Job Description

POSITION:                            Managing Director, Research  

  REPORTS TO:  President and CEO             

STATUS:                               Full-Time, Exempt

STARTING SALARY:             $170,000 - $187,500

LOCATION:                           San Francisco (Hybrid)

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The California Housing Partnership seeks an experienced researcher to lead a team of mission-driven professionals in an organization helping to lead the state's work in addressing the affordable housing shortage by providing technical assistance, training and policy leadership.

Working under the direction of the President and CEO, the Managing Director, Research is responsible for guiding the vision, development, and implementation of the Partnership’s research, policy analysis, and program evaluation efforts to improve federal, state, and regional affordable housing policies and programs. The Managing Director, Research leads a team of research staff and fellows, oversees the development and maintenance of data tools to support research, advocacy, and public education, and manages the department’s operations and budget. In addition, the Managing Director, Research is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with foundations and other funding sources in coordination with the President and CEO and support from the Operations team. 

BASIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Time allocation are averages and vary significantly by season and project cycles.)

Policy Analysis and Research (25%)

• In partnership with the CEO, plan, direct, and execute the Partnership’s mission-driven and responsive research agenda on technical issues related to affordable housing policy. 
• Regularly engage with the Partnership’s leadership and key external stakeholders to understand research needs and priorities.
• Leverage existing and develop new strategic partnerships with academic and other non-profit research organizations in designing and implementing the research agenda. 
• Direct the development of research methodologies and data management protocols that promote effective and efficient project execution and build organizational expertise. 
• Expand the breadth and depth of the Partnership’s research publications including by writing periodic blogs discussing key research findings that inform important policy topics.  

Supervision and Team Leadership (20%)

• Manage the Research staff, fellows, and interns, providing ongoing supervision, coaching, feedback, and support to build their capacity to further the organization’s mission. 
• Serve as part of the Partnership’s senior leadership team and contribute to the development and execution of strategic decisions and funding.
• Develop and implement quality assurance protocols to ensure that the Partnership’s research meets the highest possible standards of accuracy while maintaining its applied nature. 

Team Revenue Development and Fundraising (20%)

• With support from the CEO and Grants Manager, secure contract and grant funding sufficient to fund research initiatives and team overhead.
• Manage client research projects and service contracts, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality deliverables to external partners and funders.
• Lead the identification, cultivation, and pursuit of new foundation and government funding opportunities for the team.
• Write and submit grant proposals, manage grant reporting requirements, and coordinate with other staff on grant-related activities.

Data Infrastructure and Tools (10%)

• Oversee the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the Partnership's data tools, databases, and dashboards to support research and advocacy.
• Direct the implementation of automated data update systems and quality control processes to ensure data accuracy and accessibility.
• Lead the organization's adoption of emerging technologies and analytical methods to strengthen research capacity.

Communications and External Engagement (10%)

• Develop and disseminate research findings through multiple channels including policy briefs, blog posts, media interviews, webinars, and other formats tailored to diverse audiences.
• Cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with key partners, collaborators, and stakeholders in the affordable housing field.
• Represent the Partnership in presentations to external stakeholders, academics, industry working groups, regional conferences, and policymakers.

Organization Administration (5%)

• Develop and manage the Research team's annual goals, research agenda, and work plan in consultation with the President & CEO.
• Manage the Research department budget and track project-level expenditures.
• Contribute to organizational capacity-building initiatives, including staff training, knowledge management, and strategic planning.

QUALIFICATIONS
Our ideal candidate holds a PhD in public policy or another related field. In addition, they have current and advanced expertise in as many of the following areas as possible:

• Affordable rental housing development. 
• Low Income Housing Tax Credit and other federal affordable rental housing finance programs. 
• California affordable rental housing finance programs. 
• California climate and sustainability programs related to affordable housing. 
• Affordable housing operations. 
• California governance structures and politics.
• California’s low-income renter communities and geographies.

At a minimum, we are seeking candidates who possess the following qualifications:

• Minimum of 11 years’ experience conducting high-quality applied policy research in housing or a closely related field, including a minimum of three years’ successful experience supervising staff.  
  • A PhD in public policy or a related field may substitute for three years of experience
• Demonstrated mastery of relevant statistical principles and methods for data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively about complicated technical topics for a non-technical audience. 
• Expert-level ability with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with AI tools, or a demonstrated ability and willingness to utilize, including supporting teams in setting responsible use guidelines.
• Alignment with the Partnership’s stated mission as well as core organizational and equity values as demonstrated by prior work and life experience.
• Able and willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area (no more than a 45-minute commute from our main office at 49 Stevenson Street, San Francisco), if not a current resident.
• Able and willing to travel within California. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PACKAGE

The Partnership offers annual performance-based salary increases and maintains competitive compensation ranges. Starting salary is determined based on the candidate’s experience, knowledge, and skill level.

The Partnership also offers a robust benefits package to all permanent employees working 20 or more hours per week, including:

• Medical Benefits:
  • 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 80% premium coverage for dependents
  • Medical waiver subsidy for employees who opt out of health insurance
  • Employer-paid Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) covering up to $1,200/year for out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Workplace Support:
  • Hybrid work model
  • Employer-funded Specialty Reimbursement Account of up to $500 for home office equipment in the first year and $250 annually thereafter
  • Cell phone and home internet reimbursement
  • Office commuter subsidy of up to $220 per month
• Financial Wellness:
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions based on years of service
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Time Off & Support:
  • Immediate paid time off (PTO) accrual and usage with no waiting period
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and personal support

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA HOUSING PARTNERSHIP

The Partnership is a dynamic nonprofit “think and do tank” providing critical technical assistance, training, applied research and policy leadership to increase the production and preservation of affordable and sustainable homes serving Californians who are low-income.

To achieve this mission, the Partnership’s three technical assistance teams (finance, clean energy, applied research) work closely with a network of more than 60 mission-driven nonprofit and government housing agencies throughout California, as well as the nonprofit associations who represent them.

A deep commitment to racial equity and inclusion grounds the Partnership’s work and policies – click here to learn more about our core equity values. An Equity Policy Advisory Board ensures that the perspectives and experiences of low-income renters also grounds our work – click here to learn more about this board.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The California Housing Partnership is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage people of diverse backgrounds and identities to apply. For more information about the Partnership, visit our website at .

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