Posted September 10, 2021

Job Purpose

To coordinate and support the state legislative policy initiatives that address homelessness at the state level with a focus on reentry post incarceration. This position will also support and advance the racial equity work at Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

About CCH

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a 41-year-old systemic advocacy organization. CCH develops campaigns and initiatives to address the causes of homelessness – lack of affordable housing, lack of access to health care and services and lack of jobs paying a living wage. We place much emphasis on organizing and developing leaders who have experienced homelessness to become spokespersons and leaders of our various initiatives. CCH does its work in accordance with its organizational values – collaboration, integrity, strategic action, compassion, and intersectionality. We recognize that homelessness is a problem that stems from systemic racism and that biases and prejudices are embedded in the fabric of society, and thus, also permeate organizations like ours. CCH is committed to advancing racial equity in the workplace, through the work of our racial equity committee, and through the campaigns and initiatives we choose. 

Job Responsibilities 

  • Researches and assists in developing policy proposals and implementation strategies for ending homelessness in Illinois.  
  • Provides support in coalitions related to criminal justice reform 
    • Attend coalition meetings and assist in administrative needs of the coalition 
    • Work in collaboration with the Re-Entry Organizer and Director of State Legislative Policy 
    • Works on special projects including assisting in the implementation of legislative policy 
  • Assists in coordinating logistics for Springfield travel, including:  
    • Coordinating staff roles and responsibilities for Lobby Days 
    • Assisting in the creation of Lobby Day packets  
    • Managing agendas, travel arrangements and meeting schedules 
  • Maintains and updates internal database of bills of interest intersecting with the lives of people living in poverty introduced in the Illinois General Assembly.  
  • Works with the Director of Equity and Transformation and Racial Equity Committee Co-chairs to facilitate racial equity work including: 
    • Staffing Racial Equity Committee meetings 
    • Assisting in coordinating racial equity onboarding for new staff  
    • Helping with special projects 
  • Works in collaboration with the Policy Department to maintain internship program:  
    • Attend interviews with prospective interns.  
    • Assist in managing assignments for interns.   
  • Works in collaboration with all CCH departments—CCH believes strongly in interdepartmental collaboration and expects all staff to work in close partnership with the other departments at the organization 

Skills/Qualifications: 

  • Entry level position. Individuals with lived experience of re-entry/returning citizens and/or housing insecurity highly encouraged to apply  
  • Eagerness and openness to learn new skills especially the intersections of organizing, coalition building and legislative advocacy.  
  • Demonstrated ability of speaking about a subject matter in a public forum or setting.  
  • Knowledgeable and demonstrated ability to use Windows Operating System, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and other Office programs 
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and work to advance racial equity 
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and racial equity 
  • A track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds 
  • Bonus: Experience managing cross-departmental projects 

Work Environment 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 
 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information in person and using a computer and phone. The employee frequently is required to move about inside the office to attend meetings, access mail and office machinery, and to attend meetings and other events outside of the office. The employee is also frequently required to remain in a stationary position and to operate and use a computer and other office machinery such as a copy machine, printer, and phone.   

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work 

Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but the employee must be available during the “core” work hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and must work 37.5 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. 

Travel 

Occasional travel is expected for this position. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Salary 

$45,000 with a competitive benefits package 

To Apply

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to statepolicycch@gmail.com. Address materials to Niya K. Kelly.


Chicago Coalition for the Homeless believes that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognizes and values the intersectional identities that staff members bring to our organization. We are enriched by the diverse experiences, beliefs, and ways of thinking that employees of different backgrounds bring.  

People of Color and people who have experienced homelessness or poverty are strongly encouraged to apply. Fair consideration is given to all qualified applicants regardless of criminal record. CCH is committed to providing equal employment consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.