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Director of Policy, Center for Community Progress - Washington, D.C.

Director of Policy

Center for Community Progress

Washington, DC


JOB TITLE: Director of Policy                                      
DATE: March 26, 2015                         
REPORTS TO: President/CEO                                    
BASED IN: Washington, DC Office
                                                                                        
JOB SUMMARY
The Center for Community Progress seeks an innovative and knowledgeable Director of Policy to develop, launch, and manage an active policy education and issue advocacy program focused on state and federal policy related to neighborhood stabilization and revitalization through the prevention and reuse of vacant, abandoned, and problem properties. The Director of Policy will work closely with staff responsible for local and state technical assistance engagements, leadership and education programming, research initiatives, and communications.

DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Monitor and analyze federal and state policy and legislative developments related to community development and revitalization, with a particular focus on blight prevention and vacant property reclamation;
  • Work with program staff to develop an organizational policy agenda and organizational positions on key policy issues related to blight and vacancy; develop supporting materials, including issue briefs, factsheets, talking points, blogs, op-eds and other resources;
  • Work closely with program staff and other partners to track and analyze vacancy-related trends, assess the need for policy or legislative solutions at the federal or state level, and work with partners to identify or develop proposed solutions;
  • Build key strategic partnerships and relationships, including with Congressional and Executive offices, and national nonprofit partners, to support policy, outreach, education, and reform efforts at the federal level;
  • Identify opportunities for policy reforms in target states and work with state and local partners to build, inform, and/or sustain state-level coalitions around these reforms;
  • In collaboration with communications staff, organize and execute awareness raising campaigns around key policies related to blight and vacancy;
  • In collaboration with other program staff, support a consortium of state policy advocates.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Demonstrated commitment to public and community service with an enthusiasm for Community Progress’s mission;
  • Knowledge of and prior work experience related to the challenges facing America’s cities as they relate to blight prevention, vacant properties, land reuse and revitalization;
  • Familiarity with and understanding of federal and state legislative processes;
  • Strategic thinker with ability to identify, prioritize and leverage opportunities for engagement;
  • Excellent analytical and communication skills; ability to make complex information accessible to a wide variety of audiences;
  • Excellent writing skills;
  • Ability to multitask and manage stress well in a fast-paced environment with frequently shifting priorities;
  • Strong relationship-building skills and track record;
  • Sharp attention to details as well as an appreciation for the big picture;
  • Awareness of the federal, state, and local policies that have historically contributed to a concentration of vacancy, abandonment, and blight in underserved communities;
  • Commitment to nonpartisanship and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with individuals, groups and policymakers with opposing points of view and diverse political perspectives.

REQUIRED
  • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in policy development, education or advocacy, campaign development, and/or coalition building with at least two (2) years working on policies related to neighborhood stabilization or prevention and reuse of vacant properties.

PREFERRED
  • Master’s degree in public policy or related field and a minimum of three (3) years working on policies related to neighborhood stabilization or prevention and reuse of vacant properties.

HOW TO APPLY
Submit a cover letter (including salary expectations), resumé, writing sample, and at least three references via e-mail to Leah Landes at llandes@communityprogress.net. Applications must be received by April 17, 2015.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
The Center for Community Progress is an equal opportunity employer. 
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