Home Preservation Navigator at GREATER DES MOINES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, INC. – Des Moines, Iowa

Position Summary:

The Home Preservation Navigator serves as the primary point of contact for homeowners applying to Habitat for Humanity’s Home Preservation programs. This role manages program leads, guides homeowners through the application and qualification process, and ensures participants meet program and funding requirements. The Navigator coordinates home assessments, prepares homeowner agreements, maintains accurate program records, and connects clients to additional housing resources when appropriate.

This position plays a critical role in delivering high quality customer service, supporting grant compliance, and ensuring home preservation projects move forward efficiently and equitably.

Program Application, Approval, and Agreement

• Serve as the primary navigator for homeowners throughout the home preservation application, qualification, and agreement process.
• Collect, review, and verify required documentation to determine program eligibility.
• Communicate application status and next steps clearly and consistently with applicants.
• Schedule home assessments in coordination with internal staff and partners.
• Prepare, finalize, and manage, Homeowner Agreements, liens, and related documentation.
• Refer homeowners or renters to appropriate housing services or external repair programs when Habitat services are not a fit.

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Support neighborhood revitalization initiatives such as Rock the Block by assessing eligibility and preparing participant materials.
• Conduct outreach in targeted neighborhoods to identify and engage qualified applicants.
• Participate in and support Habitat teams during events and peak program periods.

Record and Data Management

• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date client records in the Home Preservation database (Salesforce).
• Manage department Salesforce dashboard ensuring data is accurate and consistently updated.
• Enter, update, and track loan related and program data to support reporting and compliance.
• Use data to describe client pipeline, workload, and program status.
• Monitor data integrity and resolve missing or inaccurate information.
• Support grant compliance by collecting, reviewing, and uploading required documentation for funding submissions.

Home Preservation Team Support

• Manage shared Home Preservation program inboxes and ensure timely, professional responses to clients.
• Provide administrative and coordination support to team members to help ensure successful completion of home preservation projects.
• Assist with additional program support tasks as needed during peak periods.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Respond to phone calls and emails in a timely and professional manner.
• Send homeowner application invitations according to program schedules and requirements.
• Process applications and determine participant eligibility.
• Prepare homeowner agreements and lien documentation.
• Schedule home assessments and coordinate follow up.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services, housing, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in customer service, program coordination, case management, housing services, or a related role.
• Experience working with diverse populations and maintaining client confidentiality.
• Proficiency with databases or CRM systems (Salesforce experience preferred).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple applications and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in housing, home repair, community development, or nonprofit programs.
• Familiarity with grant-funded programs and documentation requirements.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus.

Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity (GDMHFH) is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you are passionate about making a difference in your community, we encourage you to apply.

We believe in taking care of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability
• Voluntary life insurance options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

If you're energized by teamwork and want to make a real impact in your community, we’d love to meet you. You’ll join a supportive team that values growth, collaboration, and purpose-driven work.