Legislative Counsel/Associate
Position Announcement: May 14, 2008
The Organization
The Center for Responsible Lending was created in 2002 to protect homeownership and family wealth by working to eliminate predatory lending and other abusive financial practices. 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's work has helped lead to major changes in lending practices, saving families over $2 billion annually. CRL has more than 45 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 creates and protects ownership opportunities for low-wealth families through home and small business ownership. It has provided over $4.5 billion dollars in financing to help over 50,000 low-wealth borrowers buy homes, build businesses and strengthen community resources.
Location
This position will be based in CRL's Durham, NC office.
Principal Responsibilities
The Legislative Counsel/Associate will work to advance the Center’s policy priorities at a state level. Responsibilities will include building or strengthening relationships with key ally organizations; working with a broad range of legislative staff and allies to build relationships with policymakers and enact legislation; providing significant technical assistance in drafting legislation and developing policy recommendations; monitoring policy developments; and representing the Center in meetings and conferences. The Legislative Counsel/Associate will also use these state-level connections to influence national legislative and regulatory policy. Significant out-of-state travel (25% of time on average) will be required.
Desired Qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communications and policy analysis skills.
- Significant experience (2-5 years) in legislative process or demonstrated facility in building strong relationships with diverse constituencies is required.
- Experience in legislative drafting and knowledge of financial or consumer protection issues and/or related program experience is a plus.
- Self-starter, able to initiate and coordinate multiple projects with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work well as part of a team and with a diverse group of people and settings.
- Advanced degree in a law or policy related field a plus.
Compensation and Application
Competitive nonprofit salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Our generous benefits package includes health, dental and life insurance, a flexible spending plan, a 403(b) retirement plan, sick leave and vacation time, and more.
Interested individuals should send a resume, brief writing sample, and cover letter to: Hiring Manager, Self-Help, P.O. Box 3619, Durham, NC 27702 or e-mail hiringmanager@self-help.org.
Self-Help is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are particularly encouraged to apply.
