Policy and Advocacy Associate

Organization: Virginia Housing Alliance
Position: Policy and Advocacy Associate
Reports to: Director of Policy and Advocacy Location: Richmond, VA (Limited hybrid flexibility, but position is required to be in the office at least 2 days per week). Status: Full-time, Exempt

About Virginia Housing Alliance (VHA):
The Virginia Housing Alliance works to expand affordable housing opportunities and end homelessness across the Commonwealth through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

Position Overview:
The Policy and Advocacy Associate will advance VHA’s mission by supporting and implementing advocacy strategies that promote affordable housing and homelessness prevention at the state and federal levels. This position will contribute to and occasionally lead advocacy initiatives, conduct analysis of various policy issues, help translate complex ideas into actionable communications, and engage with external partners, including affordable housing/community development and homeless service providers, advocates, funders, and local, state, and federal government representatives.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced advocacy environment, enjoys relationship and coalition building, and can move fluidly between policy research, stakeholder engagement, and public communications.

Duties and Responsibilities (to include but are not limited to):
Policy Development & Advocacy:
Take responsibility for a few key issue areas, including strategy development, research, and implementation of advocacy campaigns.

Conduct data and policy analysis to inform annual policy priorities and strategy.

Collaborate with the Director of Policy and Advocacy and VHA’s Legislative Committee to develop and advance annual policy priorities.

Track and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the state and federal levels.

Obtain and maintain status as a registered lobbyist in Virginia.

Coalition-Building and Events:
Foster relationships with legislators, agency officials, partner organizations, and advocates to advance shared housing priorities. Eventually, this position will represent VHA in certain coalitions, conferences, legislative hearings, and public meetings.

Help coordinate advocacy events and trainings, including VHA’s Housing Advocacy Day at the General Assembly, Capitol Hill Days in Washington D.C., Advocacy 101 webinars, and more.

Work with the Director of Policy and Advocacy to facilitate VHA’s Legislative Committee meetings, the Continuum of Care Leads Network, the Affordable Housing Preservation Coalition, and other stakeholder groups as necessary.

Support the planning and executions of regional housing policy forums and site visits across Virginia to strengthen local partnerships, showcase Virginia’s housing community, and gather input on our policy and advocacy initiatives.

This position requires statewide and occasional out of state travel, but no more than 15%.

Communications:
Translate complex policy issues into clear, engaging language for diverse audiences including policymakers, media, and community stakeholders.

Draft research reports, policy memos, comment letters, talking points, and testimony for legislative and administrative processes.

Develop compelling advocacy communications and tools such as sign-on letters, sample emails, action alerts, and op-eds.

Maintain VHA’s policy and advocacy web content and contribute to monthly newsletters and social media posts, as necessary.

General Support:
Participate in VHA’s staff meetings, Board meetings, annual conferences and other convenings as assigned. Provide support for policy and advocacy interns as needed.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, human services, social work or a related field (Master’s preferred).

2–4 years of experience in legislative advocacy or government relations (preferred experience with coordinating or leading advocacy campaigns).

Knowledge of federal and state housing and homelessness programs, policy issues, and budgets.

Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including experience developing policy materials or public communications.

Ability to provide exceptional customer service to people from a variety of backgrounds.

Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a collaborative team setting.

Ability to execute tasks under the guidance of the Director of Policy and Advocacy with minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative and accountability.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and basic digital communications tools.

Commitment to advancing housing justice and equity in Virginia.

Salary Range and Benefits:
The starting salary range is $68,000 – $74,000 per year dependent upon experience. Benefits include 90% employer paid health, vision, and dental insurance, generous annual leave, all federally recognized holidays off, flexible work schedules and environment, SIMPLE IRA retirement account with 3% employer paid salary contribution, and short term disability.

VHA employees are encouraged to participate in and have ongoing opportunities for personal and professional development and are actively encouraged to value and maintain work life balance.

To apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

VHA does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices because of race (including hair texture, protective hairstyles or hair type), color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions or accommodations including lactation), national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.