Community Manager (Jigzibik Property)

Position Summary

The Community Manager is the operational lead for Jigzibik and reports to the Regional Property Manager. This position is responsible for the administrative, physical, and financial oversight of the property, as well as the supervision of site personnel. Operating within a Housing First approach, the Community Manager partners closely with on-site service providers to ensure housing stability, maintain an inclusive and culturally responsive environment, and deliver on the organizational mission while meeting all financial and regulatory standards.

Jigzibik is the first urban Native affordable housing project in Chicago. It is a 45-unit multifamily development that includes a 1st floor commercial space occupied by service provider California Indian Manpower Consortium, and amenity spaces such as a green roof, fitness center, and gathering hall. As an integrated permanent supportive housing community, Jigzibik is intentionally designed to address barriers that Native Americans experience in accessing housing in Chicago, such as chronic homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders, and chronic medical conditions.

Key Responsibilities

Site Operations

• Manage the daily administrative and financial operations of the property, including rent collection, daily bank deposits, and processing delinquent accounts in accordance with state and local landlord-tenant regulations.
• Collaborate closely with the corporate finance team to assist in the formulation of the annual budget, adhere to budget guidelines, report on financial variances, and process accounts payable.
• Direct the daily work of the site maintenance team, coordinating service requests, inspecting units for repairs, and ensuring vacant units are turned and ready to be leased efficiently to maintain high asset standards.
• Analyze leasing performance, maintain the waitlist or interest list, and ensure adequate coverage of the premises.

Mission Integration

• Maintain a high-functioning relationship with on-site service providers to coordinate resident support, manage reasonable accommodation requests, and proactively address lease compliance through a collaborative, mission-driven lens.
• Ensure property management practices align with a Housing First approach, supporting the outreach, intensive case management, and housing support services provided by the Mission Impact team.
• Work compassionately and effectively with residents who have experienced trauma, homelessness, or have complex physical and behavioral health needs.
• Serve as the first point of contact for residents, overseeing resident activities, managing the lease renewal program, and resolving issues promptly with patience and professionalism.
• Enforce rules and lease provisions collaboratively, seeking eviction-prevention strategies and utilizing de-escalation techniques prior to processing legal notices.

Team Leadership

• Assist in training and supervising all property personnel, ensuring strict adherence to organizational policies, safety procedures, and operational standards.
• Model a commitment to life-long learning and organizational values, prioritizing personal growth, professional development, and high levels of support for all site staff.
• Provide input for performance reviews, process work orders, and manage overtime requests for the team.
• Foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture that respects the backgrounds of the staff and the specific urban Native population served at Jigzibik.

Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with all financing sources, including LIHTC (Section 42), HUD, HOME, Project Based Rental Assistance, and other local funding requirements.
• Oversee the intake process, providing tours, processing applications, and approving or rejecting applicants based on program requirements.
• Maintain all tenant files and documentation to ensure compliance with contracts, fair housing laws, the ADA, and auditing standards, demonstrating a commitment to getting submissions right the first time.
• Coordinate effectively with third-party compliance groups, state agencies, and Coordinated Entry systems.

Qualifications

Required

• 2+ years of experience in multifamily affordable property management.
• Tax Credit Certification, or ability to obtain within 120 days of hire.
• Familiarity with Coordinated Entry systems and Homeless Management Information System platforms.
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong customer service orientation tailored to vulnerable populations.
• Proficiency in Yardi or similar property management software, as well as standard office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• High degree of organization, critical thinking, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously under pressure.

Preferred

• Prior experience in Permanent Supportive Housing is highly preferred, specifically a demonstrated ability to navigate the unique needs of residents who have experienced homelessness, trauma, or have complex physical and behavioral health needs.
• Deep, demonstrated cultural understanding of and experience working directly within the urban Native American community.
• Lived experience navigating or supporting Indigenous community networks, cultural traditions, and localized resources is highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Social Work, or a related field.
• Experience working with mission-driven nonprofits and familiarity with diverse communities.
• Accredited Residential Manager or Certified Apartment Manager designation.

Location: Jigzibik; Chicago, IL; Albany Park neighborhood

Schedule: Full-Time, Monday–Friday; Weekend availability required

Salary: $58,000-$70,000; based on experience

Travel: Occasional local travel for training and corporate meetings as needed

Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, PTO, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, paid parental leave, rent discounts, and more.