Senior Policy & Research Director

Senior Policy & Research Director

Location: Hybrid
Job Type: Contract, 6–12 months
Pay: $46.63–$57.69 per hour , depending on qualifications and experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Policy & Research Director to lead policy analysis, research, and strategic reporting related to legislative and administrative changes. This role will work closely with senior and executive-level leadership to evaluate policy impacts, develop actionable recommendations, and provide high-level research and analysis.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in public policy research, affordable housing, real estate development, and public housing authorities , along with exceptional writing, analytical, and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis of legislation, public acts, and departmental guidance, including evaluating their national and local impacts.
• Prepare timely written analyses and provide actionable recommendations and next steps.
• Monitor and follow up on the implementation of legislative and administrative changes, including updates, comments, and other related actions.
• Develop high-level reports, white papers, policy papers, and executive briefings for internal and external audiences.
• Respond to research and policy questions from senior and executive-level officials, both verbally and in writing.
• Coordinate policy and research requests across internal and external departments.
• Identify and help resolve competing or conflicting policy interests.
• Review internal policies for effectiveness, impact, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Maintain and manage the organization's policy library.
• Mentor and provide guidance to entry- and mid-level analysts.
• Review technical and quantitative research and provide oversight of research methodologies and findings.
• Review and sign off on research and policy papers.
• Participate in meetings and discussions with external stakeholders and audiences as requested.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• MPA, MPP, JD, or other advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Significant experience in public policy research and analysis .
• Experience with public housing authorities , particularly Moving to Work (MTW) , required.
• Experience with affordable housing and real estate development required.
• Knowledge of state government and the legislative process strongly preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to remain precise and effective while working under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively with senior executives, internal teams, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and provide guidance to junior staff.
• Commitment to nonpartisan, objective policy analysis.

Contract Details

• Contract Length: 6–12 months
• Schedule: Hybrid
• Pay Rate: $46.63–$57.69/hour
• Compensation will be based on qualifications and relevant experience.