Policy Planner (Policy and Legislative Services Division)

DHRM•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The Policy Planner works in the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Policy and Legislative Services Division, helping translate research and agency data into clear, accessible formats for internal teams and external partners. The role produces tables, charts, dashboards, and maps using tools such as Tableau and ArcGIS, responds to routine data and information requests, and provides technical assistance to agency divisions and external stakeholders in coordination with senior staff. The position administers surveys to local government officials, program participants, and other stakeholders; maintains databases used by the division and agency programs; and carries out data entry, integration, quality assurance, and documentation to improve data accuracy, integrity, and accessibility. The Policy Planner works closely with the Data and Research Manager and Senior Division Analyst and supports accurate, timely research and data for legislative and budget analysis. The position is telework-eligible under the Commonwealth of Virginia’s telework policy.

Requirements

Knowledge of basic research and survey methods, such as questionnaire design, sampling concepts, survey administration, or documentation of methodology and response rates.
Skill in collecting, entering, cleaning, organizing, and managing data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Skill in presenting data clearly through tables, charts, maps, and dashboards.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with a range of audiences, including local government officials, program participants, and other external stakeholders.
Proficiency with spreadsheet and database tools (e.g., advanced Excel, Access, or SQL), or familiarity with a statistical software platform (e.g., R, Stata, Python, SPSS, or SAS).
Experience applying quantitative or qualitative research methodologies.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Virginia state and local government structure and housing and community development programs.
Experience using Tableau, ArcGIS, or other data visualization or GIS tools.
Experience interacting professionally with the public, local governments, or external partners.

Responsibilities

Administer surveys to local government officials, program participants, and other stakeholders in DHCD programs.
Clean, code, and organize survey data; aggregate responses from multiple sources; and document survey methodology and response rates.
Maintain division and program databases, including data entry, updates, integration, quality assurance, quality-control checks, and documentation.
Support consistent data standards, collection methods, and reporting frameworks across agency programs and divisions.
Assist in developing survey instruments using established survey methods; administer surveys, monitor and follow up on responses, and prepare resulting data for analysis.
Translate data into accessible tables, charts, dashboards, and maps using tools such as Tableau and ArcGIS.
Respond to routine data and information requests and provide technical assistance to agency divisions and external stakeholders in coordination with senior staff.
Ensure research and data supporting legislative and budget analysis are accurate, relevant, and delivered within required timeframes.