Position Summary:
The Housing Policy and Legislation Manager will focus on the Agency’s housing policy work, being specifically responsible for outreach, engagement and analysis of legislative and policy issues. This position is charged with strategically presenting NIFA’s priorities as they relate to current federal and state legislative proposals, in partnership with the Executive Director, as well as working to evaluate or propose policies and legislation in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Policy and Research and partner organizations. The HPLM will create strong relationships with legislative staff at both the state and federal levels, will attend state and regional housing policy meetings, and will actively participate in the Nebraska Strategic Housing Council. The person fulfilling this position will be expected to fully understand and articulate the Agency’s public policy positions, as well as to lead efforts to strategize the research and communications tasks in support thereof, in coordination with NIFA’s data analyst staff. Much of the focus of this role will be on external partners including the Statewide Housing Council: engaging them in NIFA’s work and understanding the impact of NIFA’s policies on their work. Finally, this position will engage with coordinating State agencies such as the Department of Economic Development (NDED), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) to ensure NIFA is informing and supporting programmatic progress.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data research and visualization, legislative processes, policy analysis, and a passion for addressing social and economic challenges in these key sectors.
Essential Job Functions:
- Legislative Research: Monitor and track legislative proposals, regulations, and policy developments at the local, state, and federal levels relevant to affordable housing, agribusiness, and community development. Support the Executive Director in NIFA’s state legislative efforts, including drafting testimony for the Executive Director, monitoring hearings of interest to the Agency, providing testimony directly, responding to legislative requests, and managing ongoing communications with legislators and NIFA’s lobbyist.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Analyze and visualize data related to housing affordability, economic indicators, and community development metrics to inform policy recommendations and decision-making. Work with relevant NIFA staff to gather data as needed.
- Policy Analysis: Conduct comprehensive policy analysis to assess the potential impact of proposed legislation and regulatory changes on our agency's priorities and initiatives. Assist Executive Management in formulating NIFA’s state legislative positions and priorities. Ensure understanding of NCSHA federal legislative priorities and their impact on Nebraska programs.
- Public Outreach: Support public education and outreach efforts by working with Marketing and Communications staff to develop educational materials, participating in public forums, and, in line with NIFA policies, engaging with the media to raise awareness and promote understanding of key issues impacting affordable housing, and other NIFA priorities.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to gather insights, solicit feedback, and advocate for policy positions that align with our agency's goals. Work with Community Engagement staff to establish strong relationships key NIFA partners including the non-profit network, housing developers, and industry trade organizations such as the Mortgage Bankers, Bankers, Home Builders, Chambers of Commerce, and League of Municipalities among others. Engage partners to help NIFA anticipate and understand market needs and provide the Agency with channels to find mutually beneficial outcomes on initiatives. This will require some travel throughout Nebraska to attend Annual Meetings, participate in regional forums, as well as grow and deepen NIFA’s network by connecting individually with stakeholders.
- Reporting and Communication: Prepare clear and concise reports, briefings, and presentations to communicate research findings, policy recommendations, and advocacy strategies to senior management, policymakers, and stakeholders, including the Nebraska Strategic Housing Council. Work with NIFA marketing and communications staff on strategy and execution of communication of such work.
- Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development of strategic plans, goals, and objectives related to legislative and policy priorities, and participate in the implementation and evaluation of advocacy campaigns and initiatives.
- Strategic Goal Setting and Implementation: Actively participate in, and contribute to, achievement of NIFA's strategic objectives and departmental goals.
- Other duties: as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
- 3 years of experience in legislative research, policy analysis, or government relations, preferably in affordable housing, agriculture, or community development sectors.
- Strong understanding of legislative processes, policy frameworks, and regulatory environments at local, state, and federal levels.
- Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights and recommendations.
- Experience with data collection, statistical analysis, and proficiency in data visualization tools/software is a plus.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences through written reports, presentations, and interpersonal interactions.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off
- Professional development opportunities and support for continuing education
- Meaningful work contributing to positive social and economic impacts in affordable housing, agribusiness, and community development sectors
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment with opportunities for growth and advancement
- Option for flexible work schedule, pursuant to NIFA policies
NIFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lincoln, NE 68508