Director - Housing Operations

Catholic Charities; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago seeks a Director of Housing Operations to lead daily operations and drive strategic performance across an affordable housing portfolio. The role emphasizes compliance, financial stewardship, resident satisfaction, and cross-functional collaboration to advance housing stability and service quality.

Ideal candidates bring BA/BS with 3–5 years' experience, strong leadership, and proficiency in MS Office, with preferred advanced certifications in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences or related field; 3–5 years relevant experience.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of compliance and reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations for an affordable housing portfolio, ensuring occupancy, resident satisfaction, financial performance, and compliance.
• Analyze operational, financial, and resident data across the portfolio to identify trends and improve performance.
• Represent Housing Communities Operations with residents, partners, vendors, and community groups to strengthen partnerships.
• Collaborate with fellow Directors to align standards, policies, and performance expectations.
• Lead and develop the Housing Operations team with clear goals and a positive, accountable culture.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Compliance

Data analysis

Communication

Education

BA/BS in related field

Master's degree preferred

NCHM COS certification within 12 months

TCS certification within 12-18 months

ARM certification within 18 months

MS Office proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Role Overview

The Director - Housing Operations leads and oversees the daily operations and strategic performance of an affordable housing portfolio by ensuring compliance, financial stewardship, resident satisfaction, and operational excellence; fostering cross-functional collaboration and community partnerships; driving data-informed improvements; and developing high-performing teams that support housing stability, quality service delivery, and organizational goals.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations for an assigned affordable housing portfolio, ensuring strong occupancy, resident satisfaction, financial performance, property condition, service delivery, and program compliance. Regularly monitor key performance and compliance metrics ensuring portfolio performance consistently meets or exceeds industry standards and established benchmarks. Maintain readiness for inspections and audits, implement corrective actions, and coordinate with Facilities, Procurement and Property Management on maintenance, capital needs, emergencies, and operational issues. Manage escalated resident concerns and community-level legal or eviction matters in alignment with organizational policies and regulatory requirements, partnering with the Director of Administration to ensure consistent compliance practices. Able to respond to emergencies after hours and/or on the weekend.
• Analyze operational, financial, and resident experience data across the assigned portfolio to identify trends, mitigate risks, and implement strategies that improve occupancy, resident retention, operational effectiveness, and overall community performance. Support the Vice President of Housing in advancing strategic initiatives, achieving organizational priorities, and implementing continuous improvement efforts. Contribute to annual planning, budgeting, and performance review processes while promoting operational excellence, accountability, and resident-centered service delivery throughout the assigned portfolio.
• Represent Housing Communities Operations with residents, community organizations, service providers, vendors, contractors, and other external stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, support positive community engagement, and advance organizational goals. Participate in outreach activities, professional associations, and community meetings that enhance the visibility of Housing Communities and support resident well-being. Address escalated concerns professionally and effectively, and maintain productive relationships that support high-quality services and positive organizational reputation.
• Collaborate closely with the fellow Director of Housing Operations to ensure consistent implementation of operational standards, policies, procedures, and performance expectations across all housing communities. Partner with the Directors of Community Care Coordination to align housing operations with resident services, enhance the resident experience, and address barriers impacting housing stability and quality of life. Work collaboratively with the Director of Administration, Finance, Facilities, Procurement, Mission Support, and other internal stakeholders to ensure effective execution of compliance requirements, operational priorities, strategic initiatives, and portfolio-wide improvement efforts.
• Lead and develop the Housing Operations team by setting clear goals and expectations, monitoring performance, and providing regular feedback and guidance. Inspire team excellence by modeling accountability, collaboration, and solution-oriented thinking, and ensure team members are supported, empowered, and high-performing while fostering a positive, purpose-driven culture.
• Develop staff capability through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Cultivate a culture of continuous learning, feedback, and improvement to strengthen team engagement, retention, and impact.

Essential Functions

• Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day
• Climb up and down up to 3 flights of stairs at a time
• Lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs

Other Requirements

• Background check
• DMV check

Additional Requirements

• Driver's license
• Reliable transportation
• Automobile insurance

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in a related field of study 3-5 years relevant experience
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of compliance and reporting requirements.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field of study 5+ years relevant experience
• Experience with compliance software or case management systems. Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills.

Certifications and Licensure

• Minimum Must obtain NCHM Certified Occupancy Specialist and Tax Credit Specialist certificates within 12 months. Obtain IREM Accredited Residential Manager Certification (ARM) within 18 months.
• Preferred NCHM Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS), Tax Credit Specialist (TCS), IREM Accredited Residential Manager Certification (ARM).

Benefits

We provide full-time employees with a competitive benefits package, including:

• BlueCross/Blue Shield EPO/PPO Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Life, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• PTO, Sick Time, and 15 Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Opportunities and Service Awards
• Additional Voluntary Benefits

$80,000 - $90,000 / year

Pay Transparency

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 (820 ILCS 112/5, et seq.), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is required to provide the wages and benefits that it reasonably expects in good faith to offer for any specific job positions posted. Please note that the exact compensation package ultimately offered to an applicant may vary based on skills, experience, and location, amongst other permissible factors.

Locations

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Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and consideration for employment is made without regard to: race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Catholic Charities is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 312-655-7127 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.