The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) represents all segments of the manufactured housing industry. Our 1,094 member companies provide housing for more than 22 million Americans. We are searching for a skilled researcher and policy analyst who can support the association's policy objectives. This dedicated professional will lead MHI's data and research endeavors and conduct policy analysis to support the policy objectives of the association. As such, their work and contributions will fall primarily under two umbrellas: (1) policy & advocacy, and (2) data & research.
Our client The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) is looking for a Director of Research who will play a critical role as MHI focuses our efforts in growing our market by telling our story, engaging our members, and supporting our team.
Responsibilities (“What You'll Do”)
Research
- Monitor and analyze datasets and third-party research publications relevant to the industry to identify key takeaways, policy implications, and opportunities for MHI.
- Manage production of content for MHI's bi-weekly newsletter, Monthly Economic Reports, Quarterly Economic Reports, informational fact sheets, weekly state updates and housing alerts, and topical white papers.
- Prepare MHI's publications and regularly update statistical and data-driven reports.
- Identify topics for new research projects, including coordination with MHI members and committees to determine research needs.
- Manage and develop MHI research plan and subsequent research proposals.
- Contribute to the design of research projects, including developing conceptual and analytical frameworks for examining manufactured housing and general housing policies, practices, and data, and understanding the legislative, regulatory, and policy context.
- Coordinate and supervise outside consultants performing research projects for MHI.
- Respond to internal and external ad hoc requests for research or information about the industry.
- Create and maintain a database of information about the industry and key facts, including information prepared for specific requests, and translate into useable content for other MHI purposes when appropriate.
- Work with the marketing team to turn research findings into infographics, articles, presentation slides, handouts and other collateral for our members and internal and external audiences (policymakers, media, etc).
Policy
- Assist in formulation of policy strategy for MHI by providing data analysis of existing information sources and suggesting and leading research initiatives to accomplish industry objectives.
- Monitor research and economic outputs around housing policy, including by participating in housing coalition research groups and attending research convenings.
- Identify ways that manufactured housing fits into the larger housing dialogue and work to develop information about or opportunities to elevate manufactured housing.
- Analyze federal legislative and regulatory issues with the goal of effectively incorporating MHI data and research into position papers, talking points, testimonies.
- Draft articles, reports, letters, policy memos, issue briefs, newsletters, talking points, presentations, advocacy alerts, newsletters, and other content.
- Participate in the planning, development, and execution of MHI meetings and other conferences to promote and highlight the work of MHI's Policy Team.
Skillsets (“What You Bring”)
- Must have a combination of quantitative, analytical, and writing skills; relevant substantive knowledge; and policy research experience.
- Possess academic knowledge and research experience in a discipline in public policy, economics, political science, or other similar social science field.
- Be familiar with (1) federal, state, and local housing and housing finance policies and programs, and (2) the intersections between housing, with an interest in manufactured housing a plus, and related policy areas such as community development, real estate, construction, the primary and secondary mortgage market, government housing finance programs, and state and local policies such as zoning.
- Demonstrate the ability to capture and analyze data from internal and external sources.
- Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.
- Display a capacity for statistical analysis and a demonstrated ability to translate data into compelling arguments.
- Display strong time management skills, the ability to multitask, and a high level of professionalism.
- Demonstrate a high level of organization and motivation, creativity, and self-confidence; we seek individuals who can work effectively, independently, and simultaneously on multiple projects.
Qualifications (“What You've Done”)
- Graduate degree in Economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Urban Planning or other social sciences.
- 5-7 years of experience working in policy analysis and/or research.
- Experience in housing, community development, commercial real estate, or housing finance, is a plus.
- Demonstrated commitment to excellence.
- Knowledge and use of publicly available government data such as Census, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and HMDA data a plus.
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
Please send a cover letter and resume to ...@mfghome.org.