Austin Community Land Trust Coordinator

Austin Community Land Trust Coordinator – Overview

Organization & Project Description

Austin Coming Together (ACT) facilitates collective impact and community development in the Austin community area of Chicago.  In 2024, ACT will begin to engage its network of residents and leaders to organize a Community Land Trust (CLT).  CLTs help to stabilize neighborhood housing conditions and ensure long-term housing affordability by acquiring land and leasing housing units on that land at affordable prices. ACT will initiate the Austin CLT in the Chicago Neighborhood Recovery Program (CNRP) target area for Austin.   

Position Description

The Austin Community Land Trust (ACLT) Coordinator will lead the organizing efforts for the Austin CLT. Under the supervision of ACT’s Planning and Investment Manager, the ACLT Coordinator will partner with the CNRP Associate to engage residents of Austin’s Chicago Neighborhood Recovery Program (CNRP)  target area, housing organizations in the ACT network, and other supportive institutions to organize, resource, and begin operating a CLT in Austin. Core responsibilities of the position include:

• Canvassing and surveying the Austin CNRP neighborhood on a regular basis
• Updating the Austin CNRP housing database and resident directory on a regular basis
• Building and maintaining a list of properties in the Austin CNRP for the Austin CLT to consider for acquisition
• Conducting one-to-one meetings with Austin residents and other stakeholders whose goals may align with the creation of a CLT 
• Engaging and educating Austin stakeholders about the CLT model through educational events and materials
• Organizing an Austin CLT steering committee made up of Austin residents and ACT network partners
• Facilitating the creation of a CLT action plan in Austin
• Supporting the steering committee to implement the land trust action plan
• Attending regular CNRP meetings and updating CNRP partners on the progress of the Austin CLT

Qualifications & Skills 

• 2-3 years experience in community engagement/organizing/development OR Bachelor’s degree. Ability to work independently and in a disciplined manner within a larger team
• Experience with community land trusts (preferred)
• Comfort and experience in community engagement and public speaking
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain relationships with a diverse network of professionals and community members
• Ability to learn and use data management tools and various communication technologies
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Bilingual (English, Spanish) preferred
• Familiarity with or experience working in the Austin community or other Westside neighborhoods

Hours and Compensation:

This is a full-time permanent position that may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule, which could include up to 2 days per week of remote work.The Austin Community Land Trust (ACLT) Coordinator is expected to work evenings and weekends when necessary. Salary is commensurate with experience and ranges from $50,000 to $55,000 plus benefits. The Coordinator reports directly to ACT’s Planning and Investment Manager.