What: The Illinois Housing Council (IHC) is a state-wide membership organization, created to promote the stabilization of communities through the production and preservation of affordable housing. IHC advances its mission through education, information and constructive relationships with state, local and federal officials. IHC has over 250 organizational members including over 1,500 individuals - consisting of owners, property managers, developers, financial institutions, investors, builders, subcontractors, local government, accountants, civic organizations, market analysts and consultants. IHC organizes over a dozen educational and networking events for our members throughout the year, including an annual conference and golf outing. Position Description: The Operations Associate will report directly to the Executive Director and will also work closely with the Manager of Programs and Membership. The position will have core responsibilities in the areas of event planning, program support, financial management, communications and special projects. Specific duties include:
- Directing the planning and logistics for all IHC events, including the annual conference, golf outing, networking events, and mixers. Identifying and securing venues and vendors; ordering set-up, supplies and catering; producing signage and marketing materials.
- Serving as the dedicated IHC point-person and overseeing member communications regarding member benefits and renewals, events, and finances and advising members on these issues. Managing the membership database best practices and maintenance.
- Identifying, developing, and exploring opportunities for IHC to improve its current events, programs and membership benefits with the Manager of Programs and Membership.
- Developing the content for IHC’s bi-weekly e-newsletter. Managing IHC’s website and social media accounts. Creating communications materials to support IHC’s strategic priorities including case studies, fact sheets, and marketing materials. Coordinating with graphic design consultants as needed.
- Managing day-to-day bookkeeping using QuickBooks, maintaining proper records for efficient and clear reporting, as well as processing of invoices/payments/deposits.
- Assisting with the preparation of and adherence to the IHC annual budget and preparing financial reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
- Optimizing office procedures and programs, and working with the Executive Director to identify and implement operational efficiencies and cost savings. Serving as the liaison to outside consultants for office operations.
- Participating regularly in IHC Committee meetings. Contributing to special projects for the Membership & Events Committee and IHC Legislative Committee.
- Providing general office support when needed, including but not limited to: answering and directing calls and e-mails, copying materials, making travel arrangements and hotel reservations.
- Other responsibilities to be determined based on the needs of the organization and the skills and experience of the chosen applicant.
Qualifications and Skills:
- The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of related experience in the nonprofit operations, event planning, or association management field.
- Strong attention to detail and highly organized
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Experience in event planning
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Experience with QuickBooks and Word Press preferred
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, utilize independent decision-making, and exercise discretion in daily responsibilities
- Comfortable in a small office environment
- Interest in affordable housing/community development preferred
*To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Allison Clements at aclements@ilhousing.org
Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm; occasional early morning and evening hours required
Location: Most work will take place at the IHC Office at 912 W. Lake Street in Chicago; occasional daytime and/or overnight travel throughout Illinois required (primarily in Chicago Metro and Springfield)