Director | Housing Affordability Unit / Executive Bureau

Massachusetts AGO•Boston, MA

3d•$130,327•Hybrid

About The Position

The Attorney General's Office is seeking an experienced, motivated, and dynamic attorney to serve as the Director of the Housing Affordability Unit within the Executive Bureau. This unit, established in 2024, is dedicated to ensuring all Commonwealth residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing in their desired locations. The unit's objectives include expanding housing stock (particularly multifamily, subsidized, and specialized housing), preserving existing affordable housing, and preventing unlawful exclusion from communities. The Housing Affordability Unit leverages the authority of the Attorney General's Office to achieve these goals. Embedded within the Executive Bureau, the unit collaborates with various divisions of the Office, including those in the Public Protection and Advocacy and Government Bureaus, to share expertise on zoning, land use, municipal law, fair housing, consumer protection, and other housing affordability initiatives. It also partners with state and local entities, as well as the public, to foster housing production, preserve affordability, and protect the legal rights of tenants, homeowners, and prospective residents. The unit's work encompasses litigation, advocacy, public education, and strategic planning to maximize the Office's impact on housing affordability.

Requirements

Practicing attorney and a member of the Massachusetts bar (or eligible for admission in short order).
A minimum of seven (7) years of full-time legal experience.
Demonstrated expertise in land use, development, zoning, or fair housing.
Excellent legal and non-legal research and writing skills.
Effective oral communication and advocacy skills adaptable for many audiences.
Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
Ability to demonstrate a connection to the people and communities served.
Interest in supporting a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Nice To Haves

Litigation and/or policy experience is preferred.
Experience working with diverse stakeholders across state and municipal government and community and advocacy organizations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Leading or participating in enforcement actions, intervention on behalf of the Commonwealth, or amicus briefing to express the pro-housing position of the Commonwealth.
Developing legal guidance and educational programming for various audiences (municipal officials, advocacy groups, the public) to promote compliance with state laws that support housing production, preservation, and access.
Assisting various components of the Office in their consideration and handling of housing and land-use-related matters.
Developing strong relationships with diverse actors across the private, public, and nonprofit housing sectors to inform and strengthen the Unit’s work.
Playing a crucial role in the development of the Unit's strategies and priorities, given its newness and the complexity of the housing affordability issue.