Who: Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County
What: The Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County seeks a full-time Continuum Planning Director to join its staff to lead planning efforts to prevent and end homelessness in suburban Cook County. The Director will be responsible for planning for, developing, and monitoring a comprehensive homeless system that is informed by a deep understanding of national trends, data and best practices.
Responsibilities:
- Leads Continuum of Care planning efforts to prevent, reduce and end homelessness.
- Understands and effectively communicates local, state and national policy and trends and their implications for the Cook County Continuum of Care; provides analysis of community homeless issues for committees, board and staff to assist them in making informed decisions; tracks policies and programs at the state and federal level, and participates in local and statewide advocacy campaigns.
- Leads and facilitates several committees and working groups focused on implementing the community plan to prevent and end homelessness
- Oversees staff responsible for various activities including advocacy, communications, development, project monitoring, committee work, organizing an annual unsheltered homeless count, completing funder-required grant reporting, and meeting other Continuum of Care requirements.
- Supervises direct reports and provides clear objectives for staff in performance of their duties and oversight to assure these objectives are being met; helps to coordinate volunteers and/or interns for interim assignments as needed.
- Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with community partners, funders, housing and service providers, public officials, people with lived experience of homelessness, and other systems including the justice, child welfare, education, employment, and health care systems; develops meaningful partnerships while setting clear expectations; facilitates communication, resolves problems, and collaborates on system transformation efforts with community partners.
- Coordinates a process for annual monitoring and technical assistance for recipients of Continuum of Care grants and, as part of a team, carries out the process; develops written policies as needed; advises grant recipients on grant compliance, best practices, achieving performance measures, and effective resource allocation.
- Oversees and manages the annual Continuum of Care application process and other state and local resource allocation processes; works with a team to support the annual funding competition for almost $14 million in federal supportive housing grants, contributing to goal setting and accomplishment narratives.
- In partnership with the Advocacy and Development Coordinator, develops informational materials, press releases and marketing communications. Contributes ideas and content to website, e-newsletters, and other written materials.
- Acts as a spokesperson on issues related to suburban homelessness; responds to media inquiries; as needed, makes presentations in workshops, panels, and other public speaking engagements on homeless issues.
- Oversees resource development activities and participates in grant research and writing,
- Represents the Alliance at community meetings, events and conferences.
- Other related duties as assigned.
▪ While we have a set of preferred qualifications listed, if you have other experience that you think is related, please apply.
▪ Masters degree in a related field or equivalent experience required; 3-5 years experience in a related position is required. At least 2 years supervisory experience preferred.
▪ Excellent verbal, analytic, and written communication skills; ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner for a variety of audiences.
▪ Strong subject matter expertise in some combination of homelessness, supportive housing, Housing First and harm reduction, the Continuum of Care process, affordable housing policy, and the nonprofit sector.
▪ Budget management, program compliance, and grant reporting skills. Excellent project management skills.
▪ Enthusiasm for systems-level work with a strong understanding of mission-driven organizing.
▪ Must be a self-directed, highly organized person who can effectively prioritize and follow through on multiple projects, with proven ability to develop and execute plans and timelines, who takes pride in producing quality work and is willing to learn new things.
▪ Must have valid driver’s license and use of an insured vehicle for moderate local travel within county.
▪ Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, a growth mindset, and dedication to the values and the mission of the Alliance.
▪ Ability to work with and collaborate effectively with a diverse team of staff and stakeholders.
▪ Awareness of personal power and privilege, dedication to cultural humility, and demonstrated high value for diversity in work team. Possess a commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression in your work.
▪ Ability to work independently, both on site at the office located in Hillside, IL, remotely, and in the community.
To apply, send resume with cover letter describing your interest in and relevant skills for the position to info@suburbancook.org with “Continuum Planning Director” in the subject line