Policy & Research Associate

About Us:

The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) believes stable and sustainable affordable housing is the foundation of strong communities and we strive to contribute to comprehensive neighborhood revitalization through our lending and partnerships. A nationally recognized leader in affordable housing finance, CPC has provided a consistent source of capital to underserved housing markets throughout New York State since our inception in 1974.

Today, CPC stands as the largest CDFI solely committed to investing in multifamily housing, having invested more than $15 billion to finance the creation and preservation of more than 230,000 units of quality housing in neighborhoods across New York State and beyond. CPC has a robust construction lending platform, a mortgage bank, and equity and impact investment platforms that focus on our three goals: Expanding Affordable Housing, Closing the Racial Wealth Gap and Investing in the Green Economy.

As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that make a real difference in people's lives. We're looking for talented individuals who are passionate about our mission and share our values of commitment, respect, excellence, accountability, and collaboration.

Role Summary:

The Policy and Research Associate will play a key role in advancing CPC's unique external affairs work and maintaining our role as an industry leader in affordable housing. They will work closely with the Public Affairs team and the larger External Affairs department to support the development of the company's public policy agenda, and distribution of key communications in coordination across CPC's family of businesses and in alignment with industry partners, elected representatives, and government agency leaders. In support of CPC's policy and advocacy efforts, the Policy and Research Associate will provide the key research and data analysis needed to inform CPC's policy recommendations.

What You'll Do:

• Work as an integral member of the External Affairs team to assist in the development of policy recommendations and identify opportunities and strategies to ensure CPC's goals are effectively communicated to government partners and elected officials.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative research in connection with housing initiatives, community development, and economic development across the local, state, and federal levels to assess the impact on CPC's business and to evaluate CPC's positions.
• Synthesize research and existing policy alongside emerging policy solutions, as needed. This could include evaluating budget proposals, legislation, and zoning policies.
• Project manage and draft written testimony, public comment submissions, policy briefs, and other policy initiatives.
• Research industry trends and prepare summaries and reports to support CPC's business objectives.
• Work across the Public Affairs team and External Affairs department to provide assistance in other functions where policy/research output may be used which includes but is not limited to public relations, marketing, branding, press releases, and events.
• Perform administrative duties that support the overall functioning of the External Affairs team, including but not limited to developing meeting agendas, presentations, and briefing documents; tracking progress against departmental metrics and providing reports as required; managing bimonthly, semi-annual, and annual lobbying reporting and registration.
• Attend events and provide assistance with physical setup and/or advance as needed.
• Perform other administrative duties, as required

Skills and Experience:

• BA required. Advanced degree, or equivalent experience, in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or related field strongly preferred.
• 3-5 years' professional experience in External Affairs, Communications, and/or Policy required.
• Experience in Affordable Housing, Community Development, Real Estate, Intergovernmental, or housing advocacy experience is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with manipulating and synthesizing large datasets (i.e. the US Census, American Community Survey, HPD Housing Vacancy Survey, city/state/federal budgets, etc.).
• Experience and facility working with the Microsoft office suite including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; proficiency in data visualization and mapping software like ArcGIS, QGIS, DataWrapper, and/or PowerBI strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multi-task across numerous competing priorities.
• Must be detail and deadline oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, team environment and have fun doing so.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation
• 401(k) retirement plans with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and their dependents
• Commuter benefits
• PTO for vacation, personal days, sick leave, holidays, jury duty, bereavement, parental leave, and disability
• Tuition assistance program
• Two "work from anywhere" weeks per year
• Summer Fridays
• Collaborative working spaces
• Service days to support our communities
• Employee development and engagement events
• More about our offerings and culture here

This is a full-time, hybrid role where you will work from the Manhattan office two - three days a week. The salary range is $70,000 - $90,000, dependent on experience.

The Community Preservation Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all employment-related decisions including recruitment, selection, evaluation, promotion, compensation, training and termination are made without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, status as a veteran, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other protected status.