Housing Policy Director

We are hiring 1-2 positions to expand our policy, research, and advocacy efforts. Solutions exist to strengthen households and neighborhoods, and to expand nonprofit real estate ownership. Join our team!

The Chicago Rehab Network (CRN) is a multi-cultural, multi-racial coalition of community-based organizations focused on revitalizing neighborhoods through affordable housing development and rehabilitation for low-income and special needs residents.

Housing is foundational. A stable, accessible, and affordable place to live is a requisite building block for educational attainment, good health, and employment.

CRN and its members are committed to empowering communities without displacement and advancing a strong affordable and accessible housing movement in Chicago, Illinois, and nationally. The coalition emphasizes community control of housing resources by low-income residents to foster long-term stability and equity. CRN works collaboratively to meet the needs and promote the shared goals of its members, supporting socially and economically viable communities.

Role Description: The Housing Policy Director is a full-time role based in Chicago. This position leads the development, analysis, and advocacy of housing policies that support affordable and accessible housing, community control, and anti-displacement strategies. Day-to-day responsibilities include researching local, state, and federal housing policies, drafting policy recommendations and position papers, and preparing briefings for internal stakeholders and external partners.

The Housing Policy Director collaborates closely with member organizations, community leaders, and public officials to advance CRN’s policy agenda through meetings, hearings, and public forums. The role also involves tracking legislation, coordinating advocacy campaigns, developing educational materials and presentations, and representing CRN in coalitions and working groups.

Qualifications

CRN is looking for candidates with a minimum of 5 years experience using several of these skill sets:

• Policy development and analysis skills, including experience researching housing, community development, or related public policy issues.
• Advocacy and coalition-building skills, with the ability to engage community organizations, public officials, and stakeholders around shared policy goals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for drafting policy papers, reports, testimony, and public-facing materials.
• Project management and organizational skills to coordinate multiple initiatives, campaigns, and deadlines.
• Experience in affordable housing, community development, housing cooperatives, and/or anti-displacement strategies.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial and social equity, community empowerment, and serving low-income and special needs populations.
• Ability to attend meetings, hearings, and community events as needed.

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban planning, law, social work, government, or a related field is required; advanced degree or equivalent experience is preferred.

Top health benefits, employer paid. Convenient office location on Blue Line with Bike room. Flex Time with some evening work at community meetings, events, etc.