Managing Director, Research (San Francisco/Hybrid)

Managing Director, Research (San Francisco/Hybrid)

Join to apply for the Managing Director, Research (San Francisco/Hybrid) role at California Housing Partnership

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

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.

Job Details

Reports to: President and CEO

Status: Full‑Time, Exempt

Starting Salary: $170,000 – $187,500

Location: San Francisco (Hybrid)

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