Director - Housing Operations

ccchicagocareers; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is seeking a Director of Housing Operations to lead daily housing portfolio operations, drive compliance, and deliver resident-centered services across Cook and Lake counties. You will partner with administration, facilities, and program staff to ensure quality service delivery and financial stewardship while advancing strategic goals.

The role emphasizes data-informed decision making, staff development, and cross-functional collaboration to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in arts/sciences and 3–5 years relevant experience.
• Master's degree preferred; 5+ years experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Knowledge of compliance and reporting requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations for an assigned affordable housing portfolio, ensuring occupancy, resident satisfaction, financial performance, property condition, service delivery, and program compliance; monitor metrics; prepare for inspections/audits; coordinate with facilities, procurement, and property management on maintenance and capital needs.
• Analyze operational, financial, and resident experience data to identify trends, mitigate risks, and improve occupancy and resident retention; support strategic initiatives and annual planning.
• Represent Housing Communities Operations with residents, community organizations, service providers, vendors, contractors, and external stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and community engagement.
• Collaborate with fellow and other directors to align standards, policies, and performance expectations; coordinate with housing operations and resident services to address barriers to stability and quality of life.
• Lead and develop the Housing Operations team; set goals, monitor performance, provide feedback, and foster a positive, purpose-driven culture.
• Develop staff capability through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development; promote continuous learning and improvement.
• Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• 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
• Background check
• DMV check
• Driver's license
• Reliable transportation
• Automobile insurance

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Microsoft Office

Multitasking

Compliance knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• 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: Comply with program and/or requirements related to:

• Background check
• DMV check

Additional Requirements

• Driver's license
• Reliable transportation
• Automobile insurance

Education and Experience Requirements

Minimum

• 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).

Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant Education: Preferred: Master's Degree in any relevant field. Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in any relevant field.

Relevant Experience: Preferred: 5 years in management, or compliance and 3+ years of management experience. Minimum: 3 years management experience.

Certification/Licensure: Preferred: National Center for Housing Management (NCHM) Certified Occupancy Specialists (COS) certification Minimum: National Center for Housing Management (NCHM) Certified Occupancy Specialists (COS) certification to be obtained upon hire