Senior Policy Analyst

Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA)

Department of Policy & Legislative Affairs

Senior Policy Analyst Position Description

ABOUT CLPHA

The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities is a national non-profit organization that works to preserve and improve public and affordable housing through advocacy, research, policy analysis, and public education. CLPHA’s 85 public housing agency members represent virtually every major metropolitan area in the country. Collectively they manage over 40 percent of the nation’s public housing program; administer about one-quarter of the Housing Choice Voucher program; and operate a wide array of other housing programs including the innovative Moving to Work (MTW) demonstration as well as the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD).

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Policy Analyst is a key leadership position within CLPHA’s policy and legislative affairs team, serving as a subject matter expert on federal affordable housing policy across CLPHA’s entire program portfolio. Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs, this position provides critical support to the Director’s strategic initiatives while serving as a primary point of contact for members and external stakeholders on technical policy matters.

The Senior Policy Analyst has primary responsibility for analyzing complex housing legislation and regulations, developing strategic policy positions, leading member engagement activities, and representing CLPHA before key stakeholders including HUD, Congressional staff, and industry partners. The position provides expert-level analysis and guidance on all CLPHA program areas, including public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Moving to Work (MTW), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), project-based vouchers, and related affordable housing programs.

This senior-level position requires an experienced professional who can work independently with minimal supervision, provide expert guidance to members and stakeholders, and represent CLPHA authoritatively on complex policy matters. The ideal candidate will collaborate effectively with the Director to advance CLPHA’s policy agenda, while bringing deep expertise across multiple affordable housing programs, sophisticated analytical capabilities, and proven ability to lead policy development and stakeholder engagement activities. This role requires someone who is forward-thinking, willing to engage with and help develop innovative frameworks and ideas for providing affordable housing to the nation’s low-income and most vulnerable populations, while working effectively in a small-staff environment that encourages collaboration and the interplay of ideas.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support to Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs

• Provide expert policy analysis and research support to inform the Director’s strategic decision-making and policy development initiatives
• Serve as a key thought partner to the Director in developing CLPHA’s policy positions and advocacy strategies
• Represent the Director and CLPHA at meetings, briefings, and stakeholder convenings as designated
• Support the Director in coordinating policy team activities and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities
• Assist in managing urgent policy developments and time-sensitive legislative or regulatory matters requiring senior-level attention
• Collaborate with the Director to identify emerging policy issues and develop proactive organizational responses

Policy Analysis and Research

• Serve as subject matter expert on federal affordable housing policy across CLPHA’s comprehensive program portfolio, providing expert-level analysis and guidance on all program areas
• Analyze and interpret complex housing legislation, HUD regulations, notices, and policy guidance, identifying implications for CLPHA members and the broader affordable housing industry
• Conduct sophisticated quantitative and qualitative research using HUD data systems (PIC, VMS, TRACS), administrative data, and other sources to inform policy development and advocacy strategies
• Monitor and track federal appropriations, legislative developments, and regulatory changes affecting affordable housing programs
• Lead policy research projects from conception through completion, including literature reviews, data analysis, stakeholder consultation, and development of recommendations

Strategic Communications and Advocacy

• Develop and author high-quality policy materials including white papers, issue briefs, fact sheets, testimony, comment letters, and advocacy documents for diverse audiences
• Translate complex regulatory and programmatic issues into clear, compelling messages for members, policymakers, and the public
• Lead development of CLPHA policy positions on regulatory matters, coordinating input from members and other stakeholders
• Represent CLPHA at high-level meetings with HUD officials, Congressional staff, other government policymakers, and industry partners
• Present CLPHA positions at conferences, convenings, and industry events
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders in the affordable housing ecosystem

Member Engagement and Technical Assistance

• Lead member engagement activities including policy calls, webinars, working groups, and committees on a regular basis
• Provide expert advisory services to CLPHA members on compliance, regulatory interpretation, and implementation of federal housing programs
• Facilitate peer learning and knowledge exchange among members through structured engagement opportunities
• Respond to member inquiries on policy and regulatory matters, providing timely and accurate technical assistance
• Identify and elevate member concerns and innovative practices to inform CLPHA’s policy agenda

Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior policy staff, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing
• Lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization
• Contribute to strategic planning and organizational priority-setting in collaboration with the Director
• Represent CLPHA in coalitions, working groups, and collaborative initiatives with other national housing organizations

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Housing, or related field required
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in housing policy analysis, affordable housing program administration, or related work
• Direct experience with public housing agencies or HUD programs strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience in policy advocacy, regulatory analysis, or government affairs related to affordable housing
• Experience supporting senior leadership in policy development and strategic initiatives preferred

Knowledge and Skills

• Expert knowledge of federal affordable housing programs across CLPHA’s entire portfolio, including public housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, RAD, MTW, LIHTC, and project-based rental assistance
• Deep understanding of HUD regulations, notices, and policy guidance across both place-based and tenant-based programs, with ability to analyze complex regulatory frameworks
• Proficiency with research, statistical, and analytical methods as applied to housing policy and program evaluation
• Advanced data analysis skills, including experience with HUD data systems and tools (e.g., PIC, VMS, TRACS, Policy Map)
• Exceptional written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality policy documents for diverse audiences
• Superior oral presentation and strategic communication skills, with ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines independently
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated commitment to affordable housing and serving low-income communities
• Experience with legislative processes, regulatory comment procedures, and federal advocacy strategies
• Proficiency with current office technology, data analysis software, and virtual meeting platforms

Competencies

• Critical thinking and sound judgment in analyzing policy trade-offs and developing recommendations
• Strategic mindset with ability to connect policy analysis to organizational goals and member needs
• Initiative and self-direction, with ability to work independently in a small-staff environment
• Collaborative approach and team orientation, with commitment to knowledge sharing and supporting the Director’s leadership
• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to emerging policy issues and organizational priorities
• Integrity and commitment to compliance, transparency, and ethical conduct

WORKING CONDITIONS

Standard office environment with hybrid remote work arrangements. Position requires ability to work in a fast-paced setting with competing priorities and tight deadlines. Some evening and weekend work may be required during legislative sessions or for member events. Occasional travel for meetings with policymakers, conferences, and member convenings may be required.