Director of Policy Communications

Clearpath; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Clearpath is seeking a Policy Communications Director based in Washington. This role will be the primary communications leader supporting federal advocacy and policy development to create affordable homes for millions in need.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, exceptional writing skills, and eight years of experience in policy-related communications. Responsibilities include leading the communications strategy and managing media relations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years’ experience in policy-related communications, preferably focused on federal policy advocacy.
• Some experience in affordable housing, real estate, or housing advocacy preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications strategy for all of Enterprise’s major federal policy work.
• Partner closely with the policy development and research team to shape and promote research.
• Prepare memos, talking points, op-eds, and other materials for media relations.

Skills

Exceptional writing skills

Experience leading communications strategies

Knowledge of federal policy advocacy

Understanding of affordable housing

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Enterprise is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging.

Join us at enterprisecommunity.org

Working at Enterprise

At Enterprise, you’ll be part of a diverse, committed team making a difference every day. You will collaborate with some of the smartest minds and biggest hearts in our field. You’ll be empowered to drive systems change and take bold steps to advance racial equity. And you will find a career home where you’re valued and supported in your growth journey.

Enterprise offers career opportunities in our offices across the country with an exceptional benefits package.

Job Description Summary

Based in Washington, the Policy Communications Director will be Enterprise’s primary communications leader supporting our federal advocacy, policy development, and policy research in pursuit of creating affordable homes for the millions of people without one.

As part of Enterprise’s growing national communications team, the role is responsible for identifying communications, messaging, and media relations priorities on public policy issues; developing and overseeing strategies to execute on those priorities; engaging with external peers in the field; and managing and cultivating Enterprise’s Washington press relationships. They will be a leader in communications strategy, a deft relationship manager, and a talented writer.

The Policy Communications Director will work closely with Enterprise’s senior Washington-based staff, securing interviews, op-eds, and storytelling opportunities across the DC media landscape. A doer and leader, the Policy Communications Director will be a skilled, proficient writer at heart, passionate about developing persuasive, succinct messages that will advance our agenda in Washington and beyond.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Lead communications strategy for all of Enterprise’s major federal policy work
• Partner closely with Enterprise’s policy development and research team to shape and promote the research that undergirds our advocacy across channels
• Seek daily opportunities to position Enterprise’s experts as the go-to national voices on federal housing policy and legislation
• In close coordination with the marketing and digital teams, help shape advocacy plans that leverage Enterprise’s unique voice and network to influence the public policy debate around our core priorities
• Prepare memos, talking points, op-eds, press releases, media advisories, public testimony, and other materials in support of a robust media relations strategy
• Engage in rapid response, ensuring Enterprise’s voice leads the conversation in the wake of major public policy or Washington-related developments
• Nourish Enterprise’s network of reporter relationships, ensuring journalists have what they need to report on the critical nature of the affordable housing shortage
• Partner with our fundraising and events teams to assist in the planning and execution of Washington-based activities that support our public profile
• Work closely with coalition partners and allies to shape shared communications strategies that benefit our advocacy
• Assist the vice president of communications in supporting C-suite policy communications
• Occasionally serve as a spokesperson for Enterprise

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Minimum of eight years’ experience in policy-related communications, preferably focused on federal policy advocacy
• Exceptional writing skills
• Experience leading communications strategies for major legislative or advocacy campaigns
• Some experience in affordable housing, real estate, or housing advocacy preferred