Co-op Developer for Limited-Equity Housing co-op

Cooperative Housing Developer
Southeast Center for Cooperative Development (SEC4CD)

Position: Part-Time, 15-month contract
Salary range: $20 – $30/hour, based on experience
Hours: 20 hours/week, some weekend and evenings
Work Location: Nashville, TN (This is not a remote position.)

About Us
The Southeast Center for Cooperative Development (SEC4CD) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports employees’ shared ownership and control through the creation of cooperative enterprises in Nashville, TN and throughout the Southeast. Our mission is to increase economic opportunities and benefits by creating and strengthening cooperative businesses and networks that grow an equitable economy. We give priority to developing the power and capacity of low-income, minority, and/or underserved areas of Metro Nashville and beyond.

Position Summary
We are seeking a part-time, dedicated and experienced Housing Cooperative Organizer to support the implementation of Metro Nashville’s first limited-equity housing cooperative. The ideal candidate will work closely with current residents, property management, and other stakeholders to facilitate the conversion of an existing property into a thriving Limited-Equity Cooperative (LEC) by December 2025.

SEC4CD is excited to lead the conversion process with the residents and community members to form a limited-equity housing co-op (LEC). We will be providing supportive administrative assistance (e.g. processing applications, verifying income qualifications), technical assistance (e.g. assisting with budget development, support during leadership transitions, board training, new member screening), and training to LEC residents.

Training will be an essential part of the cooperative development process. The co-op developer is responsible for teaching purchasers the basics of homeownership, the cooperative structure and their roles and responsibilities before they become cooperative homeowners.

Another key aspect of this position is board training. A responsible leadership will be developed and nurtured to lead and manage the cooperative.

The co-op organizer will also support the co-op board and members by attending regular monthly meetings and guiding the new member application process at the start. Stewardship functions in terms of compliance will also be a part of the role in the oversight of the co-op that needs to be filled by the organizer. This will include meeting with the board at least once a month and providing a full and easily understood accounting of that month’s (financial) activity and interfacing with management as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Engagement and Education:

○  Conduct initial surveys of current residents to assess interest and understanding of the LEC model and assess conditions of the units
○  Develop and implement educational programs to inform residents about LECs, their benefits, and responsibilities
○  Organize regular meetings and workshops to keep residents informed and engaged throughout the process

Residents Council Development:

○  Guide residents in leading the Residents Council
○  Assist in drafting bylaws, establishing governance structure, and developing budgets
○  Facilitate leadership development among residents

Board Development:

○  Support the transition of the Residents Council into the LEC Board
○  Provide training on board roles, responsibilities, and cooperative governance
○  Assist in developing policies and procedures for the LEC

Community Outreach:

○  Build relationships with local community organizations, city officials, and housing advocates
○  Represent the LEC project at community meetings and events

Ongoing Support:

○  Develop a transition plan for long-term LEC financial and organizational sustainability
○  Create resources and training materials for future LEC members and board

Qualifications
●  Experience in Urban Planning, Community Development, Community Organizing, Social Work, or related field or experience as a (housing) co-op developer
●  Minimum 3 years experience in community organizing, preferably in housing or cooperative development
●  Solid expertise in cooperative governance and experience in working with cooperatives
●  Strong understanding of limited-equity cooperatives and affordable housing policies
●  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (including door-knocking and phone-banking), with the ability to work with diverse populations
●  Experience in group facilitation, democratic process and decision-making, and conflict resolution
●  Project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
●  Proficiency in Microsoft Office (or Google) suite and database management
●  Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred
●  Requires travel within Nashville with reliable transportation
●  Requires occasional work on weekends and holidays

Personal Qualities
●  Passionate about affordable housing, community empowerment, and the cooperative model
●  Patient and empathetic, with the ability to build trust among diverse stakeholders
●  Self-motivated and able to work independently
●  Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances
●  Committed to principles of equity, democracy, and inclusion

This position offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in bringing an innovative affordable housing model to Nashville. The successful candidate will have the chance to make a lasting impact on the community and set a precedent for future LEC developments in the region.

To Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume to rosemarie@sec4cd.org. Applications will be subsequently considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Southeast Center for Cooperative Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Pay is commensurate with experience and subject to available funding constraints. Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted.