Policy Manager

Company: Resources for Community Development
Location: Berkeley
Posted on: September 19, 2022

Job Description:

Who We Are For over 35 years, Resources for Community Development (RCD) has been a leading regional nonprofit developer and owner of affordable housing. RCD's mission is to create and preserve affordable housing for people with the fewest options, to build community and enrich lives. RCD fosters strong, inclusive neighborhoods through strategies that address the health, economic development, education, and housing needs of residents across the community. As an employer, RCD offers a collegial, respectful, diverse and inclusive work environment with generous benefits. We take pride in being able to bring our full selves to our work, value work-life balance and prioritize the growth and development of our employees. We are comprised of a dynamic and high-achieving team of residents, communities, staff and Board who are helping to meet the demand in the Bay Area for affordable housing. What I really love about RCD is how much positive impact we have in people's lives just by where we build, how we design, and the services we offer. It's incredibly motivating to open the doors to residents and watch them thrive. -Dan Sawislak, Executive Director The Role The Policy Manager will expand RCD's efforts to impact local, regional, and state policy advocacy, represent RCD in coalition and campaigns, and build stronger relationships with local government and elected officials to expand RCD's affordable housing development. The Policy Manager is a newly created position at RCD with the primary role of developing RCD's Advocacy and Policy Plan and implementing its corresponding strategies. A successful candidate for this position will have the proven capacity to engage with staff, stakeholders, elected officials, and our residents around key advocacy initiatives. Responsibilities

• Engage with RCD's Executive Director, Real Estate Development, and Director of Community Development to map out the expansion of RCD's policy and advocacy efforts. This will include field research, assessments with staff, interviews with our peers and partners, and developing RCD's Advocacy and Policy Plan.
• Coordinate with RCD's management team to review our current participation in local, regional, and statewide policy coalitions and identify areas for improvement
• Track emerging issues at the local, regional, and state level and identify opportunities for action
• Act as the RCD representative, or support the assigned staff person and liaison to local governments, regional agencies, elected officials, and local and regional policy coalitions to advance affordable housing development, finance, and community development policies
• Build relationships with key local and regional actors that can help RCD build political will and expand our affordable housing development efforts in communities across the Bay Area
• Support the Director of Community Development with grant writing and fundraising to develop and expand our local, regional, and statewide policy efforts
• Prepare periodic reports to RCD management, Board of Directors, and funders on the progress and impact of the initiative. Qualifications & Skill Set
  • At least 3 years relevant experience that can include policy development, communications, government relations, real estate development, social justice, or community organizing
  • Pragmatic, strategic thinker with demonstrated experience advancing strategies in sensitive political environments
  • Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and experience working with issues affecting low-income urban residents is a plus
  • Must be comfortable speaking in public, facilitating meetings, and have excellent communication and diplomacy skills required for politically sensitive situations
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with attention to detail in a demanding environment
  • Flexibility with work hours, including occasional evening and weekend meetings
  • Strong proficiency in MS Office and excellent writing and research skills
  • Bachelor's degree; may substitute three years of equivalent work experience Work Environment Majority of time spent in a professional office environment Travel Requirements The responsibilities of this position require access to a car for travel to off-site locations across the Bay Area and potentially to Sacramento. Physical Requirements While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, speak and hear. Requires frequent use of a keyboard, computer monitor, and phone. Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing. Must be able to lift up to twenty (20) pounds occasionally. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
    
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Keywords: Resources for Community Development, Berkeley , Policy Manager, Executive , Berkeley, California