Director of Congressional Affairs

National Alliance to End Homelessness•Washington, DC

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Alliance to End Homelessness (the Alliance) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. The Alliance uses qualitative and quantitative data and research—including the perspectives of people with lived experience of homelessness— to identify solutions to homelessness; works with Congress and the Administration to support and advance these solutions; and helps communities to implement the solutions. Recognizing the disproportionality of people of color who experience homelessness and the disparities that cause this, it undertakes its work in the context of achieving racial equity. What We Are Looking For: The Alliance is seeking a strategic, seasoned, and experienced Director of Congressional Affairs to serve as the primary liaison to Congress for the Alliance’s federal policy priorities, build and manage relationships with lawmakers and their staff, and develop and execute on a comprehensive Congressional strategy. This is a senior leadership role with significant responsibility for shaping national homelessness and housing policy. The Director of Congressional Affairs is responsible for leading the Alliance’s congressional advocacy and lobbying strategy, while the Director of Advocacy and Campaign Strategy leads the design, and execution of field-facing, grassroots and grasstops advocacy efforts; the two roles work in close partnership to ensure alignment and maximum impact. The ideal candidate will be committed to anti-racist values and bring substantial experience advancing homelessness, housing, or related social justice policy in bipartisan congressional environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in public policy, political science, or related field. Professional certifications in government affairs or lobbying a plus.
At least 7 years of relevant experience in bipartisan Congressional relations, public policy, or government relations.
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships on Capitol Hill, particularly with appropriations committees and with THUD subcommittee members.
Ability and willingness to register as a federal lobbyist, if required.
Deep understanding of congressional procedures, legislative processes, and federal policymaking.
Strong commitment to having an impact on homelessness, housing justice, and/or other related issues with a demonstrated ability to recognize and respond to the ways race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity intersect to further promote racial equity and social justice.
Demonstrated experience crafting clear and compelling written content including bill summaries, fact sheets, policy briefs, action alerts, position statements, testimony, regulatory comments, on homelessness, housing, or related policy issues.
Strategic thinker with ability to manage risk and execute high-impact advocacy strategies in complex political environments.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to navigate politically sensitive issues with discretion and sound judgment.
Strong emotional intelligence and ability to communicate clearly and directly internally and with external partners.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.

Responsibilities

Serve as the Alliance’s primary liaison with Members of Congress and congressional staff, particularly those on the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittees in the House and Senate, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and the House Financial Services Committee.
Establish, maintain and deepen bipartisan relationships with Members of Congress and their personal and committee staff through outreach, one-on-one meetings, briefings and coalition meetings, working closely with the CEO and CPO to strategically leverage the organization’s long-standing presence and trusted relationships on Capitol Hill.
Lead efforts to educate Members of Congress and legislative staff on homelessness and evidence based approaches, and provide technical assistance to Congressional offices on legislative proposals.
Monitor, analyze and track key legislative and regulatory developments and assess their implications for the Alliance’s policy agenda.
Organize Congressional briefings and other events to focus attention on and build support for the Alliance’s policy agenda.
Provide strategic guidance to VP for Programs and Policy, Chief Policy Officer, and Chief Executive Officer on political and legislative opportunities, risks, and emerging trends.
Develop and execute a strategy for direct lobbying and advocacy efforts in close coordination with the Director of Advocacy and Campaign Strategy.
Prepare testimony, briefing materials, legislative summaries, fact sheets, position statements, and talking points in partnership with Program and Policy team staff subject matter experts.
In partnership with the VP for Programs and Policy and the Director of Advocacy and Campaign Strategy, engage with coalitions, other national organizations, and industry groups to advance shared policy objectives
Coordinate Congressional advocacy with executive-branch engagement, including work related to HUD and other relevant federal agencies, as appropriate.
Ensure compliance with applicable lobbing, ethics, and disclosure requirements.