Member Engagement & Operations Associate

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. Housing Action fulfills its mission through 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.

Reports to: Executive Director

Job Summary: The Member Engagement & Operations Associate is a new, entry-level position at Housing Action, whose purpose is to manage all aspects of our membership outreach and engagement processes and activities, spearhead our annual Housing Matters conference, and work with the Executive Director to ensure effective internal organizational operations. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will strategically integrate and elevate our membership-focused activities into all aspects of our programming, ensure a successful annual conference, and optimize operational activities, all with the goal of strengthening our statewide coalition and its impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Membership Outreach & Engagement

• • Develop and implement a comprehensive membership recruitment, retention and engagement strategy to grow our membership base and statewide presence and to strengthen our programs and their impact.
  • Coordinate and engage with other staff to implement the membership plan, including organizing an annual membership drive and in-person and virtual membership events.
  • Ensure consistent, effective membership tracking, invoicing, and renewal.
  • Develop and update membership materials and ensure consistent communications, including via an e-newsletter.
  • Evaluate membership plan outcomes and make adjustments as necessary.
  • Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives with organizational members to advance Housing Action’s mission.

Conference Planning & Management

• Spearhead Housing Action’s annual Housing Matters Conference, coordinating workshop planning, contracting with vendors, developing event materials, supporting sponsorship efforts, and driving registration outreach.

Operations Assistance

• Assist Executive Director with Board of Directors-related engagement, including preparing for board and committee meetings, new board member orientation, and completion of required board forms.
• Assist Executive Director with staff engagement and management activities, including planning for staff meetings, retreats and other team-building events, annual staff enrollments, and staff onboarding/offboarding.
• Conduct general office operations, including processing mail, responding to general inquiries received via mail, phone or email, and ordering supplies.
• Develop and maintain processes for Housing Action’s contact relationship management system (Daylite), mass email platform (Salsa), and Zoom; conduct regular updates to clean up data and target supporters appropriately.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 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.
• Experience working within the nonprofit environment preferred. Knowledge of the community development field, including community organizing, affordable housing development, and homelessness prevention also preferred.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic outreach and engagement plans.
• Must be extremely detailed oriented and able to stay organized while working on complex collaborative projects involving multiple partners; able to meet internal and external deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messaging.
• Ability to analyze data, measure impact, and refine strategies accordingly.
• Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility within a small office are essential. Must be able to build relationships with diverse stakeholders. Good judgment, discretion and ability to make timely and sound decisions are required.
• Strong computer skills required, including databases, contact management systems, and website/internet, and demonstrated ability to learn new programs. Housing Action uses Apple computers, so familiarity with Apple operating system and programs a plus.
• Experience with graphic design, or working with graphic designers, is a plus.
• Experience supporting leadership (Executive Director and Board of Directors) to advance strategic plans/visioning a plus.
• Ability to travel within Illinois and work occasional evenings/weekends required. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Housing Action Illinois is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer Illinois. We believe that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognize and value the intersectional identities that staff members bring to our organization.

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.