HOUSING COORDINATOR

(This is a state grant-funded contract position)

Housing Coordinator (Contract Position) – McLean County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC), Bloomington, Illinois

Contract Position Compensation - $10,660 monthly (without benefits)

Contract Period End Date – Through October 2027 (with potential for extension subject to grantor’s approval)

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The Housing Coordinator is responsible for undertaking and coordinating the implementation of the Regional Housing Recovery Plan adopted by MCRPC (MCRPC | Our Regional Housing Recovery Plan Available), particularly the “Strategic Recommendations” and “Implementation Matrix” sections (Pages 37-50)  at the direction of the Implementation Committee and the Executive Director of MCRPC . Reporting directly to the Executive Director of MCRPC, this position will track the status of housing programs in McLean County and foster relationships between federal/state/local governments, major employers, regional municipalities, public agencies, financial institutions, for-profit/non-profit organizations and other housing partners and stakeholders to fund and develop more affordable and market-rate housing projects. The Housing Coordinator will conduct outreach to national/regional/local residential developers to entice them to expand their housing products into McLean County. The Housing Coordinator will organize and help facilitate meetings between governmental entities, developers, etc. to foster a cross-sectoral collaboration to address the regional housing crisis and shortage including but not limited to affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement the Regional Housing Recovery Plan under the direction of the Implementation Committee and the Executive Director during the grant performance period.
• Grant application procedures and practice.
• Monitoring and understanding of the housing markets and real estate practices. 
• Track the status of housing programs and resources in McLean County.
• Foster partnerships between federal/state/local governments, major employers, regional municipalities, public agencies, financial institutions, for-profit/non-profit organizations and other housing partners and stakeholders to fund and develop more affordable and market-rate housing projects.
• Develop a comprehensive online guide to housing programs and resources to provide technical assistance to local housing developers.
• Conduct outreach to national, regional, and local residential developers to encourage expansion of their housing products into McLean County.
• Organize and facilitate Implementation Committee meetings and cross-sectoral collaboration among governmental entities, developers, builders, and community organizations to address affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing needs.
• Develop a Housing Education Campaign, with goals of:
  • Building partnerships with local media
  • Creating educational materials tailored to specific populations such as young professionals, first-time homebuyers, and seniors
  • Organizing community outreach events to promote public participation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Project Management – develops project plans, communicates progress, and completes projects within budget and in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of Housing Programs and Policies - Including, but not limited to, affordable housing policies, fair housing law, HOME, CDBG, LIHTC, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, etc., as well as barriers to accessing and maintaining affordable housing
• Knowledge of Local, State and Federal Laws and Regulations – Understands laws and regulations that govern housing programs, as well as local and regional governance
• Housing Financing – Good knowledge of methods of financing affordable housing construction and rehabilitation.
• Technical Writing – prepares technical documents, reports, executive summaries, for the Implementation Committee, Executive Director, and others as needed.
• Communication – communicates clearly and professionally through both written and verbal communication.
• Critical Thinking - demonstrates strong critical thinking, including the ability to analyze complex problems, and make informed decisions within the time constraints of the project.
• Self-management – able to work independently and follow through on tasks with minimal supervision, demonstrating a sense of accountability, and decision-making.
• Coordination – coordinates effectively with entities, such as the Implementation Committee, developers, government agencies, non-profit organizations, etc. to deliver plans successfully.
• Community Engagement – skilled in engaging with communities, facilitating public meetings and incorporating stakeholder input.
• Conflict Resolution – able to find common ground between stakeholders with varying goals or perspectives to move the project forward.
• Knowledge and Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Related Applications – in Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.
• GIS Mapping Skills - Working knowledge or skills preferred.
   

Required Qualifications

• Candidates for this position must at minimum have a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, or other related fields and a minimum of four (4) years of related professional experience working in the arena of community development, housing financing and development, affordable and supportive housing, housing rehabilitation programs, etc., OR a Master’s degree in one of the above fields and at least three (3) years of relevant professional experience.
   
• Given the nature of the position, a valid driver’s license is required.