Policy Associate
DATE POSTED: 8/17/2026
LOCATION: Main Office
REPORTS TO: Senior Manager: Communications & Resource Development
HOURS: Full time, 40 hours per week; includes some evening and weekend hrs
PAY RANGE: $29.64 – $31.25 hourly
POSITION TYPE: Non-exempt, unionized position (OPEIU 8).
The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) is a non-profit developer of affordable housing and owns over 3,750 housing units in Seattle and the Puget Sound region. We also sponsor tiny house villages and shelters as a crisis response to homelessness. The Policy Associate will be responsible for research, data/information, programming and advocacy for various housing, shelter, healthcare, education and other programs benefiting low-income and homeless families and individuals. The role includes organizing activities around LIHI programs, developing and fostering media, public, government, and community relations, and supporting policy and advocacy work at the local, state, and national levels.
The Policy Associate will be responsible for building relationships with community and government partners and potential stakeholders to generate support for LIHI programs, including tiny house villages, enhanced shelters, Urban Rest Stops, and low-income housing communities. This position will assist LIHI staff, volunteers, residents and community advocates with participation in policies, programs, and advocacy activities. The position will interact with government entities, community, faith, media, human service organizations and others to coordinate programs, policies, initiatives, and activities.
Responsibilities:
Policy, Research, Education
- Support LIHI staff with designing and implementing policies, programs, new initiatives and disseminating educational material and information.
- Help develop position papers, documents, education and outreach materials on programs and policies.
- Conduct research, collect data, and provide information on local, state, and national programs addressing affordable housing, equitable development, homelessness, healthcare, employment, and public benefits.
- Gather and maintain data on LIHI, our housing and homeless programs, performance measures and outcomes.
- Help draft a variety of written documents, fact sheets, flyers, enews, press releases, postings and documents for internal and external education and communication.
- Track relevant local, state, and federal legislative updates and develop tools for sharing information and priorities with staff, community members, and program participants.
Program Support
- Provide planning and implementation support for new and on-going housing and supportive services programs where requested.
- Maintain existing community partnerships and develop new partnerships to enhance the opportunities for LIHI programs, residents and clients.
- Help community engagement and volunteer management staff on planning for new housing, tiny house villages, enhanced shelters, Urban Rest Stops (hygiene services) and other LIHI programs. This includes canvassing efforts, community meetings, and community building events.
- Work collaboratively with LIHI staff and volunteers, community and faith partners and government entities on new and existing initiatives.
- Assist the Community Engagement Manager to work with Community Advisory Committees at our tiny house villages. The CACs are comprised of neighborhood stakeholders who oversee progress in the villages.
- Bring feedback from community or other sources to the attention of LIHI leadership and operations teams.
- Build effective relationships with staff in all departments.
- Participate in staff meetings and planning sessions.
- Participate in Communications Committee and event planning activities in collaboration with Executive Director, Community Engagement Manager, Fund Development staff, and other LIHI staff, Board members, and volunteers.
- Support AmeriCorps program of members who participate in organizing community outreach, donations, and volunteer recruitment and organizing.
Advocacy
- Contribute to the development of a community that values cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Collaborate with Executive Director, Community Engagement Manager, Fund Development staff, and Administration staff in producing advocacy and public education messages and materials to promote housing and civil rights, social justice, cultural diversity, and economic security for all people.
- Work collaboratively with staff of tiny house villages, enhanced shelters, Urban Rest Stops, and housing sites to recruit, train, and empower residents, clients, tenants, staff, and volunteers to participate in advocacy activities.
- Work with communications staff regarding advocacy and community engagement priorities.
- Become knowledgeable of existing advocacy programs, opportunities, and resources around Puget Sound.
- Attend and participate in public policy forums and hearings with government staff and elected officials.
- Attend meetings and participate in community action with other community partners and coalition organizations.
General
- Meet deadlines.
- Foster a clean, respectful and safe environment.
- Engage with assigned training and comply with training deadlines.
- Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow PPE protocols, as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, public policy, urban studies, planning or related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Commitment to social change through the empowerment of low-income and homeless people.
- Two years experience in developing community programs, community organizing, or program/administrative duties commensurate with responsibilities outlined above.
- Excellent knowledge of community and advocacy resources for homeless and low-income people.
- Demonstrated ability to work with people with sensitivity to cultural and class issues, as well as people at varying skill levels in the technology realm.
- Excellent communication skills: both written and verbal.
- Ability to speak in public meetings, testify at public hearings, and meet with government officials.
- Experience working with and supervising volunteers.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with management, staff, volunteers, community agencies and the public.
- Excellent computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and use of social media.
- Excellent organizational skills as well as high level attention to detail.
- Experience with database: entry, recording and reporting.
- Experience compiling program reports for community partners and funders.
- Strong self-initiative; ability to work independently with minimal supervision and willingness to seek out new training and knowledge when necessary.
- Flexible and willing to work evenings/weekends when necessary.
Other Requirements:
- Must pass criminal background checks and drug screening.
- Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and must meet Washington State minimum requirement for driver liability insurance.
- Must pass motor vehicle/driving record checks.
- Must have regular access to a reliable vehicle.
Benefits for this position
- Generous vacation and sick leave
- 10 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday
- Employer-Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision (with HRA, HSA & FSA options)
- Employer-Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- 401k offered for unionized employees (through OPEIU 8)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Assistance Program
- Aflac offered for all employees.
About us: The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) has a 30-year history and track record of owning and managing low-income housing; developing innovative solutions to homelessness; advocating for housing justice; providing supportive services; and operating hygiene services for homeless people at our Urban Rest Stops. LIHI staff have developed over 5,000 affordable housing units and manages over 3,000 units including rental housing, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing. The populations served include: families, singles, seniors, veterans, young adults, immigrants, low wage workers, and people living with physical and mental disabilities. LIHI is one of the largest nonprofi t housing organizations in the state. Our properties are located in Seattle, King County, and fi ve adjacent counties. LIHI is a national leader in sponsoring tiny house villages as a crisis solution to homelessness. Annually, the tiny house villages and shelters serve 2,000 homeless people and our hygiene programs serve over 8,000 homeless people. LIHI staff is collaborative, dynamic, and dedicated to taking bold steps in ending homelessness and creating supportive communities for people to thrive.
