(Posted December 18, 2019)

Job Description

To oversee research and development of policies to address homelessness at the state level with a focus on criminal justice reform, to create and implement strategies with organizing and law staff to advocate for the policies, and to advance racial equity.

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

About CCH

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a 40-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 within the homeless population 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.

Job Responsibilities
  • Researches and develops policy proposals
  • Regularly attends legislative session days in Springfield to advocate for policy initiatives
  • Develops relationships with state level staff and elected officials and staff state level campaigns
  • Staffs CCH program committees and helps shape and direct committee initiatives.
  • Manages policy department internship program:
      • Outreach to universities, colleges, and nontraditional spaces to engage intern applicants
      • Sets up interviews with prospective interns
      • Manages assignments for interns
  • Does research and produces written materials necessary to develop and implement campaigns
  • Represents CCH in coalitions related to criminal justice reform
  • Develops campaign strategies with organizers
  • Works closely on all initiatives with organizing staff, develops organizing skills as they relate to policy work
  • 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
Qualifications
  • Entry level position, experience working with state legislature a plus
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze material, think strategically
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Experience working with coalitions and community organizers
  • 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
  • Willing to travel frequently
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 also 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 a.m. to 5 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

Frequent 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 Range

$49,000 – $53,500, based on experience

To Apply

Please send cover letter and resume to Niya K. Kelly at cchpolicyspecialistposition@gmail.com.

 

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, or any other legally protected status.