Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Chicago Housing Authority
Job overview
The Director, Workforce Development & WORC leads workforce programs and initiatives at Chicago Housing Authority to support economic growth for residents and achieve strategic goals within Resident Services.
Responsibilities and impact
The Director manages the Work Opportunity Resource Center, oversees workforce and Section 3 programs, leads external contractors and partners, monitors labor market trends, supervises staff, collaborates on strategic initiatives, manages contracts and databases, and handles multiple projects.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a salary range of $120,000 to $130,000 with benefits including vacation and PTO, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, pet insurance, parking transit, legal services, college savings plan, identity theft protection, critical illness insurance, deferred compensation with employer match, and pension plan with vesting after 6 years.
Experience and skills
Requires a bachelor's degree in public, social service, business administration or related field with at least seven years of leadership experience managing complex programs; master's preferred. Strong knowledge of workforce development, labor market trends, employment policies, program management, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement is needed. Familiarity with Microsoft Office and valid driver's license required; housing subsidy knowledge is a plus.
Career development
The role includes opportunities for professional growth through staff supervision, performance reviews, and engagement for development within the Resident Services leadership team.
Work environment and culture
The job is hybrid based in Chicago, requires collaboration across divisions, flexibility with working hours including outside standard hours, and supports telework after probation. The culture emphasizes responsiveness, teamwork, and adaptability to change.
Company information
Chicago Housing Authority is a public agency focused on housing and resident services in Chicago, managing workforce development programs and community partnerships to support economic growth for residents.
Team overview
The Director is part of the Resident Services leadership team, managing direct and management level staff and collaborating with other directors and departments.
Job location and travel
The position is hybrid at 60 E. Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL, with some work outside standard hours and potential telework after probation.
Application process
Applications are accepted for 30 days from posting with a closing date of August 1, 2025, and may close earlier if enough qualified candidates apply.
Unique job features
The role uniquely integrates workforce development with housing services, managing Section 3 support services and a Resident Owned Business marketplace, requiring extensive external partnership management and strategic program leadership.
Company overview
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) is a municipal corporation that provides affordable housing options to low-income residents in Chicago. Established in 1937, CHA manages public housing and administers rental assistance programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher Program, to support over 63,000 families. The organization generates revenue through federal funding, rent collection, and partnerships with private developers. Key historical milestones include the Plan for Transformation initiated in 2000, which aimed to revitalize public housing and improve living conditions for residents.
How to land this job
Position your resume to showcase leadership in workforce development, program management, and strategic initiative implementation, emphasizing experience with community partnerships and labor market analysis relevant to the Chicago Housing Authority's mission.
Highlight your ability to lead complex programs, manage staff, oversee contractors, and coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including experience with Section 3 support services and resident-focused economic growth initiatives.
Apply through multiple channels such as the Chicago Housing Authority’s official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your exposure and ensure your application reaches the right hiring managers.
Connect with current CHA Resident Services or Workforce Development team members on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent CHA workforce initiatives or asking about their experience managing partnerships and community programs.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'workforce development,' 'Section 3 support services,' 'program management,' 'labor market trends,' and 'stakeholder engagement' to ensure it passes automated screenings.
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