Job Description

The Research and Outreach Manager is responsible for organizing in the faith and business communities and conducting and overseeing research to advance the mission of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (CCH). The business and faith sectors play a critical role in shaping Chicago’s policies and we aim to activate them as stakeholders in our organization. This position will be housed in CCH’s Policy Department, but responsibilities will include both policy and organizing, and work to advance racial equity.

About CCH

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is a 39-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

  • Working with other members of CCH staff, create and implement a strategy to organize and engage leaders in both the business and faith communities to address the systemic issues that result in homelessness.
  • Lead CCH’s research and data analysis. This work includes, but is not limited to:
    • Developing the business case for addressing homelessness based on insight from research, focus groups, and outreach.
    • Determining data needs that we learn from our engagement with the business sector and conduct that data analysis.
    • Conducting research and analyzing data to conduct CCH’s annual homeless count and other quantitative research.
    • Serving as primary contact with partnering research institutions as the need arises.
  • Collaborate with Organizing Department staff on responsibilities related to organizing and outreach.
  • Respond to press and community requests for information.
  • Work with policy staff to hire and supervise interns.
  • Work 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/Skills

We’re seeking candidates who excel in relationship-building and collaboration, who are results-oriented, strong strategic thinkers, who want to build power, and advance racial equity.

Required:

  • This is a mid-level position and we are seeking someone with experience in relevant work, including advocacy and/or organizing.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrated excellence in relational/relationship-building skills.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting research, including data analysis.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice.

Preferred:

  • Experience with statistical software.
  • Understanding/experience with principles and strategies of community organizing.

Salary range:

$49,000 – $54,000 based on experience, with a highly competitive benefits package.

Please send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to: CCHpolicyjob@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, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.