Director of Policy

 Director of Policy

Regional Housing Legal Services (RHLS) seeks a Director of Policy to lead and coordinate its advocacy for safe affordable housing in Pennsylvania. The Director of Policy will leverage RHLS’ expertise in the development of affordable housing to advance government policies that expand resources for safe affordable housing and address the root causes of housing inequity. The Director of Policy will lead and supervise a small team that translates legal insights and client experiences into community engagement, administrative advocacy, legislative action, and systems reform. The Director will also coordinate and lead all RHLS advocates (cross team) in advocating at the national, state, and local level for housing justice on such matters as fair housing, anti-displacement, affordable housing preservation, advancing permanent supportive housing, social housing models, and zoning reform.   Equitable development and advancing racial equity in housing law and policy are central to the mission of RHLS.

This position is a great opportunity for an experienced policy advocate and team leader with a passion for housing justice to shape a policy agenda for a long-established and well-regarded legal housing advocacy organization.

MORE ABOUT RHLS

RHLS’s mission is to work alongside communities in the fight to create and protect safe, affordable homes. We provide legal representation for groups serving those with low incomes, share knowledge, unite partners, and advocate for policy changes.

Our vision is simple: a future where everyone, regardless of income, race, identity, or background, has a safe, affordable home in a place they want to live. We are committed to integrating racial equity in all aspects of our work, in pursuit of achieving racial justice in housing, utilities, and community/economic development. We believe all people deserve housing that is healthy, safe, and affordable in a community of choice where they can thrive.

RHLS fulfills our mission and vision through two primary practice areas: policy advocacy and legal representation of nonprofit/community organizations for the creation and preservation of affordable housing (we call this development services). Our policy advocacy is grounded in local realities and in responding to community voices. Our expertise as lawyers is rooted in designing housing solutions and supporting the goals of our client community of non-profit and community housing developers; our clients’ experiences inform our policy agenda. Past policy successes include working to create and increase funding for the PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE), expanding the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit, recommending changes to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) for the prioritization of supportive housing, and dozens of other state and local level changes to advance housing justice. Our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan aims to elevate the role of policy within the organization. This new Policy Director position will have the opportunity to build and refine the organization’s policy platform to be responsive to the challenges ahead.

RHLS provides transactional legal counsel to nonprofit and community organizations working on a wide variety of community based real estate development activities—from new construction of affordable rental developments, preservation of publicly subsidized affordable rental communities, community land trusts, home ownership opportunities and equitable community development such as federally qualified health centers. RHLS has offices in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and we assist clients throughout the state of Pennsylvania. RHLS is a specialty legal services program within the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN).

RHLS staff have a hybrid schedule with a mix of in-office and at-home workdays. This position will require travel at various times, predominantly throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

Preferred Qualifications

•             Demonstrated success in advocacy with government officials; ability to integrate data-driven and narrative policy themes.

•             Knowledge on how to navigate the state legislative process and understanding of   how things work within state agencies and systems.

•             Experience as a leader and supervisor of teams.

•             Demonstrated commitment to economic and racial justice.

•             Demonstrated skill in listening to and working with racially and economically diverse communities with varied experiences and perspectives.

•             Strong passion for housing justice; knowledge of housing policy.

•             Ability to exercise sound judgment.

•             Ability to coordinate, prioritize and carry forward a wide range of advocacy and leadership tasks.

•             Keen analytical and organizational skills, strong drafting skills and attention to detail.

•             Capacity to work effectively as an advocate and a team leader in both in-person and remote office settings.

•             Prior experience on the staff or board of a non-profit organization a plus.

•             A minimum of 5 years’ experience supervising staff, policy development, project management, and/or planning initiatives.

HELPFUL to have but not required

•                    Experience with data, mapping, and research.

•           Attorney with admission and good standing in the Pennsylvania bar or eligible for admission by reciprocity.

•           Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, planning or in a related field.

Duties and Responsibilities

•             Develop and advance policy positions/a public policy agenda that will further RHLS’ mission and strategic plan.

•             Lead, support, and supervise a small team of RHLS advocates engaging in policy advocacy and coordinate the policy advocacy work of all RHLS staff

•             As a member of the Leadership Team, the Policy Director will advise the Executive Director on policy advocacy implementation consistent with RHLS’ mission and strategic priorities. Participate in and coordinate with RHLS organizational leadership as a member of the RHLS Leadership team.

•             Develop cross-support and relationships with other organizations and communities with a stake in the housing landscape in Pennsylvania.

•             Develop and help sustain relationships (for themself and for RHLS colleagues) with key policy decision-makers and stakeholders, across all levels of government (local, state, and national), with a focus on state government.

•            Help to develop and nurture relationships with grassroots and front-line                organizations that are advocating for housing justice.

•            Identify, track, and analyze relevant legislation in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

•             Prepare and guide organizational policy and advocacy materials, including those in collaboration with other RHLS staff.

•             Work with other teams at RHLS, including development services, communication, and outreach.

•             Develop and coordinate messaging on policy issues in collaboration with the RHLS communications team.

•             Develop and help implement strategies for non-legislative policy actions, including policies, guidance, and regulations issued by executive agencies and current events that require a response from RHLS.

•             Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Strategic Organizational Advancement to leverage strategic opportunities and partnerships.

•             Assist with the development and tracking of measurements of success.

•             Support RHLS’ development of funding resources.

Compensation

The salary for the position will be between $110,000 and $120,000, depending on experience.

RHLS has a full and generous employee benefits package, including fully funded health insurance (no premiums) for employees, their partners, and children up to age 26 (if not otherwise covered); 15 days of vacation in the first year of service; 13 holidays; 15 sick days; 4 days of personal leave; an employer 403(b) starting at 5% (no match required) after six months of employment, and employer-paid short-term and long-term disability policies.

Application Process & Deadlines

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to: Careers at RHLS.org with “Director of Policy” in the subject line. We will review applications on a rolling basis; however, preference will be given to applications received by September 19, 2025.

RHLS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance. We seek to build diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our organization and in partnership and allyship with the communities we serve. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, including People of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, those from low-income or working-class backgrounds, people with lived experience of housing insecurity, and people with disabilities. We strongly encourage applicants from these groups to apply.  We invite all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal practice.

We hope to hear from you!