Director of Planning & External Affairs

Director of Planning & External Affairs

About Strategic Housing Finance Corporation of Travis County (SHFC)

Strategic Housing Finance Corporation of Travis County (SHFC) is a nonprofit that advances affordable housing by providing critical financing tools to multifamily rental developers. We have partnered to create over 5,500 affordable housing units across Travis County, with another 2,500 mixed-income units in the pipeline. A local Housing Finance Corporation, SHFC is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Travis County Commissioners' Court. SHFC has recently established operations independent of a long-time affiliate organization and is building a best-in-class housing finance agency.

The Position

Reporting to the Deputy Director and working closely with the executive leadership team, the Director of Planning & External Affairs will ensure SHFC's ambitious agenda is supported by rigorous policy analysis, intentional planning, and effective engagement with stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

Successful candidates will likely have 5+ years of experience in policy, planning and/or communications, preferably related to affordable housing. A master's degree in a related field (e.g. public policy, urban planning, government, communications) is preferred, but not required if core competencies can be demonstrated. Desired skills, experience, and expertise:

Mission & Ambition. Demonstrated drive to identify, develop, and execute new strategies to expand affordable housing in Travis County, with an eye to creating impact at scale.

Planning & Policy Expertise. Significant knowledge of Travis County affordable housing issues, accompanied by established competency in framing, researching, and synthesizing findings on housing-related policy questions at both the organizational and macro level. Clear evidence of ability to produce polished written materials and presentations for internal and external audiences. Established relationships with stakeholders in the affordable housing policy space, including experience interacting with legislative and other policy-making bodies.

Communications Experience. Track record of developing and/or implementing communications strategy, including crafting clear messaging for outside audiences and managing diverse communications tools such as media, website, social media, sponsorships, and special events.

Collaboration, Project Management and Supervision. Experience coordinating the work of colleagues, direct reports, collaborating organizations, and/or outside consultants to successfully complete complex projects.

What You'll Do

Policy Analysis and Planning: Research, analyze, and recommend policies related to affordable housing projects financed with SHFC support. Maintain awareness of national best practices and emerging models; identify and assess potential new financing strategies for SHFC, supporting continuous learning for staff and board. Oversee planning to operationalize policies and/or programs approved by board of directors.

Communications: Coordinate with 3rd party consultants and executive leadership to develop and implement SHFC's communications strategy, deploying a variety of tools including, but not limited to, media coverage, speaking engagements, sponsorship of special events, social media, and development of collateral documents. Guide completion of rebranding and oversee website re-design. Source professional development resources to enhance SHFC staff presentation skills.

Governmental Affairs: Monitor legislative and policy trends at the local, state, and federal levels, assess potential impact on SHFC's operations, and recommend appropriate response to executive team and board. Cultivate and maintain organizational relationships with elected officials, policy makers, and other stakeholders. Prepare presentations and written comments.

Community Engagement: Support the executive team and other staff to promote meaningful engagement with a broad array of stakeholders in the affordable housing arena. Proactively cultivate avenues for engagement with tenants in SHFC projects, including leadership development pathways. Manage partnerships with outside agencies.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary for this position is expected to be from $104,000 to $127,000, depending on experience and qualifications. SHFC offers an employee benefits package including paid time off, life insurance, a matched 401K program, and medical, dental, and vision coverage. SHFC staff enjoy a hybrid in-person and telecommuting schedule.

Equal Opportunity

SHFC is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, veteran status, uniform service member status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color (including multilingual and multicultural individuals), LGBTQ+ persons, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume by October 9th, 2024: https://shfctx.isolvedhire.com/jobs