National Service Program Associate

Organizational Description: Housing Action Illinois is a statewide coalition formed to protect and expand the availability of quality affordable housing throughout Illinois by advocating for increased public and private resources dedicated to affordable housing and by building the capacity of nonprofit agencies working to create and preserve such housing. With over 200 member organizations statewide, Housing Action believes that housing is a human right and in a society that promotes basic human needs, such as decent and safe housing for all. Incorporated in 1987 as the Statewide Housing Action Coalition, Housing Action has three program areas: Public Policy Advocacy; Public Education and Organizing; and Capacity Building. Whether through advocating for policy changes, or providing hands-on assistance to emerging or established housing counselors, developers, and homeless service providers, we aim to preserve and expand the amount of fair and affordable housing in Illinois and to end homelessness.

Reports to: National Service Director

Summary of Job Position: Housing Action Illinois is a project sponsor for the AmeriCorps VISTA program. As such, we coordinate and support 30 to 40 one-year AmeriCorps VISTA positions placed with our member organizations, and when the federal government allows for them, Summer Associate positions. VISTAs serve our community in a wide variety of capacities, but all of their work is aimed at fighting poverty and helping communities by expanding and improving the availability of quality affordable and accessible housing in Illinois. The National Service Program Associate is responsible for the support and coordination of all aspects of our national service programs, including our current AmeriCorps VISTA program.

This is a full-time salaried position, funded through a program operating grant with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) dba AmeriCorps.

Major Responsibilities:

• Support all aspects of Housing Action’s AmeriCorps VISTA program, Housing Action Corps, including but not limited to recruitment, marketing, onboarding, training, as well as tracking the progress and impact of the VISTA positions.
• Work with the National Service Director, the other National Service Program Associate (NSPA), and VISTA Leaders to establish annual goals and desired outcomes for the AmeriCorps VISTA Program; communicate goals to existing and prospective host sites; ensure that VISTA Volunteer Assignment Descriptions reflect the project’s goals and outcomes; and support the project in attaining or exceeding annual goals.
• Establish programmatic infrastructure to improve program reporting, onboarding, and offboarding of all VISTA positions, especially during the summer months when full year VISTA members and VISTA Summer Associates begin and end their terms of service.
• If assigned, work closely with Finance Team to ensure accurate and timely VISTA stipend payment processing, including maintaining all required records.
• Develop and implement an annual plan to market the VISTA program, recruit VISTA candidates and retain VISTA members.
• Work with the National Service Director, other NSPA and VISTA Leaders to coordinate In-Service Training Programs for VISTA members.
• Coordinate VISTA recruitment efforts, including RFP evaluations, site selections, and VISTA member placement.
• Maintain productive working relationship with AmeriCorps, host sites, VISTA members, and other program partners.
• Assist in the management of the VISTA intermediary sponsor grant including reporting and assessment requirements, and assisting in the preparation of renewal grants.
• Work with other NSPA and VISTA Leaders to conduct site visits with VISTA members and site supervisors and serve as the primary contact person for VISTA member and site supervisor issues.
• Attend AmeriCorps training and webinars.
• Fulfill all other duties as assigned by the National Service Director or Executive Director.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Understanding of and commitment to Housing Action’s mission required, as is the ability to work collaboratively with Housing Action’s staff, Board, members, allies and others.
• AmeriCorps VISTA service experience required, with a preference of completing one term of service as a VISTA Leader, as is experience working within the nonprofit environment.
• Must be very detail oriented and organized with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze data, measure impact, and refine strategies accordingly.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex ideas and issues with clarity and persuasiveness.
• Sound computer skills and ability to learn new programs required. Housing Action uses Apple computers, so familiarity with Apple operating system and programs a plus.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and complex collaborative projects involving multiple partners. Must be able to meet internal and external deadlines and communicate progress on an on-going basis.
• Good interpersonal skills and flexibility within a small office essential, along with confidentiality and thoroughness.
• Good judgment, with the ability to make timely and sound decisions, required. Must be self-directed and able to advance organizational and project goals once agreed upon.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed. Travel around the state will be required; must have valid driver’s license.

Housing Action Illinois offers a competitive salary ($58,500 – $60,500) and benefits package. Benefits currently include 100% of health, dental, and short-term disability insurance premiums for employee paid by Housing Action, 12 vacation days the first year of employment (increases to 18 days thereafter), 5 personal days, 11 holidays, and 12 health leave days. We also offer a flexible hybrid work arrangement, with minimal (1-3 days) in-office presence required.