NHC Vice President for Policy and Advocacy
Background on the National Housing Conference
Founded in 1931, The National Housing Conference (NHC) is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to advancing affordable housing and community development causes. As the United Voice of Housing, NHC draws its membership from every industry segment, forming the foundation for NHC’s broad, nonpartisan advocacy for national policies and legislation that promote suitable and affordable housing in a safe, decent environment for all in America.
The Center for Housing Policy (the Center) is the research affiliate of the National Housing Conference. It works to broaden understanding of America’s affordable housing challenges and examine the impact of policies and programs developed to address these needs. While incorporated as a separate 501(c)(3) organization, the Center is closely affiliated with NHC and seeks to advance the research goals of NHC and its members.
Position Summary
The National Housing Conference (NHC) is seeking a full-time vice president for policy and advocacy. The vice president for policy and advocacy reports directly to the president and CEO of NHC and indirectly to the executive director of the Center. The vice president for policy and advocacy directly oversees NHC’s policy associate(s) and interns and is responsible for representing NHC on public policy issues related to affordable housing and advocating for NHC’s policy priorities at the national level.
The National Housing Conference is looking to expand its impact and operate efficiently and effectively in housing’s new era. It seeks a mission-focused, seasoned, strategic, and process-minded leader with experience in being part of an executive management team and in working in a performance culture among a group of diverse, talented individuals. The vice president for policy and advocacy must be a leader who is able to help National Housing Conference and its members engage in relevant housing policy issues and understand how housing relates to other policy areas, such as transportation, employment, the environment, education and public health.
Reports to
Directly to NHC’s president and CEO and indirectly to the executive director of the Center.
Supervises
NHC’s policy associate(s) and interns
Responsibilities
1. Work with NHC members and staff of NHC and the Center to identify and articulate NHC’s policy priorities and legislative agenda that will support the development and preservation of affordable housing nationwide.
2. Represent NHC on public policy issues related to affordable housing and coordinate the deployment of the intellectual resources of NHC and the Center to advance key NHC policy priorities. Develop relationships with members of Congress and their staff, heads of federal agencies and their staff, as well as coalition partners.
3. Advocate for NHC’s policy priorities at the national level through the development of policy briefs, testimony for hearings, outreach to and involvement of NHC members, and direct advocacy in Congress and the Administration.
4. Convene NHC members and national partners through NHC taskforces/working groups to coordinate activities and build consensus on key issues and tap their expertise to inform NHC policy development. The vice president for policy and advocacy will also represent NHC on broader coalitions and taskforces.
5. Review and track proposed legislation that intersects with NHC’s policy priorities.
6. Work collaboratively with NHC and Center staff focused on state and local housing issues to determine how national housing policy could better support effective state and local housing strategies.
7. Oversee the production of the Washington Wire – a periodic newsletter to NHC members on key housing policy developments in Washington.
8. Work collaboratively with NHC’s Communications Department to articulate policy priorities to NHC members and stakeholders through traditional, new and social media outreach and communications (www.nhc.org).
9. Host policy related forums and workshops on behalf of NHC and in conjunction with partner organizations.
10. Supervise NHC’s policy associate(s) and provide support to other NHC staff and the president and CEO as needed.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• Masters or Law degree preferred
• Eight or more years of advocacy experience and/or direct Hill experience
• Experience in the affordable housing field, particularly experience related to the federal role in financing multifamily and affordable housing
• Experience writing and analyzing legislation
• Excellent writing, analytical, and oral presentation skills
• Ability to work well with a broad range of people and in a team environment
• Experience working on deadlines and managing multiple projects at once
• Sense of humor and creative spirit
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
To apply for this position, please submit the following materials:
• Cover Letter and salary requirements
• Resume
• 3 Professional References
Send materials to:
Mary Cousins
Director of Administration
National Housing Conference
1801 K Street, NW, Suite M-100
Washington, DC 20006
mcousins@nhc.org
Application deadline is August 16. No phone calls please.
NHC is an equal opportunity employer.