Director of Policy & Advocacy

About WRCDCWRCDC is a community development organization advancing Reparative Development in Portland’s historically Albina neighborhood. Our work is rooted in restoring opportunities for displaced Portlanders through housing, business development, and community wealth-building.Overview of RoleWilliams & Russell CDC seeks a Director of Policy & Advocacy (DPA) to lead the organization’s policy vision and strategy in advancing reparative development. This executive role will guide the design, development, and advocacy of policies that address historic inequities, promote community ownership, and support equitable neighborhood transformation.The DPA will work closely with executive leadership, community stakeholders, and partners to ensure that all policy initiatives align with the CDC’s mission and are grounded in justice, accountability, and long-term community benefit. The DPA will report to the Deputy Executive Director.Key Responsibilities:Policy Leadership & StrategyLead the development of a comprehensive policy agenda aligned with reparative development principlesTranslate organizational priorities into actionable policy frameworks and initiativesAdvise executive leadership on policy direction, risks, and opportunitiesPolicy Development & OversightOversee the drafting and refinement of policy framework, proposals, briefs, and position statementsEnsure alignment with local, state, and federal policy landscapesEstablish internal processes for policy research, review, and approvalReparative Development IntegrationEmbed reparative development principles into all policy work, addressing historic harms such as redlining, displacement, and disinvestmentGuide strategies that advance community wealth-building, including cooperative models, land trusts, and equitable ownership structuresStakeholder & Community EngagementBuild and maintain relationships in partnership with the Director of Community Investment & Relationships, community leaders, advocacy groups, policymakers, and institutional partnersEnsure community voice and lived experience are central to policy developmentRepresent the organization in public forums, coalitions, and policy discussionsAdvocacy & InfluenceLead advocacy strategies to advance policy priorities at local and regional levelsMonitor legislative and regulatory developments and advise on engagement opportunitiesSupport coalition-building and strategic partnershipsRequired Qualifications:2-3+ years of experience in public policy, urban planning, community development, or related fieldsDemonstrated experience in policy leadership, strategy, and advocacyStrong expertise in racial equity, housing justice, and/or economic development policyExceptional writing, communication, and strategic thinking skillsPreferredMaster's in public policy and experience working on public policy initiatives, formation, and implementationKnowledge of anti-displacement strategiesEstablished relationships with policymakers, funders, or advocacy networksCore CompetenciesVisionary leadership grounded in equity and justiceAbility to translate complex policy issues into clear strategies and actionsStrong collaboration and relationship-building skillsHigh level of accountability, integrity, and adaptabilityTime Commitment & CompensationPart-time role (approximately 20–25 hours per week)Compensation: $45.00-50.00 (DOE)How to ApplyPlease submit a resume, cover letter responding to the following:Your experience in policy development and advocacy, particularly in areas such as housing, land use, economic development, or racial equityHow your work aligns with reparative development principles, including addressing historic harms such as displacement and disinvestmentYour ability to translate policy ideas into actionable strategies and measurable outcomesExperience engaging with community stakeholders, policymakers, and cross-sector partnersYour approach to advancing community wealth-building strategies (e.g., cooperatives, land trusts, equitable ownership models)How you would contribute to building a policy agenda that supports future funding opportunities and large-scale initiatives (such as capital access, small business growth, and equitable investment strategies).