Associate Director of Policy and Research

Reports to: Director of Collective Impact

Job Type: Exempt/Full-Time 

Location: Palm Desert, CA / Hybrid

Salary Range: $90k - $110k with Benefits (Dependent on Experience) 

Primary Function: The Associate Director of Policy & Research will work collaboratively with staff, partner organizations, and stakeholders to inform, design, and implement evidence-based policies and strategies that advance affordable housing production and economic mobility in the Coachella Valley. The Associate Director of Policy &  Research will support existing work as well as new and emerging opportunities. 

Responsibilities

• Write policy briefs, memos, reports, op-eds, blog posts, talking points, and other written materials for internal and external audiences. 
• Analyze existing legislation, ordinances, regulatory frameworks, policy documents, and program guidelines across local, state, and federal agencies and jurisdictions. 
• Craft language for new or updated legislation, ordinances, regulatory frameworks, policy documents, and program guidelines across local, state, and federal agencies and jurisdictions to advance affordable housing production in the Coachella Valley. 
• Develop evidence-based recommendations for policies and strategies that advance affordable housing production and economic mobility in the Coachella Valley. 
• Utilize quantitative and/or qualitative methods to answer questions about housing affordability and  economic mobility outcomes for Coachella Valley residents and prepare or contribute to memos (or  other deliverables) discussing methods and results of analyses. 
• Support with writing and data for grant proposals and applications for funding. • Generate data visualizations and presentations that effectively and simply communicate complex topics pertaining to affordable housing policy/finance and community development. • Conduct background research on existing models and best practices for affordable housing  development, collect data across multiple policy domains, and synthesize research findings. • Manage assigned projects to ensure the timely completion and release of research reports and other  deliverables. 
• Support the organization’s efforts to work in collaboration with partner organizations through policy advocacy, research, and data. 
• Develop and deepen relationships with relevant stakeholders. 
• Participate in organization-wide action planning and strategy development. 
• Other duties, as assigned, dependent on organizational needs. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master's degree in Public Policy, Planning, or related field preferred. • A minimum of 5-7 years of demonstrable leadership experience in housing policy, community  development, or related field. 
• Progressively responsible work experience and demonstrable work product from prior roles. • Proficiency with data analysis/statistical and GIS mapping software e.g. STATA, R, Tableau, PowerBI, Salesforce, ESRI ArcGIS Pro, etc. 
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to collaborate with other team members and outside contacts with flexibility. • Must maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times. 
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Requirements  

• Experience working in diverse communities. 
• Able to work weekends and evenings as needed. 
• Ability to travel as needed across the Coachella Valley and other locations. 
• Must have reliable transportation, valid CA state Drivers License, clean driving record, and current auto insurance. 
• A passion and authentic commitment to justice and equity for people of all ethnicities, races, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, economic circumstances, physical and mental abilities and characteristics, and philosophies. 
• Genuine commitment to resident and community issues, as well as to maintaining the integrity of the vision, mission, and values of Lift To Rise. 

Physical Requirements  

• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing 
• Able to frequently walk, sit, and perform other job duties in both indoor and outdoor environments
• Able to occasionally stand for long periods of time 
• Visual acuity to operate computer and laptop for extended periods of time 
• Able to occasionally lift up to 30-40 pounds without assistance 

Benefits for this position: 

(Waiting period may apply)  

• Health Insurance – Medical, Vision & Dental 

• Paid Holidays 

• PTO – Paid Time Off 

• Retirement Benefits