Project Analyst & Project Management

Policy Analyst & Project Manager

At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving and equitable region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options.

Every day, our team helps people facing real challenges—with housing, jobs, personal finances, and other cornerstones of daily stability—to find real solutions. And we help communities and systems to grow in positive, strategic ways. We know that the right help at the right time can make all the difference; Way Finders provides transformative help to tens of thousands of people each year. Always with respect, always with compassion.

Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking a full-time Policy Analyst and Project Manager. The Policy Analyst and Project Manager contributes to our mission by helping build, maintain, and advance the organization’s policy platform with internal staff and external partners.  This is a new role on our growing administrative team!

Do you have a passion for policy-related work, but don’t think you meet all our qualifications? Let us decide!  Please consider applying if you’re highly interested and have any of these:

• Transferable experience
• Related internships
• Rigorously studied policy in school (whether degreed or not)

The candidate may work in a hybrid-remote manner but must live within easily commutable distance.  Regular onsite work and meetings, plus external appointments in the community, are expected multiple times per week.

Responsibilities include:
Policy Research, Analysis & Advocacy

• Perform in-depth research and analysis to draft policy memos and related documents (e.g. testimony, fact sheets) for key bills related to housing production and housing support at the local, state, and federal level
• Collaborate with internal staff to gather data and/or perspectives to inform policy positions
• Work in conjunction with the Resource Development department to ensure organizational goals are clearly and seamlessly communicated internally and externally
• Attend internal and external meetings, prepare materials, and support follow-up for key stakeholder meetings, including elected officials and the Western Massachusetts Housing Coalition; participate in and support execution of high-level external briefings as needed
• Research, monitor, and track status and progress of relevant local, state, and federal legislative proposals and policies
• Engage in ongoing self-education in current and developing trends in public policy as it pertains to housing, community development, and nonprofits

Project Management

• Lead full-cycle project management, as assigned, including goal development, outreach to appropriate collaborators, set-up and timeline establishment, follow-up as necessary, and the delivery of results including reporting
• Provide collaborative, cross-departmental support on projects that advance key organizational priorities identified in the organization’s Strategic Plan, including coordination and communication with key participants; drafting agendas; taking meeting notes and sending follow-ups; and managing progress of follow-ups
• Develop clear and effective presentations, fact sheets, talking points, and other informational communications as needed to advance executive office initiatives
• Build and strengthen partnerships with advocates and community-based organizations as appropriate

Requirements include:

• 7 years’ experience in a public policy, project management, or a related role; a Bachelor’s degree may substitute for some experience
• 3 years’ experience in project management with demonstrated follow-through to completion; relevant experience may be substituted
• Experience with the Massachusetts State legislative process and advocacy, plus strong curiosity and interest in affordable housing and policymaking preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel and PowerPoint), and comfort and dexterity learning new technologies
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills across all levels of an organization and with constituents and stakeholders, with the ability to work with diverse populations and in group/presentation settings
• Excellent organizational skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, plus the ability to work independently and prioritize effectively
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; reliable vehicle

Benefits include:  Generous paid time-off | 12+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic!

Wage starts between $68,000 and $83,500 per year depending on qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse staff in order to reflect our community and those we serve. Qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.