Director of Public Policy

Background

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.

IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Summary

The Director of Public Policy leads IFF’s strategy and advocacy efforts to support and strengthen the role that CDFIs play in assisting government – at every level – to implement public programs and investments in low- and moderate-income communities. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Director works with both internal and external stakeholders to develop and advocate for IFF’s public policy priorities, focusing on: (1) the community development finance tools that are foundational to CDFIs; and (2) public policies that impact the major nonprofit sectors that IFF serves, health and human services, affordable housing, early care and K-12 education, and healthy food access.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate with IFF staff and key CDFI industry groups to develop IFF public policy priorities.
2. Develop and implement a strategy to engage government decision makers on IFF’s public policy priorities, including legislators on relevant committees, officials in key government agencies, and elected officials representing IFF’s primary markets.
3. Monitor and track developments related to IFF’s public policy priorities, keeping the Chief of Staff updated in real time and briefing members of the Senior Leadership Team as requested.
4. Facilitate internal efforts across all departments to develop IFF’s position on major issues that come up and coordinate the collection of project profiles and impact data to represent IFF.
5. Represent IFF in its various trade association and public policy advisory roles.
6. Serve as an advisor to the to the Chief of Staff and Senior Leadership Team on public policy matters, writing issue briefs on the substance and status of relevant public policy issues.
7. Provide leadership and contribute public policy and other expertise to cross-functional teams.
8. Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO and Chief of Staff.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in political science, public policy or administration, communications, or a similar field.

Previous Experience: Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in government, public policy advocacy, or government relations, with a demonstrated record of increasing responsibility over time.  Experience in and knowledge of the nonprofit sector, community development, finance, or real estate is preferred.

Additional Requirements:  Occasional evening and weekend work. Some travel may be required.

IFF does not offer relocation packages; must be authorized to work in the United States; IFF does not offer sponsorship. IFF works in a hybrid model; in office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and three days working from home.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Grade 6.  This salary grade starts at $93,800.

Benefits:

• Medical plans (PPO, HMO, and HSA options)
• Dental plans (PPO)
• Vision discount program
• Pretax medical, transportation, and dependable care flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan
• Generous paid time off policy
• Employer-paid life and AD&D coverage
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage

Other perks include:

• Professional development
• Mentoring program
• Hybrid work schedule
• Employee discount program
• Employee referral program
• Sabbatical leave
• Summer Fridays

How to Apply

Please visit our Careers section of our website to apply online.  Both a resume and cover letter are required.