Municipal Engagement Program Associate

Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) is the non-profit umbrella organization for affordable housing and community development activities in Massachusetts with a diverse, active membership of more than 6,000 people.

At the core of CHAPA’s work, we believe that every person in Massachusetts should have a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home. We serve as conveners across sectors to advance equitable housing policy and programs. Much of our work happens collaboratively through local coalition building, committee meetings, and legislative advocacy during which gathering a range of voices at the table is critical. We value lived
housing experience just as much as work experience, and we strive to ensure policymakers and others working in the field allow the same access and space for those with lived experience to contribute.

Join a passionate, vibrant team making a difference in Massachusetts! To learn more about CHAPA’s impact, please visit www.chapa.org.

Key Job Responsibilities

This position has two primary responsibilities:

• Work with the Municipal Engagement Initiative (MEI) team to build support for affordable housing production and bolster efforts to expand housing opportunities at the local level in communities across the Commonwealth.
• Work with the Fair Housing and Municipal Engagement Director to help strategically identify areas of policy and practice that promote equal and fair access to housing opportunities.

The Municipal Engagement Program Associate will report to CHAPA’s Fair Housing and Municipal Engagement Director.

Specific Responsibilities

• Conduct public education efforts and develop strategies with local residents to increase affordable housing production in their communities
• Coordinate and staff local meetings with residents and coalitions and develop fact sheets and other materials
• Coordinate CHAPA’s Fair Housing Committee meetings and implement CHAPA’s Fair Housing Month forum/events and trainings
• Assist in the development and implementation of fair housing policies
• Represent CHAPA at local Housing Forums and other events

Qualifications

• Experience building coalitions and developing a shared vision among a range of interests. May be professional or volunteer role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including meeting facilitation.
• Experience working with people of diverse social and economic backgrounds.
• General knowledge and understanding of fair housing issues.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings as needed.
• Sensitivity to the needs of people of low incomes and avid dedication to increasing affordable housing access and opportunities in Massachusetts.

Salary:
The salary range is $55-$65,000, based on experience. CHAPA also provides a generous package of benefits including vacation and sick time, health insurance, short-term disability insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits.