Policy Associate

DATE POSTED: 7/29/2026

LOCATION: Main Office

REPORTS TO: Senior Manager of Communications and Resource Development

HOURS : Full time, 40 hours per week; includes some evening and weekend hrs

PAY RANGE : $29.64 - $31.25 hourly

POSITION TYPE : Non-exempt, unionized position (OPEIU 8).

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) is a private non-profit developer, owner and operator of affordable housing. LIHI owns or manages over 3750 housing units in the Puget Sound area. The Advocacy and Community Engagement Associate will be responsible for organizing community engagement activities around LIHI programs, will develop and foster media, public, government, and community relations, and will support advocacy activities at the local, state, and national levels.

The Policy Associate develops and executes strategic community outreach and legislative advocacy initiatives. This role builds and maintains high-level relationships with government officials, municipal agencies, community coalitions, and neighborhood leaders to advance LIHI priorities, including tiny house villages, enhanced shelters, Urban Rest Stops, and permanent affordable housing developments. The Specialist analyzes local, state, and federal housing policy, translates complex legislative issues into actionable strategy, and directs community engagement campaigns that build public and political support for unhoused and low-income individuals across Washington State.

Responsibilities:

Program Management
• Organize community engagement activities for new and existing tiny house villages, enhanced shelters, and other LIHI programs in collaboration with LIHI staff and volunteers, community and faith partners and government entities. This includes canvassing efforts, community meetings, and community building events.
• Bring feedback from community or other sources to the attention of LIHI leadership and operations teams.
• Build effective relationships with staff in all departments.
• Maintain existing community partnerships and develop new partnerships to enhance the opportunities for LIHI programs, residents and clients.
• Participate in staff meetings and planning sessions.
• Participate in Communications Committee, other internal workgroups and event planning activities in collaboration with Executive Director, Community Engagement Manager, Fund Development staff, and other LIHI staff, Board members, and volunteers.
• Synthesize community and stakeholder feedback to provide strategic policy and operational recommendations to LIHI executive leadership.
• Establish and expand formal partnerships with civic organizations, public agencies, and community allies to broaden support for LIHI initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership and communications staff on public messaging, press releases, and media inquiries regarding community impacts and program expansions.
• Provide policy-level assistance and guidance to staff leading volunteer and outreach activities to align local organizing with broader organizational goals.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Advocacy
• Contribute to the development of a community that values cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Collaborate with Executive Director, Chief Operations Officer, Community Engagement and Advocacy Manager, Fund Development staff, and Administration staff in producing advocacy and public education messages and materials to promote housing and civil rights, social justice, cultural diversity, and economic security for all people.
• Work collaboratively with staff management of tiny house villages, enhanced shelters, Urban Rest Stops, and housing sites to recruit, train, and empower residents, clients, tenants, staff, and volunteers to participate in advocacy activities.
• Liaise with communications staff regarding public policy, research, and outreach priorities.
• Attend and participate in public policy forums and hearings with political representatives.
• Track relevant local, state, and federal legislative updates and develop tools for sharing information and priorities with staff, community members, and program participants.
• Attend meetings and participate in community action with other community partners and coalition organizations.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on local, regional, state, and federal housing legislation, land use policies, and budget appropriations affecting affordable housing and homeless services.
• Formulate policy positions, briefing papers, and advocacy materials in collaboration with leadership to advance housing justice, tenant rights, and funding for human services.
• Represent LIHI at legislative hearings, municipal council sessions, public policy forums, and regulatory agency meetings.
• Develop tools, legislative action alerts, and educational materials to inform staff, board members, residents, and the public on key policy developments.
• Become knowledgeable of existing public policy programs, opportunities, and resources around Puget Sound.
• Ensure all advocacy and public policy efforts incorporate principles of equity, racial justice, and economic security.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in social work, public policy or related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Commitment to social change through the empowerment of low-income and homeless people.
• Two years' experience in conducting program research, outreach, community programs, community organizing, or program/administrative duties commensurate with responsibilities outlined above. Excellent knowledge of community and advocacy resources for homeless and low-income people.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people with sensitivity to cultural and class issues, as well as people at varying skill levels in the technology realm.
• Excellent communication skills: both written and verbal.
• Experience working with and supervising volunteers. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with management, staff, volunteers, community agencies and the public.
• Excellent computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organizational skills as well as high level attention to detail.
• Experience with database: entry, recording and reporting.
• Experience compiling program reports for community partners and funders. Strong self-initiative; ability to work independently with minimal supervision and willingness to seek out new training and knowledge when necessary.
• Flexible and willing to work evenings/weekends when necessary.
• Current Washington State driver's license, a vehicle and the ability to travel frequently between locations.

Closing date: open until filled.

Benefits for this position (pro-rated for part time employees)
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• 10 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Employer-Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision (with HRA, HSA & FSA options)
• Employer-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401k offered for unionized employees (through OPEIU8)
• 403b offered for non-union employees
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Assistance Program
• Aflac offered for all employees.

About us:

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) has a 30-year history and track record of owning and managing low-income housing; developing innovative solutions to homelessness; advocating for housing justice; providing supportive services; and operating hygiene services for homeless people at our Urban Rest Stops. LIHI staff have developed over 5,000 affordable housing units and manages over 3,000 units including rental housing, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing. The populations served include: families, singles, seniors, veterans, young adults, immigrants, low wage workers, and people living with physical and mental disabilities. LIHI is one of the largest nonprofit housing organizations in the state. Our properties are located in Seattle, King County, and five adjacent counties. LIHI is a national leader in sponsoring tiny house villages as a crisis solution to homelessness. Annually, the tiny house villages and shelters serve 2,000 homeless people and our hygiene programs serve over 8,000 homeless people. LIHI staff is collaborative, dynamic, and dedicated to taking bold steps in ending homelessness and creating supportive communities for people to thrive.

Full time, 40 hours per week; includes some evening and weekend hrs
Full time, 40 hours per week; includes some evening and weekend hrs