Policy Associate

Overview

ORGANIZATION: The FHJC is a non-profit civil rights organization that serves New York City and the seven suburban New York counties of Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester. Our mission is to: 1) challenge and eliminate housing discrimination, promote policies that foster open, accessible, and inclusive communities; and 3) strengthen the enforcement of local, state, and federal fair housing laws. Since its founding in 2005, the FHJC investigations have led to legal challenges that have opened more than 81,000 units of housing to previously excluded people, recovered more than $55 million in damages and penalties for housing discrimination victims, and changed the ways many housing providers and government agencies do business. Our large service area, broad range of investigations, excellent policy advocacy, and strong litigation program make the FHJC one of the most effective and highly regarded fair housing organizations in the country.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Policy Associate plays a vital support role in advancing the mission of the Fair Housing Justice Center’s (FHJC) mission to eliminate housing discrimination and promote inclusive communities. Working under the supervision of the Policy Director, the Policy Associate assists with legislative monitoring, stakeholder coordination, administrative functions, and research and public education efforts related to policy and advocacy.

REPORTS TO: Policy Director

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Policy Research and Legislative Support

• Monitor federal, state, and local legislative policies and regulatory activity related to housing equity and civil rights
• Conduct research, synthesize findings and assist in preparing briefing documents, fact sheets, talking points, memos, etc.
• Support the creation of written policy material by proofreading, fact-checking, and reviewing documents
• Analyze and summarize policy proposals, legislative and administrative proposals with guidance from the Policy Director

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Maintain organized records and communications with stakeholders, legislators, and partner organizations
• Schedule, plan, and take notes at meetings, roundtables, and public events
• Support the logistics of policy training, public presentations, and outreach events

Communications and Outreach

• Draft social media content, newsletter blurbs, web updates, and other public-facing written material related to policy developments
• Track policy wins, news, and FHJC-related advocacy efforts for internal reporting and communications
• Collaborate with internal departments such as outreach, investigative and legal departments to identify and track trends, and strengthen the mission

General Support

• Assist with administrative tasks and special projects as assigned by the Policy Director and Executive Director
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of research and outreach efforts to ensure institutional continuity

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban studies, political science, public policy, economics, sociology, social work or related field
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong time management and research abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice
• 1-3 years of related experience in policy, advocacy, housing, civil rights, or nonprofit sectors
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and basic data tools (Excel, Canva, Forms, Monday.com, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Commitment to working with or advocating on behalf of marginalized populations
• Familiarity and experience with fair housing, land use, urban policy, and public administration
• Proficiency in a language other than English, particularly in languages commonly spoken within the service area