Director of Policy: Regional Housing Legal Services

Bryn Mawr College; Wales; On-site; GBP 82,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional housing advocacy organization seeks an experienced Director of Policy to lead policy advocacy for affordable housing in Pennsylvania. Candidates should have a strong passion for housing justice and a minimum of 5 years in policy development or similar roles. The position offers a salary of $110,000 to $120,000 and a generous benefits package, making it an excellent opportunity for impactful work in housing policy.

Benefits

Fully funded health insurance

15 vacation days

13 holidays

Employer 403(b)

Short-term and long-term disability policies

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience supervising staff, policy development, project management.
• Strong passion for housing justice.
• Demonstrated commitment to economic and racial justice.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance policy positions that will further RHLS’ mission.
• Lead and support a small team of advocates engaging in policy advocacy.
• Advise the Executive Director on policy advocacy implementation.

Skills

Advocacy with government officials

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Listening and working with diverse communities

Knowledge of housing policy

Education

Master's degree in public policy or related field

Experience on staff or board of a non-profit organization

Job description

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.

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!