Director of Advocacy and Communications

Position Summary

The Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development (CNHED) seeks an energetic, experienced professional to join our team. The Director of Advocacy and Communications will work under the direction of the President & CEO to drive CNHED’s advocacy and communications strategies, promoting the work of the organization, its members, and the broader community development field in the District. The position will provide opportunities to collaborate with colleagues beyond CNHED who are engaged in similar work, including affordable housing developers, small business technical assistance providers, workforce development providers, lenders, homelessness prevention and supportive services practitioners, tenant advocates, think tank and academic experts, legal services providers, government officials, and elected representatives. 

  The Organization

CNHED is a dynamic, member-driven association whose mission is to foster just and equitable community development solutions to address the needs and aspirations of low- and moderate-income District residents. Formed in 2000 from the merger of two predecessor organizations, CNHED represents 140 organizational members, including nonprofit and for-profit affordable housing developers, housing counseling and service agencies, workforce and business development entities, lenders, and government agencies. Through the power of convening and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, CNHED advances practitioner-driven solutions to community development challenges.

  Responsibilities

Advocacy

• Collaborate with the President/CEO, staff, and leadership to develop an advocacy strategy for CNHED
• Facilitate the Resident Leadership Team’s work to advise CNHED on relevant organizational issues and to develop and implement tactics to recruit, engage, and mobilize supporters of CNHED’s agenda
• Train CNHED members and supporters on advocacy methods and coalition-building techniques

• Recruit and supervise interns and volunteers
• Provide support for other projects, as needed

Communications

• Collaborate with the CEO and staff to establish and implement a comprehensive, coordinated communications plan that articulates CNHED’s vision for equitable communities and promotes the impact of the community development sector in the District
• Draft leadership communication materials, such as speeches and talking points
• Manage the development and ongoing maintenance of CNHED’s website
• Manage, in collaboration with staff, the creation of images, charts, and infographics by technical design and media consultants
• Review and publish public materials, including reports, legislative testimony, Op-Eds, etc.
• Collaborate with leadership team to prospect, establish, and manage media relationships
• Manage and draft CNHED’s email announcements, social media notices, and online newsletters

Skills Set Sought

• Strong commitment to social, economic, and racial justice
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to take initiative, problem-solve, and think strategically, both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to set, manage, and meet multiple deadlines simultaneously

• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Facility interacting with diverse individuals and organizations

• Demonstrated experience managing campaigns and organizing and executing large events/rallies for advocacy purposes
• Demonstrated success using a variety of media channels for advocacy and organizing

• Knowledge of current community development policy and budget landscape on the District, state, or federal level preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience

Career Development

CNHED offers and encourages regular opportunities for career development by subsidizing employees to attend training courses and to obtain certifications.

Compensation and Benefits

CNHED offers a competitive benefits package including 100% individual health, dental, and vision insurance, employer retirement contributions, paid vacation and sick leave, a transportation subsidy, and an optional deferred salary retirement plan. Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and track record of accomplishments. This is a non-exempt position.

To Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to jobs@cnhed.org.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.  We encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities to apply.