Director of Policy NYC

About the Organization

The New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) is the leading advocate for policies, legislation, and programs that promote affordable housing at the local, state, and federal level in New York. NYSAFAH works to build an affordable housing community by providing networking opportunities for members, government partners, media, and elected officials. NYSAFAH's goals include advocating for policies and programs that enable affordable housing development, expanding resources for affordable housing, and enhancing NYSAFAH's reputation as the voice for affordable housing in New York State and New York City. NYSAFAH also has a 501c3 affiliate called House New York, which provides education and beneficial programs for the affordable housing industry and tenants across the state.

About the Role

What You'll Do

NYSAFAH seeks a Director of Policy, New York City to support its policy, lobbying, and membership initiatives, with emphasis on developing partnerships with New York City government representatives, lobbying firms, and other housing groups. The Director of Policy, New York City will also staff relevant NYSAFAH committees and work groups, including the New York City Policy Committee, and work in partnership with the Director of Policy, Albany to solicit feedback and support NYSAFAH's overall policy development and advocacy efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build strong relationships with partners at NYS HCR, NYC HPD, NYC HDC, and others to streamline agency development terms that impact the efficient construction, lease-up, and operation of affordable and supportive housing.
• Coordinate policy priority and advocacy campaigns with housing coalition partners and lobbying groups.
• Coordinate NYSAFAH legislative, policy, and advocacy campaigns with lobbyists and public relations consultants.
• Lobby the city and state government for additional funding for affordable housing development.
• Coordinate and staff housing agency, legislative, and advocacy meetings.
• Draft policy documents and member communications on emergent issues concerning affordable housing policy.
• Source public and academic reports, white papers, news articles, and other publications relevant to the affordable housing industry.
• Work with the CEO and relevant members to develop program-related improvement suggestions for implementation with state and city agency staff.
• Represent the organization at housing-related meetings, hearings, and events, including public testimony.
• Mobilize membership in response to proposed legislative or regulatory changes.
• Respond to meeting and briefing requests from public officials and agency staff by organizing affordable housing informational briefings.
• Coordinate with the public relations team on media strategy related to policy and advocacy items.
• Review and edit press documents developed by the public relations team, including quotes, op-eds and press releases related to policy items.
• Provide information/support for press inquiries and interview requests on policy issues.
• Propose policy related events and topics for inclusion at NYSAFAH's two annual conferences and other networking and educational events.
• Support CEO on implementing strategic initiatives or organizational priorities.

Who You'll Work With

You will report to the CEO.

You will frequently collaborate with the Director of Policy, Albany.

Required Skills and Experience

• 7+ years of experience in community development and/or affordable housing.
• 5 years in substantive positions requiring the ability to formulate and implement policy, and work with diverse partners.
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral communication skills
• Effective interpersonal communication, especially regarding persuasiveness.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead complex projects from concept to completion while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem solving skills; experience using data and information (e.g. data analysis, policy analysis, case studies, interviews) to drive decision making
• Basic computer skills, including knowledge of all Microsoft Office systems – Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle difficult situations.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field; advanced degree strongly preferred.

Additional Details

Based in New York City with flexible 2 days in-office plus occasional travel.

Benefits

• Health and dental coverage
• 401(k) plan with a 5% match
• PTO with two floating holidays
• Paid family leave

Equity

All positions at NYSAFAH are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.