Director of Federal Policy

Position Announcement: January 3, 2012

The Organization
The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research and policy organization that promotes responsible lending practices and access to fair terms of credit for low-wealth families. CRL was created in 2002 to protect homeownership and family wealth by working to eliminate predatory lending and other abusive financial practices. Our work has helped lead to major changes in lending practices, saving families over $2 billion annually. CRL has more than 40 employees and offices in Durham, NC; Oakland, CA; and in Washington, DC.

CRL is an affiliate of Self-Help, a community development lender founded in 1980 that has provided over $5 billion dollars in financing to help over 70,000 low-wealth borrowers buy homes, build businesses and strengthen community resources.

Location
This position will be based in CRL's Washington, DC office.

Principal Responsibilities

The Director of Federal Policy serves as a member of the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) Executive Team and oversees the development and implementation of CRL’s federal policy and advocacy agenda.

  • Plan and direct CRL’s federal legislative and regulatory policy agenda, in coordination with President, CRL’s DC policy team, and other team leaders in the organization.
  • Serve as a senior CRL spokesperson on a variety of topics in the media and on the Hill, including providing expert testimony and speaking at briefings. Provide consultation and technical assistance to federal policymakers.
  • With DC Policy team and CRL team leaders, identify and develop federal legislative and regulatory opportunities and provide strategic guidance and political analysis to implement strategies and tactics to promote policy agenda. Monitor progress of critical legislative and regulatory initiatives and track and analyze proposals relevant to CRL’s policy agenda.
  • Supervise DC Policy staff and with DC Policy team, manage contracts and day- to-day work of federal legislative consultants.
  • Communicate across the organization about information relevant to progress of federal legislative and regulatory priorities and CRL’s strategies and next steps.
  • Represent CRL in external functions within the DC community, such as at receptions and conferences (this is likely to include events beyond typical office hours)

Desired Qualifications

  • A juris doctorate (JD) degree and/or a Master’s degree in Public Policy, or commensurate experience/degree. Experience with consumer financial laws is a plus, but is not required.
  • 5 -10 years of experience at increasingly senior levels, ideally in a similar position with demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and direct a comprehensive, innovative, and strategic policy program.
  • Strong supervisory and team building skills and experience and ability to work with peer leaders.
  • Ability to multi-task and juggle priorities.
  • Strong strategic planning abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Fundraising experience and fiscal management skills are a plus, but are not required.
  • A demonstrated commitment to low income families and communities of color.
  • Ability to travel.

Compensation and Application
Competitive non-profit salary, plus a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and life insurance, flexible spending plan, retirement plan, paid parental leave, domestic partners policy, and reimbursement for approved professional education.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to hiringmanager@self-help.org. Please include position title as subject of email.

Self-Help is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are particularly encouraged to apply.