Economic Development Specialist – Housing

Near West Side Partners, Inc. | Economic Development Specialist – Housing

Position Description

• Near West Side Partners is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Economic Development Specialist (EDS) to further housing-related programming in the Near West Side.
• The EDS position is designed to support NWSP’s housing goals and programs in the Near West Side. This role will work closely with NWSP leadership and NWSP’s Housing Working Team to identify strategies and partnerships that promote homeownership, improve overall housing quality, and engage residents across the Near West Side.

About the Organization

• Near West Side Partners (NWSP) is a non-profit organization founded with the support of five anchor institutions: Advocate Aurora Health Care, Harley-Davidson, Marquette University, Molson Coors, and Potawatomi Ventures. NWSP’s Board of Directors and Working Teams are composed of institutional stakeholders, civic leaders, and residents who work collaboratively to advance initiatives in Housing, Commercial Corridor Development, Safety, and Community Health.
• Mission: To revitalize and sustain the Near West Side as a thriving business and residential corridor through collaborative efforts to promote economic development, quality housing, improved community health, and greater safety for residents and businesses.

Key Responsibilities

• Live, Work, Play Program Administration
  • Market and administer NWSP’s Live, Work, Play Housing Repair and Downpayment Incentive Program.
  • Provide and process housing grant applications, tracking each from submission to reimbursement.
  • Monitor progress and impact of housing programs to ensure alignment with NWSP’s Strategic Plan, including developing economic impact metrics and reports for the Near West Side.
• Near West Side Housing Hub at Concordia 27
  
  • Support planning and launch of the Near West Side Housing Hub to expand access to housing resources and homeownership opportunities.

• • Coordinate relationships with housing/resource providers (e.g., Acts Housing, Housing Resources Inc., HACM) to ensure effective communication and marketing of available opportunities.
  • Coordinate Housing Resource Fairs, Homebuyer Workshops, and other educational sessions with local partners.
  • Create and maintain a trusted contractor directory in partnership with NWSP staff and other agencies.
  • Reclaiming Neighborhoods (RON) Project Leadership
  • Participate in monthly RON coalition meetings and, alongside the Executive Director, represent NWSP on the RON Steering Committee.

• • Lead the annual Housing Parcel/Person-to-Person Survey.

• • Recruit and train neighborhood volunteers; organize training sessions and conduct surveys using Regrid.

• Additional Duties

• • Organize and attend NWSP Housing Working Team meetings, including communicating with the chair to prepare agendas, taking minutes, and managing the annual calendar.

• • Represent NWSP at public events, meetings, and community engagements.

• • Help foster an inclusive and welcoming environment that honors diversity in geography, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, immigration status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, age, ability, and religion.

• • Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Service, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or a related field; or 5+ years of relevant experience in place of a degree.
• 2 years of relevant experience in neighborhood/community development; nonprofit or government experience in a managerial capacity preferred. Equivalent experience through community service or service-learning may also be considered.

Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies

• Strong project management skills; ability to prepare proposals, manage budgets, and develop reporting mechanisms.
• Working knowledge of housing, neighborhood development, and economic development practices.
• Knowledge of ReGrid and/or ArcGIS preferred.
• Passion for Milwaukee and strengthening the Near West Side community.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving skills.
• Bilingual candidates strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $46,000 – $52,000, commensurate with education and experience.
• Benefits package includes health, dental, vision, and 401K with company contribution, Paid Time Off (PTO) and 15 paid holidays.