Deputy Director, Housing and Transportation
Clearpath, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
The Niskanen Center Inc
Deputy Director, Housing and Transportation
Washington, DC · Full time Company website (not required to include link) Description
The Niskanen Center seeks an experienced Deputy Director for Housing and Transportation to lead our agenda for abundant housing and complementary transportation policies within the Social Policy Department. Our vision is one where social policies work with markets to provide the best possible outcomes for workers and families. In housing and transportation, this means creating more affordable places where people want to live by fostering competition, innovation, and abundance in housing, supported by transportation systems that improve as communities grow. Our analysts tackle land use regulations, building codes, housing finance, and federal incentives with an eye toward increasing housing production. We also focus on issues of federal transportation funding, procurement, standards, and state capacity to expand cost-effective transportation access. Description (cont.)
The ideal candidate will share our understanding of the interdependence of the private sector and a capable public sector, our confidence that a dynamic market economy and an effective public sector can power faster and fairer growth, creating the inclusive prosperity required for a diverse people to reach their full potential. Responsibilities
Maintain and tailor our institutional perspective on housing and transportation policy to conceive, plan, execute, and articulate an original research agenda; Develop and manage partnerships with other organizations, including policymakers, thought leaders, government agencies, non-profits, and private sector organizations; Work with the Director of Social Policy to build and iterate a strategic vision for the department and communicate it to the broader advocacy field; Author major research projects and timely commentaries on housing policy in coordination with team members, other Niskanen staff, and external collaborators; Supervise policy work of other team members to ensure high quality and strategic work that comports with Niskanen’s broader vision and reputation; Mentor and develop team members, fostering their professional growth and creating a collaborative environment for high-quality policy work; Collaborate with colleagues across the organization to ensure a consistent and integrated approach to housing and transportation policy; and Work with the Director of Social Policy to build relationships with new funders, support the stewardship of existing funders, help develop grant proposals, and meet grant reporting obligations. As the department evolves, there may be future opportunities for expanded leadership responsibilities, including the potential establishment of an independent department and director subject to approval. Minimum Qualifications
An advanced degree in a relevant discipline or commensurate experience that ensures research products will be high-quality and well-conceived; 10+ years relevant work experience performing and overseeing significant housing policy research and development; Proven commitment to Niskanen’s vision for change; At least three years of managerial experience; Experience collaborating with an ideologically diverse network of organizations and individuals; A high degree of integrity, the ability to build trust, and a commitment to exceptional deliverables; Superior oral and written communication skills and ability to translate complex research findings into key takeaways for diverse audiences; Experience with strategic communications and ideological bilingualism, including outreach to media and target audiences in the public, business, and nonprofit sectors; Action-oriented, organized, and entrepreneurial self-starter who assumes personal ownership of work and is capable of effectively prioritizing and working simultaneously on multiple projects. How to Apply
We will review applications after the deadline. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on February 15, 2026. Please submit a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please be sure to describe why you are the best fit for Niskanen and your vision for the housing and transportation department. No phone calls, please. Salary
$135,000 - $150,000 per year
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Deputy Director, Housing and Transportation
Washington, DC · Full time Company website (not required to include link) Description
The Niskanen Center seeks an experienced Deputy Director for Housing and Transportation to lead our agenda for abundant housing and complementary transportation policies within the Social Policy Department. Our vision is one where social policies work with markets to provide the best possible outcomes for workers and families. In housing and transportation, this means creating more affordable places where people want to live by fostering competition, innovation, and abundance in housing, supported by transportation systems that improve as communities grow. Our analysts tackle land use regulations, building codes, housing finance, and federal incentives with an eye toward increasing housing production. We also focus on issues of federal transportation funding, procurement, standards, and state capacity to expand cost-effective transportation access. Description (cont.)
The ideal candidate will share our understanding of the interdependence of the private sector and a capable public sector, our confidence that a dynamic market economy and an effective public sector can power faster and fairer growth, creating the inclusive prosperity required for a diverse people to reach their full potential. Responsibilities
Maintain and tailor our institutional perspective on housing and transportation policy to conceive, plan, execute, and articulate an original research agenda; Develop and manage partnerships with other organizations, including policymakers, thought leaders, government agencies, non-profits, and private sector organizations; Work with the Director of Social Policy to build and iterate a strategic vision for the department and communicate it to the broader advocacy field; Author major research projects and timely commentaries on housing policy in coordination with team members, other Niskanen staff, and external collaborators; Supervise policy work of other team members to ensure high quality and strategic work that comports with Niskanen’s broader vision and reputation; Mentor and develop team members, fostering their professional growth and creating a collaborative environment for high-quality policy work; Collaborate with colleagues across the organization to ensure a consistent and integrated approach to housing and transportation policy; and Work with the Director of Social Policy to build relationships with new funders, support the stewardship of existing funders, help develop grant proposals, and meet grant reporting obligations. As the department evolves, there may be future opportunities for expanded leadership responsibilities, including the potential establishment of an independent department and director subject to approval. Minimum Qualifications
An advanced degree in a relevant discipline or commensurate experience that ensures research products will be high-quality and well-conceived; 10+ years relevant work experience performing and overseeing significant housing policy research and development; Proven commitment to Niskanen’s vision for change; At least three years of managerial experience; Experience collaborating with an ideologically diverse network of organizations and individuals; A high degree of integrity, the ability to build trust, and a commitment to exceptional deliverables; Superior oral and written communication skills and ability to translate complex research findings into key takeaways for diverse audiences; Experience with strategic communications and ideological bilingualism, including outreach to media and target audiences in the public, business, and nonprofit sectors; Action-oriented, organized, and entrepreneurial self-starter who assumes personal ownership of work and is capable of effectively prioritizing and working simultaneously on multiple projects. How to Apply
We will review applications after the deadline. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on February 15, 2026. Please submit a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please be sure to describe why you are the best fit for Niskanen and your vision for the housing and transportation department. No phone calls, please. Salary
$135,000 - $150,000 per year
#J-18808-Ljbffr