Job Description
The Director of Policy is a key position in a small but mighty organization. They establish both the short- and long-term policy vision for HSU, in partnership with membership, the Executive Director and HSU’s Board of Directors. They direct HSU’s presence as an authority on homeless policy, and the public voice of impactful
solutions to homelessness. Through regular communication with staff at nonprofit member organizations, they guide the direction and implement policy efforts of HSU.
The Director of Policy maintains close working
relationships with elected officials on the city, state and federal level to monitor and guide legislation, budget priorities and policies. They also maintain relationships with key government partners to promote effective policies on behalf of membership. Information is gained and relationships maintained through HSU committees,
ad hoc internal working groups, coalition membership, and one-to-on communications.
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
Administration-
• Assists in managing HSU’s Administrative Assistant and Interns.
• Completes administrative tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.
Policy -
• Spearheads HSU annual Policy Strategic Plan, overseeing and managing workgroups/committees and members’ staff to form a cohesive policy platform.
• Works with member agencies and HSU Team to craft a communications strategy to promote the policy platform and elevates the issue of homelessness in the annual budget and election cycles.
• Leads the legislative agenda for HSU by monitoring legislation introduced by city and state legislatures; and partners with legislators to create new legislation as needed.
• Serves as a liaison between HSU and elected officials and their staff.
• Drafts testimony, letters and press articles to promote HSU and its members and guide the public narrative towards proactive solutions; may present testimony at official hearings and represent HSU at meetings with elected officials.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director and consultants, plans and develops conferences and other events and meetings to promote HSU’s policy platform and advance its mission.
• Engages fellow coalitions and advocacy groups to remain abreast of relevant campaigns and developing concerns to formulate policy and program recommendations for the elected officials and government partners.
Planning -
• Works with the Executive Director and Board to chart and build towards long-term goals and growth plan of the organization.
• Works with Executive Director, members of the Board, and member agencies, to Identify and explore new funding opportunities with City and State government including new City Council funded initiatives.
• Works with intern/consultants to explore and develop proposals for new programs and potential funding streams.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
• High school degree or equivalent plus minimum three to five years’ experience working with social services
policies, especially homelessness and housing.
• Experience collaborating with and advocating elected officials and government stakeholders. Leading advocacy campaign a plus.
• Experience developing and maintaining key relationships across multiple constituencies.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and social media.
• Strong writing and communications skills, including public speaking. Required English language proficiency.
• Strong analytical skills with proven ability to analyze and use data to inform policy.
• NOTE: This position requires registration as a lobbyist in New York State and New York City.
Benefits and Wages:
Salary range $75,000-$85,000 based on experience. Medical, dental and vision benefits provided after one month’s employment as well as vacation and personal days. Hybrid model.
FLSA and Employment Status: Nonexempt, full-time position
How to Apply:
Please send cover letter and resume to: info@hsunited.org.
Homeless Services United is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with
ADA regulations as applicable.
All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender,
sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical
condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage or any
other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. By
completing this application, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to
consistently delivering outstanding service to our customers and contributing to the financial success
of the organization, its clients, and its employees. Equal access to programs, services, and
employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring accommodation to
complete the application and/or interview process should contact a management representative.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
This position is an optional hybrid model (home and office). In the office environment, the Policy Director must be able to work at a desk and participate in video meetings. Some travel is required. Must be able to travel to in-person meetings, conferences and advocacy gatherings, primarily across New York City. Occasional trips to
Albany and Washington DC. Occasional evening meetings/events required.
Note:
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the
employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification
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