Housing Policy Analyst

Overview

The Hawai‘i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice is seeking a Policy Analyst/Senior Policy Analyst to support our advocacy efforts to create a more socially and economically just Hawaiʻi. This position will be working within our housing issue area, with opportunities to collaborate across Hawaii Appleseed’s other issues areas as needed. We are seeking an individual with excellent research and data management skills, as well as the ability to communicate complex policy information using accessible language.

About Hawai‘i Appleseed

Hawai‘i Appleseed is committed to a more socially and economically just Hawai‘i, where everyone has genuine opportunities to achieve economic security and fulfill their potential. We change policies, systems, and narratives by conducting data analysis and research, educating policymakers and the public, engaging in coalition building, and building community leaders.

The issues we work on—housing, food, fair wages and taxation, transportation, and racial and indigenous equity—are important because they ensure people have access to shelter, sustenance, and the means to survive and thrive individually and collectively. Our housing work prioritizes ensuring people in Hawaiʻi have accessible housing, with a focus on policies that unlock housing opportunities for working class, low-income, and marginalized populations in Hawaiʻi.

We are seeking a Policy Analyst/Senior Policy Analyst who can contribute to this effort by developing impact-oriented, data-driven research and policy recommendations to achieve this vision, informed by the people we serve.

The Policy Analyst/Senior Policy Analyst for Housing reports to Hawaiʻi Appleseed’s Director of Housing Policy. This position works collaboratively with other staff at Hawaiʻi Appleseed, and also with community partners to advance our collective priorities. Primary responsibilities include:

• Keep informed on the latest status of federal, state, and local housing programs
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders, such as State Legislators, County Council members, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, County Planning & Housing Departments, and other relevant groups working in the housing field
• Liaise with government and community stakeholders to learn and respond to structural issues related to housing and housing finance
• Conduct equity-focused housing policy research and analysis by monitoring government data sources, budgets, legislation, and agency actions at the federal, state, and county levels
• Analyze impacts of policies on housing access, housing availability, housing costs spending, and other metrics
• Conduct cost analyses and develop evidence-based policy recommendations
• Develop and advance policy positions and advocacy materials related to housing production, housing assistance programs for individuals, and social housing programs
• Engage directly in policy advocacy and coalition efforts by drafting and delivering testimony, conducting meetings with policymakers and agency staff, supporting community and partner organizations with technical expertise, and helping to interpret municipal housing programs and funding opportunities to advance equitable outcomes
• Present results of research to stakeholders, coalitions, and the general public
• Support the development of a regular housing newsletters/blogposts
• Other duties as assigned in support of Hawaii Appleseed’s mission

Activities breakdown:

• Legislative advocacy (30%)
• Research, writing, and policy brief development (40%)
• Outreach (stakeholder meetings, presentations, etc.) (15%)
• Staff and project meetings (10%)
• Cross-sector collaboration with Hawaiʻi Appleseed directors and policy analysts (5%)

Research focus areas:

• Government and household housing spending
• Housing initiatives on state and county level
• Social housing initiatives
• Cost/benefit of current housing programs
• Filtering
• Increasing new housing construction
• Community ownership of housing assets

Supervisor
:
Director of Housing Policy

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree preferably in the field of Public Policy, Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Transportation Engineering, Data Science,…