners, learn and understand community challenges, needs and aspirations to inform NHS programming, to drive clients to NHS programs and services, and provide resources for neighborhood residents. This includes maintaining existing and creating new relationships and partnerships with neighborhood community-based organizations and institutions, local government officials, residents, and identifying and recruiting Resident Leaders to work on a stipend basis for Community Outreach to assist with NHS work in the target neighborhoods. This work includes facilitating educational workshops for a variety of subjects/topics, connecting residents with NHS services, participating in local councils, coordinating housing fairs, disseminating information on events and resources, gathering resident feedback, working with and supporting local organizations, and interacting with residents on a one-on-basis as required. The overall goal is to help preserve existing homeowners and create new homeowners through lending, education, training, and redevelopment.
Promoting Homeownership
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Attract new homeowners and renters to the area by increasing the pool of homebuyers through referrals for pre-purchasing counseling and education through NHS programs.
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Assist and refer families who want to buy in one of the target areas obtain financing.
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Network with local institutions, i.e. schools, churches, organizations, etc. to identify employees, family members and friends who may be interested in buying in the neighborhood.
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Develop relationships with local brokers who represent properties in the target area or who help buyers locate properties.
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Conducts outreach presentations to a wide array of diverse groups, including community groups, schools, churches, block clubs, etc. to stimulate revitalization and provide educational opportunities around homeownership services.
Developing Stabilization Strategies / Strengthen the Community
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Exercises a wide range of outreach to recently filed foreclosures for owner occupied properties to encourage families to seek assistance for mortgage difficulty. Outreach should include door-to-door, workshops, neighbor/leaders, porch visits, etc.
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Utilize various strategies and resources to help homeowners reduce the cost of homeownership and enable them to remain affordably in their homes.
Developing Strategies for Vacant Buildings and/or lots
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Conduct visual surveys of vacant lots and open space to identify opportunities for cleanup, beautification and/or arts and culture. Works with key NHS staff and partners to develop strategies to address identified issues and opportunities. Works with residents and community organizations to implement identified and agree-upon strategies.
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Identify and research vacant buildings to develop a strategy to re-occupy the property with a homeowner, if feasible. Work with NHS Redevelopment Corporation, Micro-Market Recovery Program, City of Chicago, Real Estate Developers and Brokers.
Education
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Bachelor’s degree in related fields preferred.
Experience
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Minimum 3 years’ experience in community development, or management of a community development corporation providing direct services or housing services.
Desired Skills
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Valid driver’s license with access to a safe, reliable vehicle for travel associated with the position.
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Must be available to work evenings and weekends to accommodate community meetings and events.
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Bilingual skills (Spanish language verbal & written) preferred.
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Ability to research properties to identify ownership using various resources.
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Ability to perform back of the envelope property valuations.
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Good oral communication skills for successful interpersonal interactions and making of public presentations.
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Computer literacy for making necessary data reports, participate in virtual meetings and develop visual presentations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
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Valid driver’s license with access to a safe, reliable vehicle for extensive travel associated with the position.
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NHS offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. We also offer a team spirit, which strives for excellence in customer service.
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To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
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Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; works well in group problem solving situations.
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Project Management - Develops project plans, coordinates projects.
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Teamwork - Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
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Planning/Organizing - Sets goals and objectives; develops realistic action plans.
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Initiative - Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; asks for and offers help when needed.
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Demonstrates produced results as indicated in annual plans.
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Demonstrates met or exceeded program goals.
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Demonstrates bringing in new resources/partnerships to neighborhood.
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Demonstrates assessment of program’s strengths and weaknesses.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
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regularly required to talk or hear.
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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.
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Typical office environment with moderate noise level.