Government Relations and Policy Specialist

RIHousing – Government Relations and Policy Specialist      

Salary Range - $60,829.40-$88,023.72

RIHousing is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

What it’s all about: 

This position is accountable for providing staff support to the Government Relations and Policy Division. Specifically, the position will assist in the development and implementation of RIHousing’s legislative agenda, support the division's legislative and policy research functions, assist in meeting state-required review and reporting requirements, and complete special projects as needed.

What you’ll do on a daily basis:             

This position supports the Director in achieving RIHousing’s state and federal legislative priorities. The incumbent tracks and evaluates federal and state legislation relevant to RIHousing. The position researches issue areas, developing policy and legislative recommendations to further the Agency’s mission. The incumbent also develops testimony and other pieces designed to communicate RIHousing’s priorities effectively to federal, state, and local policy leaders and elected officials. In carrying out these responsibilities, the incumbent may represent RIHousing in engagement with elected officials, policymakers, and community partners. This position is also responsible for addressing constituent-related requests from elected officials and their staff. The position is also responsible for producing various state-required reports.

This position requires an interest in the legislative process and policy development, strong communication skills, diplomacy, and collaboration. Familiarity with Rhode Island’s legislative process or housing issues is a plus.

What you’ll bring to the team:

• Analyze and track state and federal legislation impacting RIHousing.
• Research and provide recommendations on housing-related issues as needed in response to inquiries from policymakers or to further RIHousing’s legislative and policy priorities
•  Develop testimony and other deliverables to communicate RIHousing’s priorities to policymakers and elected officials
• Represent RIHousing in meetings with policymakers, elected officials, and business and community partners and in testimony to the General Assembly.
• Produce state-required reports.
• Address constituent-related requests from elected officials

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, public administration or related field or equivalent experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical, negotiation, problem-solving, and organizational skills

Not sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide! 

Why RIHousing:

• Mission-Driven Organization
• Dedicated Workforce
• Competitive salary
• Parking Stipend
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off 
• Retirement Options
• Flexible Work Hours
• If Position Eligible, Future Hybrid Work May Be Available
• Education Reimbursement
• Onsite Fitness Classes
• Volunteer Days
• Winner of “Best Places to Work” 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024
• PBN’s Worksite Health Award 2013-2023
• PBN’s Diversity Equity Inclusion Award 2023 

RIHousing strives to ensure that all people who live or work in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home that meets their needs.  A good home provides the foundation upon which individuals and families thrive, children learn and grow, and communities prosper.

 To achieve our mission, we:

• Offer fair, affordable, and innovative lending programs.
• Provide housing-related education to consumers and others.
• Promote and finance sensible development that builds healthy, vibrant communities.
• Provide housing grants and subsidies to Rhode Islanders with the greatest need.
• Team up with partners to improve everything we do.

RIHousing uses its resources to provide low-interest loans, grants, education, and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build, and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, RIHousing is a privately funded public purpose corporation. RIHousing requires its employees to be highly motivated and knowledgeable, have a sound understanding of the changing needs of Rhode Island's housing market, be willing to work within and toward a smoothly integrated operation, demonstrate a commitment to serve the people of Rhode Island, especially those with low and moderate incomes in need of safe and affordable homes, and possess a high level of integrity and deep respect for all Rhode Islanders, including customers, partners and fellow employees