Vice President, Housing and Financial Empowerment

How to Apply

UnidosUS has retained the executive search firm Koya Partners to manage this search. Interested candidates should submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out the Talent Profile.

Summary

The UnidosUS Vice President, Housing & Financial Empowerment is responsible for articulating and aligning the strategic direction for UnidosUS’s Housing and Financial Empowerment programs with the overall organizational strategy.

UnidosUS Housing & Financial Empowerment (HFE) aims to build the wealth of Latinos through homeownership, improved housing stability, and financial security. HFE partners with UnidosUS Affiliates, other community-based organizations, government agencies, corporations, and private foundations to create high-quality programs that support Latinos in their journey to build wealth and achieve economic prosperity.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Programs, the Vice President oversees an annual budget of $5–10 million and provides leadership and mentorship to a talented team of 15. The Vice President is a member of the UnidosUS Leadership Team and works closely with the heads of the other UnidosUS program teams—Education, Health, Workforce Development, Data & Analytics, and Learning & Impact—and the Senior Vice President of Economic Initiatives.

This position is hybrid, and will be based in Washington, DC; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; or Phoenix, AZ.

Salary: $180,000–$230,000 (salary differentials may apply outside of the Washington, DC area)

Essential Functions

Planning & Program Development

• Lead the design, execution, and growth of UnidosUS’s HFE programs, integrating them under a unified vision and ensuring their alignment with broader organizational priorities.
• Oversee a portfolio of four strategic programs: 1) Wealth & Housing Alliance, 2) Counseling Connection, 3) Financial Empowerment Network, and 4) Learning Alliance.
• Work closely and strategically with the Senior Vice President of Economic Initiatives to support the UnidosUS HOME (Home Ownership Means Equity) initiative, an organization-wide effort to enable the creation of 4 million new Hispanic homeowners by 2030.
• Serve as a primary UnidosUS housing subject matter expert with deep understanding of the housing ecosystem and the barriers faced by current and aspiring Latino homeowners.

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to a high-performing team of 15, including four direct reports and a roster of 10–15 contractors.
• Identify trends and opportunities in housing and financial empowerment to keep programs innovative and effective.
• Evaluate and adapt team structures, processes, and skills to maximize program impact and effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability aligned with UnidosUS’s strategic priorities.
• Serve on the Programs Leadership Team, collaborating with the heads of Education, Health, Workforce Development, Data & Analytics, and Learning & Impact.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with Affiliates, government agencies, corporations (especially in financial services), foundations, and other stakeholders.
• Represent UnidosUS at conferences, meetings, public events, and serve on advisory boards and similar bodies.

Fundraising & Budget Management

• Lead fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Senior Vice Presidents and the Resource Development team.
• Secure funding through grants, partnerships, and sponsorships to sustain and grow HFE programs.
• Manage departmental budgets and identify revenue opportunities and financial risks in coordination with the Finance team.

Data and Communication

• Develop systems to track program impact and inform future planning and storytelling.
• Collaborate with Data & Analytics to enhance client management systems for internal and Affiliate use.
• Provide leadership updates on program performance.
• Prepare reports and presentations for funders, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Communicate program successes and challenges through multiple media formats.

Advocacy and Policy Influence

• Advocate for policies supporting housing counseling, homeownership, and Latino economic empowerment.
• Collaborate with the policy and advocacy team to influence federal and state housing and financial policies.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 15 years of relevant experience designing and implementing national housing and financial initiatives.
• 10 years working with public/private partnerships in mortgage lending or financial services for marginalized communities.
• Deep knowledge of the U.S. housing financial system.
• Experience with HUD, CDFIs, and HUD’s Housing Counseling Program.
• Proven leadership in managing teams, setting goals, and providing feedback and coaching.
• Awareness and commitment to equity, social structures, and wealth building impacting Latinos.
• Experience working with diverse communities.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in public administration, community development, finance, real estate development, or related field.
• Experience in community-based organizations or national nonprofit intermediaries.
• Experience partnering with private financial institutions.
• Deep understanding of the U.S. Latino community and nonprofit ecosystem.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods.
• Familiarity with social media and digital tools supporting program efforts.

Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to UnidosUS’s mission, vision, and values.
• Dedication to advancing Latino civil rights.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within teams.
• Fluency in English and Spanish preferred.

Competencies

• Problem Solving: Analytical and collaborative approach to solving issues.
• Oral Communication: Clear, persuasive, and effective speaker and presenter.
• Written Communication: Accurate and adaptable writing for different audiences.
• Teamwork: Fosters a supportive, feedback-driven team culture.
• Change Management: Communicates and manages organizational change effectively.
• Leadership: Inspires and motivates while accepting and giving feedback.
• Managing People: Empowers and supports staff with performance feedback and growth opportunities.
• Business Acumen: Aligns programs with market trends and strategic goals.
• Diversity: Promotes an inclusive and respectful workplace.
• Ethics: Acts with integrity and inspires trust.
• Strategic Thinking: Adapts and develops strategies based on internal and external dynamics.
• Judgment: Makes thoughtful, inclusive, and timely decisions.
• Motivation: Sets high standards and overcomes challenges to meet goals.
• Planning/Organizing: Effectively organizes and prioritizes work.
• Professionalism: Treats others with respect and acts with accountability.
• Quality: Maintains high standards and continuous improvement.
• Adaptability: Handles change and ambiguity effectively.
• Innovation: Applies creative thinking to program development and problem-solving.

COVID-19 Considerations

• UnidosUS follows CDC guidance and encourages vaccination and preventive measures to maintain workplace health and safety.

About Us

UnidosUS, formerly known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations, UnidosUS addresses the barriers impacting Latinos at both national and local levels.

For more than 50 years, UnidosUS has brought communities together through collaboration and a shared goal of strengthening the Latino community.

Visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Employment Information

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in an educational institution.