Director of Policy & Advocacy

About WRCDC

WRCDC 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 Role

Williams & 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:

• Lead the development of a comprehensive policy agenda aligned with reparative development principles
• Translate organizational priorities into actionable policy frameworks and initiatives
• Advise executive leadership on policy direction, risks, and opportunities

• Oversee the drafting and refinement of policy framework, proposals, briefs, and position statements
• Ensure alignment with local, state, and federal policy landscapes
• Establish internal processes for policy research, review, and approval

• Embed reparative development principles into all policy work, addressing historic harms such as redlining, displacement, and disinvestment
• Guide strategies that advance community wealth-building, including cooperative models, land trusts, and equitable ownership structures

• Build and maintain relationships in partnership with the Director of Community Investment & Relationships, community leaders, advocacy groups, policymakers, and institutional partners
• Ensure community voice and lived experience are central to policy development
• Represent the organization in public forums, coalitions, and policy discussions

• Lead advocacy strategies to advance policy priorities at local and regional levels
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and advise on engagement opportunities
• Support coalition-building and strategic partnerships

• 2-3+ years of experience in public policy, urban planning, community development, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience in policy leadership, strategy, and advocacy
• Strong expertise in racial equity, housing justice, and/or economic development policy
• Exceptional writing, communication, and strategic thinking skills

• Master's in public policy and experience working on public policy initiatives, formation, and implementation
• Knowledge of anti-displacement strategies
• Established relationships with policymakers, funders, or advocacy networks

• Visionary leadership grounded in equity and justice
• Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear strategies and actions
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills
• High level of accountability, integrity, and adaptability

• Part-time role (approximately 20–25 hours per week)
• Compensation: $45.00-50.00 (DOE)

Please 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 equity
• How your work aligns with reparative development principles, including addressing historic harms such as displacement and disinvestment
• Your ability to translate policy ideas into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes
• Experience engaging with community stakeholders, policymakers, and cross-sector partners
• Your 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).