Overview

The FHJC is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Policy Director. This individual will be responsible for leading the FHJC’s fair housing policy work. They will provide vision and direction to accomplish the FHJC’s policy goals. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: publicly representing the FHJC in a variety of settings, conducting legislative analysis, interacting with a wide array of policy makers, research and data analysis, preparation of written reports and policy papers, facilitating and participating in policy meetings, and developing and promoting a policy agenda that advances the mission of the FHJC. The Policy Director will work closely with the Executive Director/General Counsel and the FHJC’s Board of Directors.

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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:    

  • Develop and advance an organizational policy agenda which addresses fair housing and fair lending issues at the local, regional, state and federal levels.
  • Manage the FHJC’s fair housing and fair lending policy activities, including research into existing policy, trends, and progress, advocacy for policy implementation or development, and effectuation of the FHJC’s strategy in relation to its Policy Priorities.
  • Lead and participate in policy discussions, provide testimony, and deliver public presentations on fair housing policy issues. Direct and participate in outreach activities and media communications.
  • Create and maintain productive relationships with public officials, legislative and regulatory agencies, community organizations, and others to advance the FHJC’s policy agenda.
  • Track, analyze and improve pending legislation.
  • Convene and lead coalitions and meetings of local, regional, and state fair housing advocates and other organizations to discuss fair housing and fair lending issues of mutual interest and concern.
  • Co-facilitate the Regional Affordable and Fair Housing Roundtable and its committees.
  • Oversee the Fair Housing network’s policy agenda and communications. Coordinate internal and external meetings on behalf of the Network.
  • Conduct research, organize presentations, and develop strategic plans that enable advocates and other stake holders to more effectively advocate for policy changes that further fair housing.
  • Prepare and publish position papers, articles, op-eds, and reports on fair housing and fair lending policy issues.
  • Create social media communications on policy matters.
  • Manage and conduct research and analysis of fair housing policy issues, including data collection, data analysis, mapping and presentation of findings in written reports, position papers, and presentations.
  • Advise and brief colleagues on policy issues. Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure policy initiatives are integrated in FHJC activities.
  • Work closely with and mentor Outreach, Education and Policy Fellow.
  • Recruit, interview, select and supervise undergraduate and graduate student interns.
  • Serve as liaison to FHJC Board of Directors Policy Committee, including preparation of drafts of annual Policy Priorities.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director/General Counsel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience with fair housing policy on local, regional, state, and federal levels (over 7 years for Policy Director)
  • Understanding of fair housing laws and issues, housing market dynamics, mortgage lending

practices, and/or housing subsidy programs

  • Demonstrated knowledge of legislative and administrative policy
  • Strong analytical and research abilities
  • Skill in coalition building
  • Excellent written and oral communications
  • Highly effective organizational competence and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently as well as creatively and collaboratively with colleagues
  • Capability to work creatively and effectively with diverse groups of people and organizations
  • Problem-solving capacity
  • Commitment to vigorous enforcement of fair housing and fair lending laws
  • Familiarity with communities in New York metropolitan area