Director of Policy

Seattle Social Housing Developer•Seattle, WA

5d•$170,000 - $202,000

About The Position

The Director of Policy leads the Seattle Social Housing Developer’s policy and legislative agenda, helping ensure that its mission of creating permanently affordable, publicly controlled social housing is supported by sound law, effective regulation, and strong public understanding. The Director translates organizational priorities into actionable policy and legislative strategies, navigating the Seattle Municipal Code, Revised Code of Washington, and Washington Administrative Code to identify barriers, opportunities, and solutions. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director sets and manages the policy research agenda, recommends legislative and regulatory positions, and represents SSHD before legislative bodies and public agencies. The role works closely with the CEO, executive team, real estate and development staff, and Board of Directors, and builds relationships with elected officials, government agencies, housing and community partners, and policy counsel and consultants. The Director also communicates complex policy and legal matters clearly to public officials, agency staff, Board members, community members, and the media. There are no direct reports at this time. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a salary range of $170,000 to $202,000 and health, dental, and vision benefits. The role requires periodic travel to Olympia and occasional evening or weekend meetings and hearings. Employees are generally prohibited from residing in housing owned, developed, operated, or managed by SSHD, except where SSHD approves a limited operational exception.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, law, urban planning, political science, public administration, or a related field.
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, government relations, legislative affairs, or a related field.
At least three years of experience focused on housing, land use, or urban development policy.
Deep working knowledge of the Seattle Municipal Code, Revised Code of Washington, and Washington Administrative Code, and demonstrated ability to balance and reconcile city and state requirements.
Demonstrated success working with legislative bodies and advancing legislation, ideally at both municipal and state levels.
Ability to communicate complex policy ideas clearly and accessibly in writing and in person to diverse audiences.
Familiarity with federal, state, and municipal housing programs, and with land use and zoning policies affecting affordable and social housing.
Background in advocacy, coalition-building, or public education, with ability to mobilize stakeholders and build consensus.
Ability to build relationships and partnerships with elected officials, public agencies, and organizations across the housing policy sector.
Public speaking and facilitation skills, including ability to deliver testimony and lead meetings, presentations, and public engagements.
Strong analytical, research, and project management skills, including ability to manage multiple priorities on legislative timelines.
Proactive and self-directed approach, with ability to take initiative and respond effectively to guidance and collaboration.
Must pass a background check.
Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and take on additional responsibilities as the role and organization evolve.
Ability to travel to Olympia periodically, particularly during the legislative session, and attend occasional evening or weekend meetings and hearings.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree, such as a JD, MPP, MPA, or MUP.
Experience working within a governmental or quasi-governmental agency.
Experience working directly in or with the Washington State Legislature, Seattle City Council, or a comparable legislative body, such as as legislative staff, an agency liaison, or a lobbyist.
Experience working in a small or growing nonprofit, public agency, or Public Development Authority.
Familiarity with Washington’s public development authority statutes, Initiative 135, and public and social housing models.
Experience with state and municipal rulemaking processes and administrative procedures.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead SSHD’s local and state legislative agenda, identifying priority bills, ordinances, budget items, and rule changes.
Advance legislation from concept through adoption, including drafting or commissioning legislative language, securing sponsors, coordinating coalition support, preparing testimony, and tracking legislative progress.
Build and maintain relationships with legislators, council members, legislative staff, and policymakers to influence programs, funding, and policy implementation.
Monitor legislative sessions, council actions, and agency rulemaking; assess impacts on SSHD and recommend responses to the CEO.
Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to define and advance shared advocacy priorities.
Analyze and reconcile requirements across the Seattle Municipal Code, Revised Code of Washington, and Washington Administrative Code, identifying relevant conflicts, gaps, and opportunities.
Evaluate land use, zoning, permitting, tax, procurement, and public development authority provisions and propose code amendments or administrative solutions.
Participate in city and state rulemaking, including preparing formal comment letters and engaging with agency staff.
Coordinate with legal counsel on statutory interpretation and compliance questions, translating findings into practical guidance for leadership and staff.
Design and lead SSHD’s policy research agenda on affordable and social housing, public finance, land use, and related policy areas.
Create clear policy materials—including briefs, one-pagers, position papers, reports, and presentations—for elected officials, agency staff, the Board, community members, and media.
Develop policy materials that strengthen SSHD’s regional and national role as a thought leader in social housing.
Prepare policy briefings and recommendations for the CEO and Board of Directors.
Represent SSHD at legislative hearings, public forums, and stakeholder meetings; present findings, gather feedback, and incorporate diverse perspectives into policy work.
Coordinate with community partners, elected officials, and public agencies to promote alignment and transparency on SSHD policy positions and initiatives.
Convene policy roundtables and working sessions as needed to build consensus and advance policy innovation.