About Open New York
Open New York (ONY) is a grassroots, non-profit organization advocating for abundant homes and lower rent. With a rapidly growing staff and hundreds of active volunteer members across the State of New York, ONY seeks to implement local and statewide policy changes that expand housing options for all New Yorkers. From Rochester to the Rockaways, ONY is organizing to pass innovative and necessary legislation to finally dig New York out of its decades-long housing shortage.
About the Position
Open New York is seeking a Policy Director to lead the organization’s housing and land use policy strategy at both the city and state levels. This role is responsible for shaping Open New York’s policy agenda, developing and advancing legislative priorities, and serving as a senior policy expert for staff, members, elected officials, and external partners.
The Policy Director will work closely with the Political Director, Director of Organizing, Director of Communications, and Executive Director to ensure that Open New York’s policy positions are technically sound, strategically targeted, and effectively integrated into advocacy, communications, and organizing efforts. The role also oversees policy research capacity, manages staff, represents the organization in policy-focused coalitions and public forums, and helps build Open New York’s credibility and influence within the pro-housing movement.
We are looking for a seasoned policy leader with deep expertise in housing and land use, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex political and legislative environments while collaborating across teams and stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Lead and Advance Open New York’s Policy Agenda
- Set and steward ONY’s ONY’s proactive policy platform, leading the annual policy agenda-setting process in collaboration with the policy team and Executive Director.
- Direct and oversee technical research and policy analysis conducted by the policy team to identify the most strategic and impactful city and state policy and legislative priorities.
- Develop, analyze, and refine legislative and policy proposals aligned with ONY’s goals.
- Draft ONY’s priority legislation and provide strategic guidance on external proposals from government agencies, elected officials, and private stakeholders.
- Serve as the policy lead during negotiations with elected officials, agencies, and advocacy partners.
- Monitor and interpret new research, policy trends, and legislative developments, sharing insights with internal teams and membership.
Cross-Functional Policy Strategy and Alignment
- Work closely with the Political Director to craft legislation, brief elected officials, coordinate with legislative staff, and support negotiation strategy for priority initiatives.
- Partner with the Director of Organizing to support member-led policy projects, facilitate member engagement in shaping ONY’s policy agenda, and ensure alignment across chapters.
- Collaborate with the Director of Communications to advise on public-facing materials, talking points, data points, and framing that translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences.
- Advise internal teams on policy alignment, legislative positioning, stakeholder engagement, and coalition-building strategies.
External Representation and Thought Leadership
- Represent Open New York as a policy expert with elected officials, agency staff, advocates, coalition partners, and researchers.
- Respond to high-priority policy inquiries from elected officials, advocates, funders, and press.
- Speak with reporters, on and off the record as appropriate, on policy issues.
- Represent ONY at policy-focused convenings, including panels, conferences, roundtables, and technical briefings.
- Coordinate with and represent ONY in national networks and partnerships with pro-housing organizations across the country.
Build Policy Capacity and Organizational Reputation
- Build and strengthen ONY’s policy research capacity, tools, and systems.
- Strengthen relationships with researchers, academics, and policy experts in the housing and land-use field.
- Contribute to ONY’s reputation as a credible, rigorous, and solutions-oriented policy leader.
- Support organizational fundraising and development efforts by advising on grant proposals and speaking with key donors about policy strategy and impact.
Management and Team Leadership
- Provide strategic team leadership and operational oversight, setting clear goals and systems, developing and supporting staff, fostering an inclusive and accountable culture, and ensuring strong cross-functional coordination aligned with organizational priorities.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Seven or more years of experience in housing and land use policy, with a strong preference for experience in New York City or New York State government.
- Deep technical knowledge of land use processes, zoning, and housing policy at both the city and state levels.
- Strong research and data analysis skills, with the ability to translate complex findings into clear policy recommendations.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly analyze development projects, zoning proposals, legislation, and other policy initiatives and communicate their implications to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Legal background strongly preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of New York City and New York State governmental agencies, legislative processes, and budget cycles.
- Experience working collaboratively at a senior level within an organization or coalition.
- Proven experience supervising and supporting junior and mid-level staff.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief elected officials, draft policy materials, and engage with media and partners.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced advocacy environment.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with elected officials, advocates, researchers, coalition partners, and community groups.
- Comfort learning and using a range of technologies and internal systems to support effective work.
- Familiarity with the pro-housing movement at the local, state, and national levels.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Open New York.
Employee Benefits
Open New York offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical insurance with 100% of employee premiums covered on the base plan, plus optional buy-up plans
- Dental, vision, and life insurance provided at no cost to employees who enroll in a medical plan
- 20 days of paid time off (PTO) annually
- 13 paid holidays each year
- 20 days of paid sick leave
- 16 weeks of paid parental leave
- Benefits eligibility beginning on the first day of employment
Additional Information
This a full time, exempt position, with a salary range of $130,000 – $150,000 per year. The position is based in New York City and ONY operates as a hybrid team, with three days per week in our office in Lower Manhattan. The deadline for submitting applications to the Policy Director position is March 15, 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Open New York is committed to a diverse workforce, and we seek diversity among applicants for this position. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Open New York is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
