Senior Legislative Advocate for Homelessness

HOUSING CALIFORNIA

Since 1988, Housing California (CA) has been working to prevent and end homelessness and increase the variety and supply of safe, stable, accessible, and permanently affordable places to call home. Housing CA envisions a California with homes, health, and prosperity for all in thriving, sustainable communities.

Housing CA advances our mission using three main strategic directions: (1) Shaping a new affordable housing and homelessness narrative, (2) Shifting and building power through multisector coalitions and networks, and (3) Advancing policy change.

In 2021, Housing CA is investing deeply in (1) embedding anti-racism, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI), and co-powering into the DNA of the organization; (2) creating a 2021-2026 strategic plan that centers anti-racist and JEDI principles; (3) and kicking off California’s Roadmap HOME 2030 campaign implementation.

Housing CA seeks candidates with a proven ability to advance transformative statewide policy strategically and collaboratively to fill our Senior Legislative Advocate for Homelessness position.

SUMMARY
The Senior Legislative Advocate works in close coordination with Housing CA’s leadership and the program and policy team to support the advancement of Housing CA’s vision by advancing Housing California’s homelessness related policy, administrative, and budgetary priorities. The position provides leadership among Housing CA’s staff, Board of Directors, resident leaders, and external allies to develop policy priorities and advocacy strategies, mobilize partners and allies to support our policy priorities, and develop relationships with key legislators and coalitions.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Advocacy
• Work closely with Housing CA’s leadership, policy and program team, Board of Directors, resident leaders, and partners to develop the organization’s annual homelessness policy agenda.
• Develop and advance advocacy positions and strategies to achieve organizational goals and adapt strategy to changing conditions.
• Coordinate proactive planning with resident leaders, partners, and allies to ensure effective advancement of Housing CA’s priority budget asks and legislative bills, as well as implementation of new programs.
• Track, analyze, and advocate on legislation, administrative, and regulatory policy, and state budget requests that impact the people and organizations we serve.
• Engage with key national partners on critical federal policy issues and funding, when appropriate.

Coalition and Network Engagement
• Support and partner with the Residents United Network (RUN), Housing CA’s locally connected, regionally organized, statewide community organizing network.
• Lead and represent Housing CA on a variety of multi-sector coalitions to develop and advance shared strategies.

Organizational Responsibilities
• Assist with organizational responsibilities that further the strategic goals of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS
We are seeking candidates who have:
• A demonstrated commitment to racial, gender, disability and economic, and housing justice
• Meaningful experience in state level legislation or advocacy
• Strong understanding of California politics and/or California legislature
• A track record of collaborating and developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among partners with different backgrounds
• A demonstrated commitment to meeting a high bar and a history of getting things done, even in a fast-paced work environment or in the face of obstacles or multiple competing demands
• A proven ability to communicate with a variety of audiences, including policymakers, community-based organizations, people who live in affordable homes or are experiencing homelessness, and the media
• An ability and willingness to travel periodically and attend occasional evening obligations (Housing CA staff are not traveling during COVID-19 pandemic)

Other Desired Skills
• Experience with homelessness or affordable housing programs or policy • Experience working with or leading multi-sector coalitions • Strong facilitation skills

Our ideal candidates may have experience that doesn’t directly match the qualifications above, and we encourage people with equivalent experience to apply.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND LOCATION
This is a full time, exempt position based in Sacramento that reports to the Policy Director. Competitive salary between $80,000 - $95,000, depending on experience.

Benefits package includes fully paid medical, dental, vision, paid family leave, long-term disability and group life insurance coverage; commuting subsidy; cell phone subsidy; stipend for internet connection while remote; 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution; generous vacation, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays; training and professional development opportunities; and the possibility of remote work for a portion of your week. Currently, all of our work is virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CULTURE AND DIVERSITY
Housing CA is committed to creating a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace that fosters a culture of ongoing learning and collaboration and supports, stabilizes, and incentivizes people to join the Housing CA team and stay for the long game (e.g., professional development plans and opportunities, creating opportunities for professional advancement, staffing growth).

We value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by the issues we address. We especially encourage Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and people of color; people from families that have immigrated to the U.S.; women; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people; and disabled people to apply for these positions.

We aim for our work to be both effective and sustainable; we balance required travel during some parts of the year and the fast-paced legislative calendar with a commitment to our team’s mental and physical health.

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (5 pages maximum) with the subject line: “Senior Legislative Advocate Job Application” to Jade Chin at jchin@housingca.org. We will accept applications until the position is filled. The interview process may include two to three rounds of interviews.

Additional information on Housing CA is available at housingca.org