Policy Analyst

Position Summary: The Kennedy Commission is seeking a full-time Policy Analyst. A qualified candidate will be an individual who has an understanding of Orange County community housing needs and how policy solutions can create opportunities and equity.

The Kennedy Commission advocates for systemic change, which will result in the increase of safe and affordable housing opportunities for families earning less than $30,000 annually in Orange County. The Kennedy Commission began in 2001 to address issues of inequity in housing costs in Orange County. The Commission collaborates with representatives from community development-related entities, public entities, health care, interested individuals, government, private and not-for-profit community organizations. Together, we have recognized the urgency and importance to the County of changing public policy to enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods and increase new affordable housing opportunities for low-income families.

The Kennedy Commission develops, promotes, and implements innovative housing and community development policies, practices, and partnerships to create new affordable and healthy housing opportunities lower income families in Orange County. The Commission is seeking a Policy Analyst to assist with tracking and analysis of housing programs, policy and data. Our works aims to increase affordable housing options and improve equity and quality of life in low-income neighborhoods. Issues range from affordable housing, community development, equity in public investment, and community participation in land use and planning, among others. Our work will help mitigate community inequities and disparate impacts and work to encourage systemic change in policies and programs to improve the lives of low-income families.

Position Description:

Under supervision of the Executive Director, the Policy Analyst works in a team environment to provide technical assistance, policy analysis, and research on housing policy as it relates to affordable housing, equitable planning, and land use. This may include:

· Analyze, develop, and evaluate housing, community development policies, programs and issues.

· Independently compile, analyze, and organize data and other information on policies, programs, and other related topics.

· Provide technical assistance, talking points, presentations, and guidance to governmental partners and the public.

· Identify and recommend organizational improvements.

· Conduct public outreach and stakeholder engagement to a variety of audiences.

· Interaction with other policy knowledge areas, including, but not limited to land-use related issues, homelessness, and state and local housing planning and land use.

· Develop effective partnerships with community residents, leaders, housing providers, local government officials and others.

· Organize community forums, focus groups and surveys that identify potential housing and community equity issues and solutions.

· Recruit and develop the skills of community leaders; identifying as leaders, those residents who motivate and involve other members of the community.

· Assist community leaders in developing relationships with community agencies and institutions, which can help them, meet the community needs.

· Assist community leaders in developing events, which bring the community together and develop relationships among residents.

· Encourage public support for land use policy reform that addressing community planning inequities.

· Perform grant reporting requirements.

· Participate in the Commission’s organizational development and other project work as appropriate. Other duties may be required.