Senior Director, Government Relations & Housing Policy

Housing-Authority-of-Cook-Count; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

FREE Dental insurance

FREE Vision insurance

Life insurance

Healthcare flexible spending account

Dependent Care flexible spending账户

Commuter flexible spending account

Employee assistance program

401(k) – Employer contribution of 6%

Paid time off

Job summary

Housing Authority of Cook County seeks a Senior Director of Intergovernmental Affairs to lead government relations, legislative strategy, housing policy, and external engagement. You will advise executive leadership, monitor external developments, and direct major initiatives requiring cross‑departmental coordination.

You will build relationships with officials, agencies, and community partners, advance key priorities, and represent the Authority in hearings and public meetings, ensuring ethical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, public policy, urban planning, or related field.
• Minimum of eight years of progressive experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, public administration, housing, community development, or external affairs.
• Experience advising executive leadership, developing legislative strategies, managing senior-level stakeholder relationships, and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience working with elected officials, legislative offices, government executives, agencies, and community leaders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute federal, state, county, and municipal legislative strategies aligned with the Authority’s mission.
• Monitor and analyze legislation, regulations, and funding actions affecting the Authority.
• Advise executive leadership on major governmental developments and strategic implications.
• Prepare legislative positions, advocacy materials, briefings, and testimony.
• Build strong relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and public-sector partners.
• Advance major Authority priorities and strengthen organizational visibility with policymakers.
• Represent the Authority before governmental bodies, agencies, municipalities, industry groups, and community organizations.
• Participate in hearings, briefings, forums, conferences, and public meetings.
• Communicate Authority priorities, programs, and community impact to diverse audiences.
• Build coalitions and partnerships that support affordable housing and community development.
• Lead resolution of complex external issues involving multiple internal departments or external partners.
• Lead enterprise initiatives that require coordination across departments or governmental entities.

Skills

Government relations

Public policy

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, political science, urban planning, communications, business administration, or related field

Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, urban planning, business administration, law, or related field

Job description

Housing Authority of Cook County seeks a Senior Director of Intergovernmental Affairs to lead government relations, legislative strategy, housing policy, and external engagement. You will advise executive leadership, monitor external developments, and direct major initiatives requiring cross‑departmental coordination.

You will build relationships with officials, agencies, and community partners, advance key priorities, and represent the Authority in hearings and public meetings, ensuring ethical