Innovation Project Manager, Homeownership Systems Coordination

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

11 paid holidays

Employer paid health insurance

401K retirement plan with employer contribution

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on homeownership is seeking an Innovation Project Manager in Saint Paul, MN. This role involves planning, implementing, and evaluating innovative programs that strengthen homeownership systems and requires strong project management and communication skills. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience. The position offers a hybrid work schedule, with significant collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance sustainable homeownership opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in housing systems or policy.
• Experience with innovative homeownership financing models preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and implement assigned programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate activities among internal and external partners.
• Track implementation progress and recommend corrective actions.

Skills

Project management

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Facilitating meetings

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field

Tools

Project management tools

Data collection tools

Job description

Job Opportunity: Innovation Project Manager

Focus Area: Homeownership Systems Coordination

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 Systems Coordination is responsible for planning, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating innovative programs and pilot initiatives that strengthen sustainable homeownership systems in Minnesota. This role serves as a key project leader, working across internal teams and external partners to translate strategic goals into effective, homeowner-centered programs and outcomes.

This position specifically focuses on Homeownership Systems Coordination, supporting statewide alignment through facilitating field collaboration between lenders, realtors, government, and non‑profits to facilitate cross‑sector learning.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

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

Focus Area: Homeownership Systems Coordination

• Establish and support convenings such as a statewide Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Community of Practice, building on existing DPA best‑practice efforts and facilitating peer exchange
• Strengthen relationships and alignment with key partners across homeownership initiatives.
• Facilitate cross‑sector conversations to deepen understanding of ownership structures, governance, homeowner protections, and long‑term support considerations.
• Identify and document challenges, risks, and system gaps to inform strategy, funding alignment, and future readiness.
• Contribute to shared understanding of ownership and homeowner support among lenders, nonprofits, and public partners.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong project management, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Experience with innovative homeownership development or financing models, such as new market tax credits, tax increment financing, land trusts, cooperatives, rental or office conversions, strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships.
• Analytical and problem‑solving ability with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience facilitating meetings, working groups, or partner convenings.
• Proficiency with project management, data collection, and collaboration tools.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt as initiatives evolve.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and cross‑sector partners.
• Commitment to equity, collaboration, and participant‑centered program design.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in public policy, housing, public administration, economics, urban planning, business, finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in housing systems, policy, finance‑adjacent work, or cross‑sector coordination.
• Experience working with or alongside down payment assistance programs, lenders, housing agencies, or housing intermediaries.
• Experience supporting multi‑stakeholder groups, communities of practice, or field‑wide initiatives.
• Experience with innovative homeownership development or financing models, such as new market tax credits, tax increment financing, land trusts, cooperatives, rental or office conversions to homeownership, strongly preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit, government, quasi‑public, or intermediary 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

To apply, please submit the following materials as one consolidated document upload:

• 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.