The primary responsibility of the Policy Director is to assist the Executive Director in leading and implementing the Partnership for Housing Affordability’s (PHA) policy agenda throughout the Richmond region. The successful candidate will leverage partnerships, research, and awareness to advance housing equity and greater opportunities for all. The Policy Director will collaborate closely with local government representatives, housing stakeholders, and cross-sector partners to build regional support for housing policy adoption and increased investments.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop PHA’s annual policy agenda with the Executive Director’s support and establish priorities for systems change and capital investment.
2. Lead PHA’s policy committee, identifying obstacles to progress and critical partnerships.
3. Collaborate with consultant partners to create a strategic communications plan, effectively marketing and mobilizing support for PHA’s policy priorities and agenda.
4. Manage strategic research projects with consultants and housing partners.
5. Monitor housing policy and new initiatives in the region’s five jurisdictions.
6. Conduct housing policy analysis and research to address specific community needs.
7. Identify and propose funding opportunities in coordination with local governments, tracking budget proceedings related to housing and community development, and providing support as needed.
8. Represent PHA at meetings with partner organizations and regional coalitions.
9. Maintain and update PHA’s website, producing timely materials for blogs, newsletters, data, and policy updates.
10. Develop and maintain relationships with appropriate local government agency staff and elected officials.
11. Identify key strategic partnerships, emphasizing private sector involvement and conveying the value proposition of housing investment.
12. Assist in planning and executing PHA’s annual ‘State of Housing’ event.
13. Regularly measure and provide updates on PHA’s policy initiatives using established and newly identified metrics.
14. Collaborate with PHA leadership on fund development activities for policy and research as needed.
15. Attend local Board of Supervisor, City Council, and Planning Commission meetings as necessary.
16. Draft policy briefs and issue summaries for communication with stakeholders, local governments, and other key partners.
17. Work with Communications staff to create reports and materials for organizational events.

Required Qualifications:

The Policy Director must demonstrate a commitment to PHA’s mission, vision, and values. The ideal candidate will possess most of the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Urban & Regional Planning, Political Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in housing, public policy, community development, or research.
• Excellent presenter, with the ability to convey complex data and housing information to diverse audiences.
• Profound understanding of affordable housing or community development, particularly housing programs and policies.
• Strong attention to detail and project management experience.
• Strategic analysis and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret local ordinances and housing policy implications.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Capacity to work independently and lead self-driven initiatives.
• Flexibility to work a schedule including public meetings and occasional travel, possibly during evenings.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments.
• Competence in managing competing contracts and collaborating with external consultants.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams.