Program Development Specialist

ABOUT US

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. For more than 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our community stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

SUMMARY

The Program Development Specialist will support the UnidosUS Wealth & Housing Alliance (UWHA) in developing programs that seek to incentivize and promote homeownership for Latinos through partnerships with UWHA affiliates. The Program Development Specialist will organize the development, administration, and execution of new program models and help promote existing programs in cooperation with and under the direction of the Housing and Financial Empowerment Director.

The Program Development Specialist will work closely with Housing & Financial Empowerment team supporting and understanding the needs and opportunities of our housing counseling organizations participating in the UWHA. This person will communicate and collaborate across teams to develop and expand innovative programs that help fulfill our mission.

This position is hybrid, and can be based in Phoenix (preferred), Washington DC, Los Angeles, or Chicago.

Salary:

• PHX: $60,100-$63,300
• DC: 66,200-$69,700
• LA: $65,500-$68,900
• CHI: $63,700-$67,100

Essential Functions:

• Engage closely with component staff to support UWHA partner agencies through monthly calls and strategic one-on-one meetings to provide technical assistance and advance collaborative projects.
• Consult with Housing & Financial Empowerment team and UWHA affiliate partners.
• Identify and define program requirements, scope, and objectives and use this information to generate ideas that lead to program and partnership opportunities.
• Coordinate new program or project planning and implementation, including assessing needs, setting goals and objectives, and ensuring successful follow-through on planned activities.
• Assist in the preparation of project proposals, timeframes, schedule, and budget.
• Coordinate and attend meetings; establish and maintain internal and external contacts, as necessary.
• Research, analyze, document, and prepare reports that can serve as resources for UnidosUS and project participants.
• Monitor record keeping and file maintenance requirements for the program or project.
• Prepare records of project activities; oversee and ensure the timely processing and delivery of required materials, including reports and payments.
• Participate in component meetings as needed to ensure project progress and/or barriers are communicated and addressed.
• Serve as the point of contact and communicate project status adequately to various key stakeholders.
• Use project management tools to monitor project working hours, budget, plans, and expenses incurred in conjunction with component accounting and reporting department.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, plans, and reports.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years HUD approved Counseling experience at a housing agency.
• Basic understanding of HUD housing counseling program compliance and reporting.
• Proven project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of the Latino community.

Desired Qualifications

• Basic understanding of mortgage products and programs and the loan application process.
• Spanish fluency (oral and written) skills.

Skills and Abilities

• Steadfast commitment to UnidosUS mission, vision, and values (Excellence, Respect, Accountability).
• Commitment to U.S. Latino community, Latino nonprofit organizations, and the Latino market.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create systems, establish protocols, and recommend efficiencies.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and goals, prioritize among assignments, and problem- solve.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, maintain attention to deadlines, and function effectively under pressure.
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively about workload priorities.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 suite of programs and project management tools.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of work schedule.
• Acute attention to detail.

Competencies

• Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data. Uses intuition and experience to complement data, Designs workflows and procedures.
• Project Management – Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Initiative – Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.
• Written Communication – Excellent written skills and ability to write quickly and clearly for different audiences.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Accurately complete detailed forms and reports.
• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously
• Perform some repetitive motion activities
• Sit for long periods of time
• Frequently/Continually required to talk or hear
• Occasionally required to lift/push light weights up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include [close vision, distance vision, peripheral, depth, and ability to adjust or focus]
• The noise level in the work environment usually is quiet to moderately loud
• Travel in the U.S. and onsite presence for media events and activities
• Occasional evening/weekend events, with advance notice

COVID-19 Considerations:

• All employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID - 19.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employment with UnidosUS is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screen.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.