CHAPA is Hiring a Policy Associate! - March 6, 2017

Post date
March 6, 2017

Job Opening
Policy Associate
Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association

Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) is the non-profit umbrella organization for affordable housing and community development activities in Massachusetts.  Established in 1967, CHAPA has a diverse and active membership of more than 1,500 people, including volunteers and professionals in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.  CHAPA pursues its goals through advocacy with local, state and federal officials; research; education and training; and programs to expand rental and homeownership opportunities.  For more information, please visit www.chapa.org.

The CHAPA Policy Associate will work to advance policies to support housing stability and economic mobility. A main responsibility of the Policy Associate will be to coordinate the On Solid Ground Coalition (OSG), a cross-sector coalition committed to preventing homelessness by increasing housing and economic stability (see http://www.chapa.org/OnSolidGround for more information). In addition, the Policy Associate will support the CHAPA Policy Team through research, correspondence and advocacy with policymakers, and tracking legislation and budget items.

Key Job Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Policy Associate is to provide support to OSG and CHAPA’s public policy team, focused primarily on the state level. Responsibilities include:

Coordination

  • Assist in planning, implementing and facilitating meetings and activities associated with the On Solid Ground Coalition (OSG).
  • Assist in the implementation of a project management system to ensure the OSG’s strategic plan, workflow and communications are efficient, and activities are progressing.
  • Provide information to keep OSG members up to date on the progress and work of the coalition.
  • Provide support for OSG’s and CHAPA’s work, including forums, legislative briefings, community meetings, and advocacy days.
  • Help support CHAPA’s advocacy coalitions and committees.
  • Develop testimony, briefs, fact sheets and action alerts
  • Maintain and develop content for the OSG website.

Advocacy/Policy:

  • Help CHAPA and OSG implement their public policy agendas
  • Coordinate meetings and events with policymakers and help develop and maintain advocacy/policy resources.
  • Assist in preparing for hearings, coordinating testimony, and drafting talking points.
  • Help address urgent policy issues as they arise.

Qualifications

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Ability to work with diverse groups and coalitions;
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines;
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team;
  • Experience writing policy briefs and press releases;
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite;
  • Experience with website content managing system (Wordpress or Expression Engine) preferred; and
  • Experience with email marketing system (e.g. Mailchimp, Constant Contact) preferred

Salary: The salary is commensurate with experience.  CHAPA also provides a generous package of benefits including vacation and sick time, health insurance, short-term disability insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits.

To Apply

Candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Eric Shupin at eshupin@chapa.org by Friday, March 24, 2017.

CHAPA is an equal opportunity employer.