Policy and Advocacy Director

Position Summary

A nonprofit community development and affordable housing organization seeks a highly motivated and experienced Policy and Advocacy Director to lead policy research, advocacy strategy, and government relations efforts. This role supports the organization’s mission to strengthen underserved communities through housing stability, financial education, affordable lending, and neighborhood redevelopment.

The Policy and Advocacy Director will monitor and influence housing and community development policy at the local, state, and federal levels, advocate on key consumer and community issues, and collaborate with government officials, advocacy coalitions, and internal stakeholders to advance equitable policy outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct, track, and manage research to support policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Identify key policy issues and advocate with city, state, and federal officials on housing, financial, and consumer-related matters.
• Monitor housing and community development policy developments across all levels of government.
• Collect, compile, and analyze data, surveys, and research related to critical community issues.
• Serve as a liaison to government officials and their staff, providing research, background materials, and issue briefings to support effective engagement.
• Draft policy statements, position papers, and responses to emerging issues impacting local communities.
• Track funding opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels relevant to housing and community development.
• Maintain knowledge of housing, financial/banking, economic policy, and development trends affecting modest-income communities both locally and nationally.
• Participate in and represent the organization within local, state, and national advocacy coalitions and policy networks.
• Help develop and set the organization’s advocacy agenda and train staff and volunteers on key policy priorities and advocacy strategies.
• Supervise policy or research interns as needed.
• Be available to work evenings and weekends when required to support advocacy efforts or events.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Government Affairs, Community Planning, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a nonprofit or public policy environment preferred.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of housing policy, financial services, and community development issues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with GIS systems preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.