Director of Policy & Applied Research

About Ivory Innovations

Ivory Innovations is both an operating foundation and an academic center based at the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. Our mission is to catalyze high-impact innovations in housing affordability. We bridge research and industry to support cross-sector solutions, provide recognition and funding for groundbreaking ideas, engage a global student population, and contribute directly to the development of affordable housing in Utah in partnership with Ivory Homes, Utah's largest homebuilder.

About the Role

Ivory Innovations is seeking a Director of Policy & Applied Research to help lead the organization's housing research, thought leadership, and policy implementation strategy. This is a leadership role responsible for shaping Ivory's policy agenda, producing high-impact research on housing affordability across construction, design, finance, and regulations, and translating complex policy innovations into actionable insights and education for practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders.

This position is ideal for someone with deep expertise in housing policy and markets, real estate finance and/or construction innovation, strong analytical and writing skills, and the ability to move seamlessly between big-picture strategy and detailed policy design.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and help lead Ivory Innovations’ policy research agenda, aligned with organizational priorities in housing affordability and innovation.
• Identify, evaluate, and synthesize state and local policy innovations, with particular focus on land use reform, housing finance, construction innovation, and public-sector partnerships.
• Write and produce high-quality policy reports, briefs, white papers, and case studies.
• Help lead the Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability’s Policy Area of Focus, including leading nomination calls with policy innovators, and supporting student-driven components of the Ivory Prize in collaboration with the Director of Student Programs.
• Build out and support applied initiatives in Utah and beyond, such as a municipal leader training cohort, technical assistance coaching, and replicating innovative policy agendas.
• Represent Ivory Innovations in policy discussions, panels, convenings, and stakeholder meetings and position the organization as a leading voice in practical, scalable housing policy innovation.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in urban planning, public policy, economics, real estate, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Deep understanding of U.S. housing markets, housing policy, and/or housing development systems. Exceptional analytical and writing skills; ability to synthesize complex material clearly and persuasively.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex research or policy initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage overlapping timelines and priorities.
• Comfort engaging senior-level stakeholders, including public officials, nonprofit executives, and industry leaders.

Preferred

• Extensive prior experience in housing policy research, real estate finance, public-sector leadership, or applied housing innovation. Experience conducting financial feasibility or market analysis related to housing development.
• Experience managing students, fellows, or research teams.
• Experience representing an organization publicly through speaking, publishing, or media engagement.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary range: $90,000 – $120,000
• 401(k) with company match
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay

Location and Work Environment

• Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, full-time, in-person at Ivory Innovations’ office at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. Occasional travel (approximately 10–15%) to conduct research, attend site visits, and represent Ivory Innovations at national conferences and convenings.

How to Apply

• Please submit your resume and cover letter to hiring@ivoryinnovations.org with the subject line “[Your Name] - Director of Policy & Applied Research.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.