Director of Policy and Research

The Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development (ANHD) is one of NYC’s leading policy/advocacy organizations on housing and economic development. We are a member-association of 80+ neighborhood-based affordable housing and community development groups. Join us and together we will Build. Community. Power.

ANHD’s values are the foundation of the work that we do, and we are deeply committed to the importance of movement-building in pursuit of the justice, equity and opportunity that Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and marginalized communities deserve.

This is an excellent opportunity to lead policy and research work that will place you at the center of NYC’s innovative housing and economic justice efforts. The Director of Policy & Research will oversee ANHD's research, data, and policy work across our issue areas and campaigns, which include affordable housing, equitable economic development, responsible banking, and land use justice. This position will report directly to the Executive Director and will work closely with ANHD's department directors, and policy staff team.

Primary Responsibilities:

Oversee ANHD’s Policy & Research:

• Lead the development of sound, creative and impactful data analysis, research, and policy solutions that strategically advance ANHD’s goals and priorities in close coordination with ANHD organizers, member organizations, and coalition partners
• Develop and analyze legislative and policy proposals relevant to ANHD’s goals and priorities. Draft legislation in collaboration with legal partners and government legislative staff.
• Oversee and design and/or direct quantitative/qualitative/mixed-methods data analysis projects based on policy needs and as part of campaign or coalition strategy. Ensure data analysis integrity and accuracy across ANHD data projects.
• Produce and/or edit persuasive strategic blogs, reports, and advocacy materials that translate findings of research and analysis and are accessible to diverse audiences.

Represent ANHD and Advance our Work:

• Attend and speak at hearings, panels, forums, etc. and participate in local and national coalitions or task forces on behalf of ANHD.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, including member organizations, partner organizations, city, state, and federal electeds, agency / administrative officials, and leading experts.
• Engage in lobbying with city, state, and federal officials to advance ANHD’s agenda
• Interact with the press and media on behalf of ANHD for stories and inquiries.

Contribute to ANHD’s Organizational Management and Development:

• Work with the Executive Director and senior management to ensure collaboration and alignment across ANHD’s work areas and departments.
• Supervise policy and research staff (3-4 people).
• Support the Development team with fundraising for ANHD’s policy work.
• Monitor and review program budgets for policy and research projects.
• Support the development and implementation of systems and structures to generate a stronger work environment and impact.

Qualifications: 

• A minimum of 5-8 years of professional experience in policy related to affordable housing, economic development, or community development.
• At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory role.
• Master’s degree or higher in a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Excellent strategic thinking skills, including the ability to develop and advance long-term goals, while being responsive to new developments and crises.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Familiarity working with large data sets, and synthesizing data analysis into accessible data visualizations. Experience with statistical analysis packages is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with NYC & NYS legislative process and the statutory and regulatory aspects of NYC & NYS policymaking.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders and partners, including tenant leaders, community organizers, housing developers, policy experts, elected officials, agency staff, etc.
• A passion and commitment to New York City’s neighborhoods, respect for not-for-profit community-based organizations, movement-based work and a belief in organizing and advocacy as methods of building power to address systemic inequality and injustice.
• Commitment to racial equity, and comfort applying a racial equity lens to policy and advocacy work as well as to interpersonal professional interactions and relationships.