Senior Policy & Research Director

Focus People; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 79,000; Part time

Job summary

Focus People is seeking a Senior Policy & Research Director to lead policy analysis and reporting on legislative and administrative changes. You will work with senior leadership to evaluate impacts and provide actionable recommendations, combining public housing authority experience with strong writing and communication skills.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in public policy research, affordable housing, and real estate development, with a track record mentoring analysts and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field.
• Advanced degree strongly preferred (MPA/MPP/JD).
• Significant experience in public policy research and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis of legislation and policy impacts at national and local levels.
• Prepare timely analyses and actionable policy recommendations.
• Develop high-level reports, policy papers, and executive briefings.
• Mentor analysts and oversee research methodologies.
• Coordinate requests across internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Public policy research

Policy analysis

Executive writing

Stakeholder communication

Mentoring junior staff

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred (MPA/MPP/JD)

Job description

Senior Policy & Research Director

Location: Hybrid
Job Type: Contract, 6–12 months
Pay: $46.63–$57.69 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Policy & Research Director to lead policy analysis, research, and strategic reporting related to legislative and administrative changes. This role will work closely with senior and executive-level leadership to evaluate policy impacts, develop actionable recommendations, and provide high-level research and analysis.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in public policy research, affordable housing, real estate development, and public housing authorities, along with exceptional writing, analytical, and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis of legislation, public acts, and departmental guidance, including evaluating their national and local impacts.
• Prepare timely written analyses and provide actionable recommendations and next steps.
• Monitor and follow up on the implementation of legislative and administrative changes, including updates, comments, and other related actions.
• Develop high-level reports, white papers, policy papers, and executive briefings for internal and external audiences.
• Respond to research and policy questions from senior and executive-level officials, both verbally and in writing.
• Coordinate policy and research requests across internal and external departments.
• Identify and help resolve competing or conflicting policy interests.
• Review internal policies for effectiveness, impact, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Maintain and manage the organization's policy library.
• Mentor and provide guidance to entry- and mid-level analysts.
• Review technical and quantitative research and provide oversight of research methodologies and findings.
• Review and sign off on research and policy papers.
• Participate in meetings and discussions with external stakeholders and audiences as requested.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• MPA, MPP, JD, or other advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Significant experience in public policy research and analysis.
• Experience with public housing authorities, particularly Moving to Work (MTW), required.
• Experience with affordable housing and real estate development required.
• Knowledge of state government and the legislative process strongly preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to remain precise and effective while working under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively with senior executives, internal teams, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and provide guidance to junior staff.
• Commitment to nonpartisan, objective policy analysis.

Contract Details

• Contract Length: 6–12 months
• Schedule: Hybrid
• Pay Rate: $46.63–$57.69/hour
• Compensation will be based on qualifications and relevant experience.