Manager of City Policy

Position Overview 

The manager of city policy will support public policy initiatives and strategic campaigns that specifically address the issues impacting people experiencing homelessness. This position involves serving as the policy team subject-matter expert on Chicago youth homelessness and homelessness data. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

About Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness 

Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness (CCH) is a 44-year-old systemic advocacy organization. CCH develops campaigns and initiatives to address the causes of homelessness - lack of affordable housing, lack of access to health care and services and lack of jobs paying a living wage. We place emphasis on organizing and developing leaders who have experienced homelessness to become spokespersons and leaders of our various initiatives. CCH does its work in accordance with its organizational values – collaboration, integrity, strategic action, compassion, and intersectionality. We recognize that homelessness is a problem that stems from systemic racism and that biases and prejudices are embedded in the fabric of society, and thus, also permeate organizations like ours. CCH is committed to advancing racial equity in the workplace, through the work of our racial equity committee, and through the campaigns and initiatives we choose. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Policy Development and Analysis: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and advocate for public policies that address homelessness (including a specific focus on youth homelessness in Chicago), conduct research and data analysis to inform policy decisions and strategic campaigns, and monitor and evaluate the impact of existing policies and programs on homelessness. 
• Research Lead: Author the organization’s annual estimate of people experiencing homelessness in Chicago, help develop campaign materials (which may include policy briefs, reports, and presentations), and act as a liaison between research institutions and CCH. 
• Subject-Matter Expertise: Serve as the policy team expert on issues related to Chicago youth homelessness and homelessness data, stay updated on trends, best practices, and innovations in homelessness policy and services, and provide technical assistance and guidance to colleagues and stakeholders on homelessness-related matters. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (which may include government officials, community organizations, and advocacy groups), represent the organization in meetings, coalitions, and public forums, and facilitate community and stakeholder meetings to gather input and build consensus on policy initiatives. 

Qualifications 

This is a mid-level position that reports to the associate director of city policy. The qualifications listed below are requirements. 

• Experience in policy advocacy and/or homeless services. 
• Knowledge of youth homelessness and/or local housing challenges. 
• Understanding of basic descriptive statistics and data analysis. 
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills. 
• Effective communication and advocacy abilities. 
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity. 
• Work in collaboration with all CCH departments—CCH believes strongly in interdepartmental collaboration and expects all staff to work in close partnership with the other departments at the organization.   

Work Environment 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information in person and using a computer and phone. The employee frequently is required to move about inside the office to attend meetings, access mail and office machinery, and to attend meetings and other events outside of the office. The employee is also frequently required to remain in a stationary position and to operate and use a computer and other office machinery such as a copy machine, printer, and phone. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work 

This is a hybrid position with a combination of in-office and remote work. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but the employee must be available during the “core” work hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and must work 37.5 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand, with flex time available. Some local travel is required.  

Salary Range: $63,000 to $66,000 

Salary above the base salary is available if the candidate meets one or more of the following criteria – demonstrated second language proficiency ($1,000), lived experience of homelessness ($1,000), certification in racial equity work ($1,000). Excellent benefits, including health, four weeks of paid vacation, and a sabbatical program. 

COVID–19 Vaccination  

All employees should be up to date on vaccination series as indicted by the CDC. The currently approved vaccines under this policy are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. No vaccine shall be designated unless and until it is fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or approved by the FDA for emergency use authorization. Fully vaccinated means at least two weeks after the final shot in the required timing and dosage (one shot for Johnson & Johnson, two shots for Moderna with 28 days between shots, and two shots for Pfizer with 21 days between shots). Prospective employees will be expected to comply with this policy within two months of accepting their offer of employment.  

Organizational Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness believes that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognizes and values the intersectional identities that staff members bring to our organization. We are enriched by the diverse experiences, beliefs, and ways of thinking that employees of different backgrounds bring. 

People of color and people who have experienced homelessness or poverty are strongly encouraged to apply. Fair consideration is given to all qualified applicants regardless of criminal record. CCH is committed to providing equal employment consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other legally protected status.  

Application Instructions 

Please apply directly to this link: Manager of City Policy Job Description and Application Instructions 

It will ask you to copy and paste your cover letter and upload your resume (PDF version).  

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Monday, September 16, 2024, by 5 P.M. CENTRAL.