Director of Policy: Regional Legal Services

Regional Housing Legal Services (RHLS) seeks a Director of Policy to lead and coordinate its advocacy for safe affordable housing in Pennsylvania. The Director of Policy will leverage RHLS’ expertise in the development of affordable housing to advance government policies that expand resources for safe affordable housing and address the root causes of housing inequity. The Director of Policy will lead and supervise a small team that translates legal insights and client experiences into community engagement, administrative advocacy, legislative action, and systems reform.

The Director will also coordinate and lead all RHLS advocates (cross team) in advocating at the national, state, and local level for housing justice on such matters as fair housing, anti-displacement, affordable housing preservation, advancing permanent supportive housing, social housing models, and zoning reform. Equitable development and advancing racial equity in housing law and policy are central to the mission of RHLS.This

position is a great opportunity for an experienced policy advocate and team leader with a passion for housing justice to shape a policy agenda for a long-established and well-regarded legal housing advocacy organization.Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in advocacy with government officials; ability to integrate data-driven and narrative policy themes.
• Knowledge on how to navigate the state legislative process and understanding of how things work within state agencies and systems.
• Experience as a leader and supervisor of teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to economic and racial justice.
• Demonstrated skill in listening to and working with racially and economically diverse communities with varied experiences and perspectives.
• Strong passion for housing justice; knowledge of housing policy.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to coordinate, prioritize and carry forward a wide range of advocacy and leadership tasks.

• Keen analytical and organizational skills, strong drafting skills and attention to detail.
• Capacity to work effectively as an advocate and a team leader in both in-person and remote office settings.
• Prior experience on the staff or board of a non-profit organization a plus.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience supervising staff, policy development, project management, and/or planning initiatives.

• Experience with data, mapping, and research.
• Attorney with admission and good standing in the Pennsylvania bar or eligible for admission by reciprocity.
• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, planning or in a related field.

• Develop and advance policy positions/a public policy agenda that will further RHLS’ mission and strategic plan.
• Lead, support, and supervise a small team of RHLS advocates engaging in policy advocacy and coordinate the policy advocacy work of all RHLS staff
• As a member of the Leadership Team, the Policy Director will advise the Executive Director on policy advocacy implementation consistent with RHLS’ mission and strategic priorities. Participate in and coordinate with RHLS organizational leadership as a member of the RHLS Leadership team.
• Develop cross-support and relationships with other organizations and communities with a stake in the housing landscape in Pennsylvania.
• Develop and help sustain relationships (for themself and for RHLS colleagues) with key policy decision-makers and stakeholders, across all levels of government (local, state, and national), with a focus on state government.

• Help to develop and nurture relationships with grassroots and front-line organizations that are advocating for housing justice.
• Identify, track, and analyze relevant legislation in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
• Prepare and guide organizational policy and advocacy materials, including those in collaboration with other RHLS staff.
• Work with other teams at RHLS, including development services, communication, and outreach.
• Develop and coordinate messaging on policy issues in collaboration with the RHLS communications team.
• Develop and help implement strategies for non-legislative policy actions, including policies, guidance, and…