Job Number:
HC-04774
Date Posted:
April 9, 2026
Position Title:
Lead Researcher, Housing and Cities
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Office/Company:
Sightline Institute
Reports To:
Location:
Remote (WA)
Contact:
Salary:
$106,000–$125,000 (plus 10 percent retirement)
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
Lead Researcher, Housing and CitiesDevelop and deploy expertise on policies to create housing abundance, primarily zoning reform, but also other types of reforms that Sightline has identified as promising.At least eight years of professional experience in policy development, research, analysis, and/or legislative strategy, preferably related to land use and housing regulations.
Responsibilities:
• Work as a thought leader, policy researcher, analyst, writer, communicator, and advocate.
• Develop and deploy expertise on policies to create housing abundance, primarily zoning reform, but also other types of reforms that Sightline has identified as promising.
• Implement strategies for using information and communications to help win passage of these reforms, often in coordination with cross-partisan coalitions.
• Focus on state legislation in Washington, but also engage on efforts in Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Alaska, or in local jurisdictions if opportunities arise.
• Write articles, policy memos, and talking points; and create graphics, give presentations, serve as a resource to the media, and lobby public officials.
• Cultivate relationships with leaders and partners across many types of diversity, including racial, ethnic, economic, geographic, and political.
Qualifications:
• At least eight years of professional experience in policy development, research, analysis, and/or legislative strategy, preferably related to land use and housing regulations.
• Ability to quickly master new subject matter areas and sift through large amounts of information to distill key points and develop practical, strategic, and compelling arguments.
• Top-notch written and oral communication skills, to succinctly and accurately convey complicated information to diverse audiences.
• Comfort and skill working both independently and on teams to manage workplans, set and meet deadlines, and prioritize among competing responsibilities.
• A track record of building respectful and effective relationships and collaborations with people across differences, including racial, ethnic, gender, cultural, and political differences.
Instructions:
Email <ddress>
Other:
Equal opportunity employer. and welcomes applications from diverse candidates.
