Program Manager
Program Manager
Organization: Helena Area Habitat for Humanity Office Location: Helena, Montana
Status: Exempt, Full-time position (General schedule: 8:30 – 5:00 Monday-to-Friday) Some evening and weekend hour required
Reports to: Director of Operations
Direct Reports: Program Coordinator(s)
Position Overview:
The Program Manager plays a leadership role in advancing Helena Area Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. This position is responsible for managing and coordinating all activities related to homeowner loan underwriting, approval, and closing, in collaboration with lenders, legal counsel, and internal leadership.
The Program Manager oversees all aspects of Habitat’s homeownership and home repair programs, ensuring high-quality customer service, full regulatory compliance, and long-term stewardship of Habitat’s permanent affordability portfolio. This role provides hands-on oversight of program delivery, supervises program staff, develops systems and processes to improve efficiency and equity, and serves as the organization’s internal subject-matter expert on housing finance, affordable housing mechanisms, and homeowner support.
Commitments:
Mission commitment – committed to Habitat’s mission and values and consider them as a framework for all professional decisions.
Diversity commitment – compelled by our Koinonia roots to put God’s love into action and pursue housing justice for all by driving diversity, equity and inclusion with accountability and trust while attracting and retaining diverse, mission-driven talent representative of the community we serve.
People commitment – dedicated to working effectively as a team member with staff, volunteers, homeowners, and other stakeholders from all races, faiths and backgrounds.
Results commitment – goal-driven, results-oriented and committed to building quality, affordable homes, and recognize that each member of our team has a vital role in that goal.
Personal development commitment – committed to self-evaluation and ongoing professional development, striving to stay current with best practices in our work personally and as an organization.
Loan and Financial Program Management
- Manage and coordinate the full loan underwriting and closing process, including documentation, compliance verification, and communication with lenders, title companies, and legal counsel.
- Prescreen applicants and prepare complete loan packages to secure mortgage financing and down payment assistance for homeownership and home repair participants.
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of mortgage lending requirements, affordable housing finance structures, and applicable reporting standards.
Program Oversight and Customer Experience
- Deliver consistent, high-quality customer service to prospective and current homeowners and home repair participants, ensuring a respectful, transparent, and supportive experience.
- Develop, document, and refine program procedures to promote efficient delivery, clear communication, and equitable access to services.
Homeownership and Home Repair Program Administration
- Manage the full lifecycle of Habitat’s homeownership and home repair programs, from intake and eligibility determination through approval, construction coordination, and post-closing follow-up.
- Evaluate applicants, prepare supporting documentation, and present qualified applicants to committees or leadership for approval.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable Habitat for Humanity, USDA Rural Development (RD), Montana Board of Housing (MBOH), and other relevant housing and lending regulations.
- Oversee accurate and timely preparation and submission of required USDA RD and MBOH reports, in coordination with the Director of Operations and finance staff.
Permanent Affordability and Asset Stewardship
- Administer all aspects of Helena Area Habitat’s permanent affordability strategies, including Community Land Trust (CLT) and deed-restricted homeownership programs.
- Ensure legal documents are properly reviewed, executed, and recorded to protect Habitat’s long-term affordability and asset stewardship goals.
- Manage the resale process for Habitat homeowners, ensuring compliance with affordability covenants and resale restrictions.
- Collaborate with legal counsel, financial institutions, and external partners to maintain compliance and strengthen long-term program sustainability.
Homeowner Education and Support
- Serve as Habitat’s internal resource on post-purchase homeownership topics, including property insurance, property taxes, and ongoing homeowner responsibilities.
- Develop and deliver educational materials, workshops, and individualized coaching to support homeowner success and long-term housing stability.
Staff Supervision and Organizational Collaboration
- Supervise Program Coordinator(s), providing clear expectations, regular feedback, performance evaluations, and professional development support.
- Work collaboratively with Construction, Volunteer Services, Development, and Finance staff to ensure integrated program delivery and positive homeowner experiences.
- Participate in organizational planning and contribute to strategic initiatives that advance Habitat’s mission and community impact.
Special Work Requirements:
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations.
- Public speaking and facilitation skills.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for meetings, site visits, and homeowner support, including in adverse weather conditions when necessary.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel) and general database and computer systems.
Special Work Requirements:
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse populations.
- Public speaking and facilitation skills.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for meetings, site visits, and homeowner support, including in adverse weather conditions when necessary.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel) and general database and computer systems.
Required Education, Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and at least five (5) years of relevant experience in affordable housing, mortgage lending, program management, community development, or a related field.
- Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in affordable housing programs, lending, or compliance-driven program administration.
- Demonstrated knowledge of mortgage processes, lending regulations, and housing assistance programs.
Preferred:
- Prior nonprofit organization experience.
- Experience working with federal or state housing grants.
- Familiarity with Community Land Trusts, deed-restricted housing, or permanent affordability models.
- Experience providing trauma-informed, strengths-based client support.
Salary range of $53,750-57,000 annually DOE, and comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, voluntary dental, voluntary vision insurance, life and AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance; Paid Time Off; Flexible spending accounts; paid holidays and floating holidays;
Qualified candidates submit a cover letter, three references and resume to [email protected] for consideration. Full job description available at time of interview or upon request. EEO.