Associate Policy Director

ASSOCIATE POLICY DIRECTOR

HFH has an exciting opportunity for a professional poised at the intersection of policy, content creation, and direct service to join our policy team to help shape projects related to family homelessness. We seek candidates who view policy resources as meaningful when they are grounded in pertinent facts while simultaneously accessible, practical, and actionable. The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical as well as written and verbal communication skills and an ability to synthesize policy-focused information in a variety of formats for multiple audiences.

HFH’s policy work is focused on producing informational and educational resources. Our audience ranges from students and community members, frontline workers in homeless services and fields impacted by homelessness, to policy makers. The team’s work also informs organizational decision making and quality improvements. Some external resources are published and distributed through the Institute for Children, Poverty & Homelessness (ICPH), an HFH affiliate.

ABOUT HOMES FOR THE HOMELESS, INC.

HFH operates shelters for families experiencing homelessness in NYC. Our family residences are more than just a place to sleep. Families can make the most of their stay through accessing an array of onsite programs. Many of these programs are also available to people living in the local community. Our goal is to have a positive impact so families can thrive long after they leave our shelters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Formulates avenues for strategic policy content creation and oversees projects from inception to deliverable
• Serves as a senior manager who supervises and mentors a team
• Shapes content resources into various formats—such as, but not limited to, fact sheets and briefs, infographics, visual presentations, videos, and longer form reports—for dissemination to multiple internal and external audiences, including nonprofit service providers and volunteers, educators, students, professional associations, and the general public.
• Provides timely research, analysis, and evidence-informed recommendations that will enhance public policies, programs, and discourse affecting children and families experiencing homelessness.
• Tracks the work of New York City, New York State, and federal legislative committees and stays on top of government agency directives and regulations pertaining to family homelessness and related issues.
• Works alongside Communications Team to design and execute social media campaigns.
• Attends events virtually and in person (webinars, roundtable discussions, networking events, conferences, etc.) and represents agency in coalitions and affinity groups
• Develops and leads presentations on family homelessness and organizational impact to a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
• Helps coordinate virtual and in-person HFH or ICPH-hosted events.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior professional experience (with increasing responsibilities) in related government, nonprofit, academic, or corporate work.
• A Master’s degree in the social sciences, public affairs, public administration, journalism or related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience in policy work or as direct service provider to homeless children/youth/families can be substituted for an advanced degree.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to synthesize and communicate complex issues into compelling narratives.
• Ability to quickly familiarize oneself with relevant government agencies and reports (ex. Mayor’s Management Report; NYC Department of Homeless Services reports and statistics; Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress (AHAR); federal, state, and city budget documents)
• Experience developing basic survey instruments using such user-friendly tools as SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Qualtrics.
• Prior supervision experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and concurrent projects or tasks
• Ability to work both independently and collaborate, demonstrating both initiative and accountability

ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES THAT WOULD BE A PLUS

• Candidates with relevant lived experience and/or experience as a direct service provider to homeless children/youth/families are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Fluency/high-level proficiency in a second language widely spoken in New York City
• Knowledge of multimedia design tools (Adobe Suite), Google Analytics, Word Press, and Constant Contact CRM

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit cover letter, resume, and at least one writing sample (professional samples preferred over academic pieces; samples not to exceed 10 pages and can include links to online resources/posts).

COMPENSATION/EEO:

In order to attract and retain a high-performance workforce, Homes for the Homeless offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment, with a focus on ensuring an appropriate work-life balance. In addition to a competitive salary, we provide excellent benefits, including comprehensive health insurance (including medical, dental, and vision), an employer-funded 403(b) retirement plan, commuter benefits, life insurance, Work/Life Assistance Program, 3 weeks paid vacation, and ample personal and sick leave. This is currently a hybrid position based out of NYC. Must be able to come into Central Office and travel to field locations (shelters) in the five boroughs.

Homes for the Homeless is committed to promoting an inclusive organizational environment of dignity and respect. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) committed to equal treatment and prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on age, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, arrest or conviction, domestic violence victim status, familial status, or any other basis that would be in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law.

In order to attract and retain a high-performance workforce, Homes for the Homeless offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment, with a focus on ensuring an appropriate work-life balance. In addition to a competitive salary, we provide excellent benefits, including comprehensive health insurance (including medical, dental, and vision), an employer-funded 403(b) retirement plan, commuter benefits, life insurance, Work/Life Assistance Program, 3 weeks paid vacation, and ample personal and sick leave. This is currently a hybrid position based out of NYC. Must be able to come into Central Office and travel to field locations (shelters) in the five boroughs.

Homes for the Homeless is committed to promoting an inclusive organizational environment of dignity and respect. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) committed to equal treatment and prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on age, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, arrest or conviction, domestic violence victim status, familial status, or any other basis that would be in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law.