Project Manager - Resident Engagement & Ombudsman
$70k - $80k/yr+ 401(a)/457 employer match + Pension plan
Mid
Bachelor's
Chicago, IL, USA
HybridHybrid work may be available after successful completion of a 90-day probationary period.
Social & Community ServicesCommunity Outreach & Programs
About the job
Requirements
- A minimum of four years of relevant experience in resident or community engagement, housing, public service, property management, community development, or a related area.
- Experience coordinating projects and working across multiple departments or organizations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and tracking/reporting systems such as Yardi and CMTS.
- A valid driver's license and the ability to travel throughout the City of Chicago.
- Ability to work outside CHA's normal business hours for events and community meetings when required.
- Strong relationship-building, communication, listening, and facilitation skills.
- Strong problem-solving, mediation, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive resident concerns with professionalism, neutrality, and sound judgment.
- Strong organization, follow-through, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to identify recurring concerns and communicate issues and progress clearly to leadership.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments while maintaining clear roles and accountability.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
- Flexibility to occasionally work outside CHA's normal business hours.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the designated CHA point of contact for resident concerns involving property management, developers, CHA departments, and other responsible parties in mixed-income communities.
- Track resident concerns from identification through resolution using CHA's identified systems, including Yardi or other established mechanisms.
- Identify and analyze recurring, urgent, or unresolved concerns and recommend next steps.
- Facilitate communication among residents, property management, developers, and CHA departments when additional coordination is needed to resolve issues.
- Coordinate required Ombudsman meetings, resident notices, reporting, and related activities.
- Serve as the day-to-day lead for implementation and coordination of the Community Engagement Teams strategy under the direction of the Director, including supporting quarterly meetings and leading when piloting new strategies.
- Work with Resident Leadership, Property Management, CHA's Property team, and other CHA departments to identify concerns, establish responsibility, and monitor follow-up.
- Ensure the Community Engagement Teams strategy complements existing Resident Leadership, Property Management, and Working Groups without duplicating or replacing their roles.
- Track recurring property management, unit, common-area, and community concerns raised through the Community Engagement Teams strategy and identify matters requiring additional coordination.
- Document progress, outcomes, and lessons learned from the pilot and support recommendations regarding future implementation.
- Participate in the onsite inspection team through Quality Assurance and Accountability.
- Coordinate with CHA's Customer Experience Team to address calls and emails.
- Work across CHA departments to strengthen communication, follow-through, and accountability without replacing departmental responsibilities.
- Build and maintain relationships with CHA residents, resident leaders, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate and participate in resident and community meetings, site visits, engagement sessions, and special events under the guidance of the Director.
- Engage with the Central Advisory Council, Local Advisory Councils, Senior Housing Advisory Council, and other resident leadership groups as assigned.
- Support surveys, listening sessions, focus groups, and other efforts to gather and respond to resident feedback.
- Support resident engagement related to redevelopment, capital improvements, community initiatives, and other CHA priorities.
- Help strengthen partnerships and communication between CHA, residents, and the broader community.
- Complete reports and dashboards tracking issues and resolutions as requested.
- Identify trends and recurring concerns and provide regular updates to the Director and Executive leadership as requested.
- Support special projects, executive initiatives, and urgent resident or community matters.
- Perform other duties and special assignments as needed to support the broader goals of CHA and Resident & Community Engagement.
Desired Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Social Services, Community Development, Business Administration, Communications, Psychology, or a related field.
- Experience working with residents, resident leadership, community organizations, or mixed-income communities.
- Knowledge of public housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and mixed-income/mixed-finance housing programs.
About the company
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) provides affordable housing in Chicago by owning and managing over 21,000 public housing units and administering the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program for low-income residents. Its housing options combine direct property management with voucher assistance to help families secure safe homes and navigate housing options. CHA differentiates itself through its Plan for Transformation and community development efforts, partnering with private businesses and organizations to reintegrate residents into the urban fabric and expand economic opportunities, including the Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) program that supports asset building. Its goal is to provide stable, affordable housing while promoting neighborhood revitalization and economic growth for residents, guided by a Board of Commissioners appointed by the Mayor of Chicago.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
2004
Get referred to Chicago Housing Authority
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- October 1, 2026 Jobs Plus grant funds five years at Wentworth Gardens.
- August 3, 2026 LeClaire Courts financing closed for 183 homes, with 2028 delivery.
- May 2026 board approvals added 94 PBV units, expanding CHA's subsidized pipeline.
What critics are saying
- April 2026 Open Meetings Act lawsuit targets Keith Pettigrew's CEO appointment and governance legitimacy.
- Mayor Brandon Johnson's feud with CHA board threatens procurement, staffing, and HUD relationships.
- If courts void Pettigrew's March 17, 2026 appointment, CHA faces another leadership vacuum.
What makes Chicago Housing Authority unique
- CHA combines 21,000 owned units with 65,000 household voucher administration across Chicago.
- CHA uses MTW authority to blend federal funds, rent income, and redevelopment financing.
- CHA's Plan for Transformation still returns vacant sites like LeClaire Courts through mixed-income rebuilds.
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Benefits
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Sick Leave
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Prepaid Legal Services