Senior Policy Manager, Strategy & External Affairs

Who we are:

For over 30 years, CSH has changed the lives of people who have been marginalized and are our most vulnerable neighbors by:

• Helping communities create over 385,000 homes for individuals and families who did not have one;
• Bringing hope to thousands who thought they would live on the streets or reside in institutions; and
• Ensuring not only a stable home for each, but access to the services that brought healthcare, recovery and training to their doorsteps.

CSH has proven supportive housing can change the lives of individuals, families, and communities. We have created a team of nationally recognized experts who are dedicated to our organization and its goals. We attract talented and diverse individuals, offer competitive salaries and benefits, generous leave and paid time off, and fully embrace the philosophy that work-life balance is achievable. With the goal of attracting proven candidates committed to making a difference and who aspire to advance our mission, CSH is now accepting applications for Senior Policy Manager (SPM). This role sits on the Strategy & External Affairs (SEA) team, a national team that leads CSH’s strategic alignment, data & analytics, and external affairs portfolio. Candidates must be located in the District of Columbia.

Why we need you:

CSH is seeking a results-oriented individual committed to racial equity, advancing anti-racism practices, and sharing their talent to support a mission-driven organization that leads efforts to expand housing and service solutions for highly impacted populations. Reporting to the Director, Policy and Government Affairs, the SPM will play a central role in implementing our policy agenda, working collaboratively with internal and external partners and stakeholders to advance our work. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting the development of advocacy campaigns that advance CSH’s policy agenda nationally and locally in partnership with Communications and Field Offices. The SPM will also support developing policy and advocacy capacity across the organization and establish and/or maintain high quality relationships with governmental agencies, partners, and coalitions.

Strategy and External Affairs (SEA) is responsible for: the development and stewardship of CSH’s strategic plan; strategic alignment to advance our core organizational goals across CSH’s business lines, drivers, and key sectors; and defining and measuring our impact. SEA is a connection point across the organization that bridges our work as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), our efforts to build the supportive housing field through technical assistance, training and education, and our work to advance policy through innovation and advocacy. SEA works with policymakers, coalitions, advocacy organizations, public agencies, philanthropy, and supportive housing industry leaders. SEA plays a leadership role nationally regarding:

• External Affairs – Advancement of equitable access to community-based housing and services through national partnerships, policy reform, advocacy, and thought leadership.
• Strategic Alignment – Development, stewardship and monitoring of CSH’s strategic plan and goals, integration of our organizational drivers across business lines and teams, advancement of cross sector partnerships to advance individual and community thriving, cultivation and scaling of innovation, research and evaluation.
• Data and Analytics – Development of CSH key data assets such as the supportive housing needs assessment; data integration processes that help communities use data to drive impact and address inequities; and coordinating enterprise use of data across teams in advance of our strategic and operational goals, including our measuring success program.

What you will do:

• Strategic Relationships
  • Work with CSH Director, Policy and Government Affairs and CSH leadership to develop and manage strategic relationships with D.C.-based partners and coalitions, identifying opportunities for leveraging our networks and coalitions to help advance CSH policy and advocacy priorities.
  • Participate in relevant national coalitions advance shared policy goals that extend CSH’s reach and impact.
  • Build relationships with the Administration and key Federal Agencies across housing, healthcare, justice, families and youth, and aging, coordinating as needed with other CSH staff to bring in content experts.
  • Identify and secure opportunities for high-level meetings and briefings before Congress and/or Federal Agencies.
• Legislative and Regulatory Advancement
  • Support coordination and communications with lobbyists working with Congress to advance CSH policy priorities.
  • Identify members of Congress, key staff and committees to advance legislative activities and support CSH staff to build relationships with members. Similarly support CSH’s field staff to identify and build relationships with state legislatures.
  • Conduct lobbying activities as needed and/or coordinate with CSH staff to do outreach to legislators and/or their staff, provide testimony, and/or other lobbying activities.
  • Identify and track relevant Federal and State legislation, manage reporting on progress, and alert and support internal staff in responding appropriately.
  • Organize and lead legislative briefings educating legislators and legislative staff on topics relevant to CSH policy priorities.
• Policy Briefs
  • Monitor the release of federal funds and provide guidance on eligible and recommended uses, as required write summaries and issue briefs.
  • Monitor the release of Federal Register and coordinate a response by working with internal content experts.
• Perform other duties or special projects, as directed.

How we work:

CSH staff are adaptable, entrepreneurial, creative, and flexible problem-solvers. We are strategic thinkers who are committed to racial equality and treating each other—and the communities we serve—with respect. You should share a passion for the CSH mission and possess the skills to meet the expectation of this role to help shape how we share our ambitious mission.

Specifically, we are seeking:

• The ideal candidate will have at least five+ years in policy roles or related positions with increasing leadership and stewardship of policy, legislative, and/or advocacy activities. Ability to demonstrate commitment to CSH’s mission and values.
• Deep understanding of policy and advocacy mechanisms at the local/state/federal levels and ability to develop legislative and/or regulator proposals.
• Knowledge and experience either in legislative advocacy, in advancing mission-specific policy proposals, or in a deep understanding of evidence-based housing policy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with legislative and administrative staff.
• Demonstrated capacity to use policy to advance equity and impact.
• An understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias, white dominant culture and structures of power, and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities is preferred.
• Ability to facilitate discussions and train large size groups both virtually and in-person.
• Project management experience, with demonstrated leadership and organizational skills and the ability to manage project teams, project budgets and deadlines with moderate supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, facilitation and training, active listening, and ability to present to diverse audiences, specifically racially, ethnically and socially diverse communities.
• CSH uses a Microsoft Office environment. Proficiency is required or a commitment to self-learn and achieve proficiency upon hire.
• This position is located in the District of Columbia, or within a commutable distance. It is a remote (work from home) position.
• Candidates must provide their own access to a secure high-speed internet signal at a capacity sufficient to support video, web, and email processing simultaneously based on their personal work environment. This is typically 100Mb and above.
• Some national travel required, approximately 25% or once a month for 1-3 days.

Compensation:

CSH offers generous benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and competitive salaries based on geographic location. Our range for SPM is:

• SPM in highest geography (E.G. Washington D.C.) $99,000 - $124,000
• SPM in mid-range geography (E.G. Silver Springs, Waldorf) $90,000 - $113,00
• SPM in lower mid-range geography (E.G. Baltimore, Wilmington) $85,000 - $106,000

Our ranges are broad, and it is customary for candidates to join CSH at the lower half of the range to leave room for growth, learning, and development in the role and range. It is uncommon for starting salaries to fall above the mid-point. We negotiate actual salaries with final candidates based on their exact location, experience in similar roles, and expertise related to the qualifications. This information is offered in support of our commitment to transparency.

Interested in joining our team as a leader in the national supportive housing movement?

To Apply: Candidates should apply through the link. All candidates should attach their Resume, Cover Letter, and Salary Expectations as one Microsoft Word or PDF document. We encourage applications by November 21st to ensure consideration.

At CSH, we believe that benefits are an essential part of your overall compensation. CSH offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, family, and way of life. In addition, CSH supports continuing education. We believe that both employees and CSH benefit when employees actively participate in their career development.

Vacation & Leave

• 33 days of paid time off annually, accrual starts immediately.
• 11 paid holidays

Health & Wellness

• Best-in-class medical insurance plus dental and vision with a nationwide network of providers (domestic partners eligible)
• TouchCare for health advocacy for your whole family at no cost
• $500 Annual Stay-Well Reimbursement Benefit
• CSH Paid Leave (in conjunction with FMLA)
• Value-added fitness/nutrition/weight-loss programs through health insurer
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Pre-Tax transportation plan

Income Protection & Retirement

• Life insurance at no cost, plus voluntary coverage
• Short and long-term disability at no cost
• 403(b) plan with an employer match

Education & Training

• Full access to LinkedIn Learning at no cost
• Webinars, trainings, and courses at no cost
• Opportunities to cross-train and shadow
• Shared expenses of approved educational programs