The Construction Services Program Manager leads all construction programs and projects within NHS’s portfolio. This role supervises Construction Coordinators, manages contractor relationships, ensures compliance with regulatory and grant requirements, and drives operational excellence. The Manager collaborates with director, internal teams, contractors, and community stakeholders to deliver high-quality rehabilitation and improvement projects that advance NHS’s mission.
PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Team Management
- Supervise and coach Construction Coordinators; set clear performance goals and conduct evaluations.
- Foster a collaborative team culture focused on transparency, accountability, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
- Provide training and professional development opportunities for staff as required.
- Serve as primary contact for applicants, contractors, and vendors for assigned grant programs.
- Educate applicants and contractors on NHS/NLS programs and services.
- Provide technical support for contractors participating in NHS home improvement and redevelopment programs.
- Collaborate with Interdepartmental Teams, including Grants, Community Engagement, Client Services and IT to manage client database systems, scheduling applications, and reporting dashboards.
Project Oversight & Compliance
- Communicate with clients, developers, architects, and engineers regarding program requirements and documentation.
- Assign Construction Specialists, contractors, architects and vendors to projects, balancing capacity, timelines, complexity, and location.
- Maintain construction database and monitor Salesforce updates for project progress; report delays and issues to Director.
- Ensure project files meet quality and compliance standards for all programs.
Budget & Resource Management
- Develop and manage program budgets; track expenditures and report variances.
- Optimize resource allocation across projects to maximize impact and efficiency.
Contractor Management & Quality Control
- Recruit and manage contractor pool, including women and contractors of color; assist with MBE/WBE certification and SAM registration.
- Create systems and surveys for contractor quality control and client satisfaction.
- Develop rating and recommendation systems for contractors and vendors.
- Maintain contractor applications and client evaluations; elevate complaints as needed.
- Develop a network of local collaborators, subcontractors and vendors.
- Prepare reports for internal and external contractual requirements.
- Track and analyze contractor assignments to determine capacity.
- Recommend process enhancements to improve service delivery and cost efficiency.
- Report progress and challenges to Director and COO.
- Perform other duties as assigned
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
$67,800 annually
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- We also offer a team spirit, which strives for excellence in customer service.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field (preferred).
Experience
- Minimum 3 years of experience in construction coordination or management; nonprofit experience a plus.
Desired Skills
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
- Budgeting and fiscal stewardship.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Knowledge of construction regulations, safety standards, and grant compliance.
- Technology: Proficiency in MS Office; Salesforce, estimating and spec writing software experience highly desirable.
COMPENTENCIES
To succeed in this role, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:
- Leadership and coaching
- Strategic planning and problem-solving
- Budgeting and fiscal stewardship
- Relationship building and advocacy
- Compliance and risk management
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
- Timely and accurate completion of projects within budget.
- Compliance with all regulatory and grant requirements.
- Effective supervision and development of staff.
- Positive client and contractor feedback; resolution of escalated issues.
- Accurate and timely reporting of operational metrics and financial performance.
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.
- 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.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and is typical of an office environment.
REMOTE WORK POLICY
The Construction Department 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, audits, site visits, and agency events as needed.
NHS’ COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, RACIAL EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
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.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago