Policy Director

Policy Director

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required in public policy, economics, urban planning, real estate or related field; Masters degree or law degree highly preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in public policy, urban planning, real estate, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in navigating legislative processes, working with government and elected officials, and advocating for specific policies at the state and local level.
• Demonstrated research experience.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills, including with media, reporters, and/or social platforms.
• Ability to analyze, synthesize, and translate complex information, orally and in writing, to influence the process and explain results to parties inside and outside the organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A self-starter with the ability to work independently, managing multiple tasks simultaneously and working in a fast-paced environment, often under stringent deadlines.
• Strong PowerPoint and Excel skills and experience preparing presentations for a variety of audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of ECD’s state, regional, and local policy agenda, identify key policy priorities, and ensure priorities are aligned internally with Enterprise’s national and Mid-Atlantic agenda, and externally with partners as appropriate.
• In role as trusted advisor, work with key government and elected officials to advise city, county, and state officials on the formulation and design of policy solutions that advance ECD priorities, projects, and initiatives, and to support broadly Enterprise’s Strategic goals.
• Lead state- and local-level policy work on appropriations, legislation, ordinances, project approvals, and regulations in state and local jurisdictions relevant to ECD’s efforts in MD, DC, VA, and PA.
• Identify key partners and cultivate relationships, in coalitions or campaigns, with advocacy organizations at the state and local level. Represent Enterprise and ECD in the (DC) Owners’ Consortium, Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition, Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers, and Virginia Housing Alliance and to cultivate other relationships and partnerships as needed.
• Manage contract with advocacy consultants: in consultation with the Mid-Atlantic Senior Director, strategize annual legislative housing advocacy agenda, track and monitor legislative activity, and craft policy positions.
• Prepare advocacy materials such as written and oral testimony, white papers, fact sheets, case studies, and legislative summaries.
• Refine and implement systems for soliciting comments and action from partners where appropriate, including adapting and circulating letters of support for state and/or national legislation with relevant partners. Attend associated briefings, meetings, and hearings, and report back to colleagues and staff on progress and developments.
• Support Enterprise’s federal policy priorities by advocating to state and local officials and the regional Congressional Delegations on national issues such as LIHTC, NMTC, federal subsidy programs, and other issue areas, as requested. Participate in annual Lobby Day in Washington, DC.
• Coordinate in partnership with Enterprise’s National Director for State & Local Policy and our market-based network of State & Local Policy Directors to share information, policy issues, and best practices. Participate in State & Local Policy retreat two times per year.
• Conduct research on policies, programs, incentives, and regulations that can promote and support affordable housing as part of a larger community development agenda.
• Utilize data, research, and best practices to inform policies that increase the supply of, and access to, affordable housing.
• Organize and staff policy-related conferences and workshops, including developing agendas, identifying panelists, and disseminating policy best practices.
• Organize and lead ECD’s monthly policy call with ECD leaders. Develop agendas, disseminate information, and bring awareness to applicable legislation from other States.
• Coordinate strategic internal and external communications, with support from national communications team.
• Attend legislative session meetings and activities or as needed or required to support partners, participate in Lobby Days, or advance critical legislation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred experience with affordable housing and/or housing policy at state and/or local level.