Innovation Project Manager, Homeownership Program Engagement and Development

Minnesota Homeownership Center; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer paid health insurance

401K retirement plan with employer contribution

Paid holidays

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Saint Paul seeks an Innovation Project Manager to lead initiatives for sustainable homeownership. The role requires strong project management skills and at least 3 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include managing pilot programs, collecting data, and facilitating community engagement. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience working with diverse communities. The position is hybrid, with at least two days in the office and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in program management or community-based housing work.
• Experience in nonprofit, government, or community-based organizations preferred.
• Comfort using collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and implement pilot programs and strategic initiatives.
• Collect and manage program and evaluation data.
• Lead implementation of homeownership-focused pilot programs.

Skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, housing, social sciences, or related field

Tools

Project management tools

Data collection tools

Job description

Job Opportunity: Innovation Project Manager

Focus Area: Homeownership Program Engagement and Development

Compensation: Expected starting salary is $90,000, with some flexibility commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including 11 paid holidays, employer paid health insurance of 90% of premium for employee and 50% of premium for additional eligible household members, and employer paid 7% contribution to 401K retirement plan.

Location

Hybrid | Saint Paul, MN

Application Deadline

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until filled, applications received by March 2 will receive priority consideration.

About Minnesota Homeownership Center

The Minnesota Homeownership Center (HOC) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainable homeownership by strengthening the systems that support it. We serve as a central coordinating organization for Minnesota’s housing advisory and homebuyer education system, providing training, capacity building, technology, and policy leadership to a network of community-based partners. We convene stakeholders across the homeownership ecosystem to create program and policy innovations to improve high-quality, accessible, and sustainable homeownership opportunities across the state — especially for households that have historically faced the greatest barriers to achieving homeownership.

Position Summary

The Innovation Project Manager of Homeownership Program Engagement and Development leads the planning, coordination, and implementation of innovative programs and pilot initiatives that strengthen sustainable homeownership systems in Minnesota. This role translates strategic goals into effective, homeowner-centered programs and measurable outcomes.

Working cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners, this position plays a key role in advancing participant-centered, equity-driven program design and implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Plan, manage, and implement assigned pilot programs, grants, and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, task tracking systems, and documentation.
• Coordinate activities among staff, contractors, and partners to ensure deliverables are met.
• Organize and facilitate meetings, working groups, and project convenings.
• Track implementation progress, identify risks, and recommend adjustments.
• Collect, manage, and document program and evaluation data.
• Prepare reports, summaries, guidance materials, and partner communications.
• Support homeowner and partner engagement activities, including advisory groups and peer learning.
• Ensure programs align with organizational goals, grant requirements, and equity principles.

Focus Area: Engagement & Development

• Lead implementation of homeownership-focused pilot programs that expand pathways to affordable and sustainable homeownership.
• Apply trust-based, participant-centered engagement practices.
• Manage homeowner advisory groups and peer programs, including scheduling, materials, stipends, and documentation.
• Partner with evaluators to collect, interpret, and apply data for continuous improvement.
• Use evaluation findings and participant feedback to refine programs during implementation.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and lessons learned to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong project management, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships.
• Analytical thinking and strong problem-solving ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse communities and cross-sector partners.
• Experience facilitating meetings, working groups, or convenings.
• Comfort using project management, data collection, and collaboration tools.
• Ability to adapt in evolving, innovative environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, collaboration, and participant-centered program design.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in public policy, housing, social sciences, social work, community development, nonprofit management, urban planning, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in program management, pilot implementation, evaluation, or community-based housing work.
• Experience working directly with homeowners, participants, or community members.
• Experience using evaluation findings or participant feedback to improve programs.
• Experience in nonprofit, government, or community-based organizations strongly preferred.
• Hybrid work schedule, with at least two days per week in the Saint Paul office.
• Occasional travel, including potential overnight stays.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and lift up to 20 pounds for event setup.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or CV

Equal Opportunity Employer

Minnesota Homeownership Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities to apply. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.