Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs (Hybrid)

National Fair Housing Alliance • Washington, DC

4d • $105,700 - $110,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

NFHA’s Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs leads implementation of legislative advocacy campaigns and government relations initiatives advancing fair housing and fair lending. Reporting to the Vice President of Public Policy and Senior Counsel for Fair Lending, the Director translates NFHA’s approved policy agenda into coordinated action, manages relationships with government officials, coalition partners, and industry, and recommends implementation approaches. The Director plans, executes, and evaluates legislative advocacy; coordinates policy analysis and advocacy communications; and manages related project resources and reporting. The position exercises independent judgment in day-to-day implementation within approved plans, budgets, policy positions, and delegated authority.

The Director leads advocacy events, develops field advocacy strategies for approval, implements approved campaigns, provides technical assistance to external partners, and represents NFHA in coalitions. The role also drafts policy materials, testimony, comments, reports, and lobbying disclosures; leads Capitol Hill meetings; and coordinates meeting preparation, follow-up, and required review and filing activities.

The position requires a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, at least five years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy or a related field, and a background in civil rights, housing, lending, or related policy. The role requires travel of up to 20% and in-person work at the NFHA office at least two days per week. The annual salary range is $105,700–$110,700, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, law, sociology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy, government affairs, public policy, legislative work, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading implementation of advocacy initiatives or complex policy-related projects.
• Background in civil rights, housing, lending, or related policy fields.
• Working knowledge of congressional process, federal legislative advocacy, Executive Branch processes, and agency rulemaking.
• Working knowledge of congressional appropriations and budgeting processes, including identifying relevant funding proposals and explaining their implications for NFHA’s advocacy priorities.
• Understanding of how legislative and regulatory development affects advocacy planning and implementation.
• Familiarity with federal lobbying disclosure requirements and ability to identify matters requiring legal or compliance guidance.
• Ability to travel and represent NFHA at conferences and other events, up to 20%.
• Ability to work in person at the NFHA office a minimum of 2 days per week.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant certifications in nonprofit management, advocacy, or civil rights law.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, coordination, execution, and evaluation of advocacy events, including Board Capitol Hill days.
• Present at conferences and community events as assigned and contribute policy-related content to member trainings and conferences.
• Provide input on advocacy priorities and lead implementation of approved legislative advocacy campaigns under senior leadership’s direction.
• Develop field advocacy strategies for approval and lead their implementation.
• Provide policy and advocacy technical assistance to external partners.
• Engage coalition partners and industry on Hill priorities and coordinate coalition activities regarding the Hill.
• Represent NFHA in the Fair Housing and Fair Lending Task Force of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and other relevant coalitions.
• Build partnerships to advance fair housing and fair lending policy.
• Support the Executive Vice President and Vice President of Public Policy and Senior Counsel for Fair Lending in managing the Governmental Affairs Advisory Committee.
• Draft testimony and written comments to governmental bodies as directed.
• Analyze bills and respond rapidly to policy and legislative developments.
• Draft policy messaging materials, talking points, reports, policy briefs, and contributions to publications.
• Lead Capitol Hill meetings; coordinate meeting preparation and follow-up; and support the Vice President on Administrative priorities related to NFHA’s advocacy efforts.
• Draft comments on proposed federal regulations and coordinate review and submission activities.
• Participate in departmental planning and program development.
• Prepare required lobbying and disclosure reports, review supporting submissions for accuracy and completeness, and coordinate final review and filing with the Vice President and designated legal or compliance advisors.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health, vision, and dental coverage for employees and family.
• 100% paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan, separate from employee contribution.
• Comprehensive paid time off benefits, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director