Senior Vice President, Public Policy

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

NLIHC seeks an experienced leader in housing policy and legislative advocacy to lead our policy agenda focused on people with the lowest incomes.

The Senior Vice President of Public Policy reports to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and oversees the policy team. Direct reports include NLIHC’s Senior Director of Policy and Director of Disaster Recovery. The salary range for this position is contingent upon experience and is from $148,000 - $185,000. This position requires physical time in the office, and the candidate must be in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area or be able to commute to our office located in D.C. for a hybrid work schedule.

The ideal candidate has thorough knowledge of federal housing policies and programs, experience with the federal legislative process, and a commitment to housing affordable and accessible to extremely low-income households as well as to equity and racial justice.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Team Management & Development

• Supervise and provide leadership to diverse, high-performing teams, including policy and disaster housing recovery, resilience, and research.
• Foster a collaborative, high-energy work environment where team members are encouraged to innovate, take initiative, and thrive.
• Provide regular coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to ensure team members grow and succeed.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, transparency, and accountability among teams.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Facilitate collaboration within the organization to ensure alignment with NLIHC’s broader objectives.
• Leverage the full range of organizational resources— including policy expertise, compelling research, media relations, field engagement, cross-sector partners, and more—to build effective, integrated advocacy efforts to advance housing justice.
• Collaborate with external partners, coalitions, and stakeholders to strengthen campaigns and amplify national messages.

Policy Development, Analysis, Monitoring, and Influencing

• Oversee and provide strategic direction and support for policy team efforts to advocate, educate and influence federal policymakers in Congress and the Administration to support affordable housing and homelessness investments, programs, and policies and an equitable federal disaster response and recovery.
• Establish the vision and strategy for NLIHC’s federal policy efforts, aligning them with our strategic plan and mission to serve the nation’s lowest-income households.
• Develop and maintain relationships with legislative and executive branch offices, and with other organizations and coalitions.
• Track, analyze, influence, and report on policy developments.

Board & Senior Leadership Collaboration:

• Provide updates and strategic insights to the board of directors.
• Participate actively in senior leadership meetings, contributing to organizational strategy, decision-making, and resource allocation.
• Advise on emerging opportunities, potential risks, and innovative approaches to strengthen NLIHC’s influence and reach.

Organizational Support

• Participate in staff meetings, retreats, trainings, and NLIHC events; convene and lead staff meetings in the absence of the President/CEO, as needed.
• Coordinate planning and implementation of aspects of annual conference.
• Represent NLIHC on boards, committees, task forces and work groups, and with media. Engage in public speaking on NLIHC priorities at meetings and conferences, and on Capitol Hill.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• 10-15 years of experience in housing policy, legislative, and/or advocacy campaigns, with a demonstrated record of success at the national level.
• Ability to identify and strategize around shifting political climates to advance housing justice legislatively and administratively.
• Strong understanding of the political, legal, and cultural landscape affecting the lowest-income and most marginalized households and their housing needs.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate diverse teams, with experience managing cross-functional and geographically dispersed staff.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with a knack for balancing long-term vision with short-term operational needs.
• Experience working in or alongside advocacy, grassroots, and coalition-building organizations.
• Unwavering commitment to racial and social equity in all aspects of work, and a demonstrated ability to develop strategies and tactics to create equitable and inclusive outcomes.
• Highly adaptable, initiative-taking, and strategic, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Persuasive communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including the media, policymakers, funders, and supporters.

An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, NLIHC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter with salary requirement, and a writing sample to Jamaal Gilani, Director of People and Culture, via email at jgilani@nlihc.org.