LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS DIRECTOR AT HOUSING CALIFORNIA
About the role
Housing California (Housing CA) seeks a Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director to lead the development and execution of our legislative and regulatory strategy. This role is central to translating policy ideas into legislative outcomes by leveraging a deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory landscape.
Responsibilities
Bring deep knowledge of the legislative landscape to advise on and identify strategic pathways for advancing policies.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, caucuses, the Governor’s office, administrative agency representatives, and fellow advocates.
Engage these stakeholders through education, meetings, and collaboration to inform, develop, and advance effective policies.
Manage a team dedicated to advancing state policies and regulatory reforms.
Provide leadership and input in the planning and execution of key organizational initiatives and events where policy and legislative issues are central.
Collaborate with the Narrative and Strategic Communications team, the Power Building team and Residents United Network, the Strategic Initiatives and campaign teams, and the Policy Committee to build public support and political will for Housing CA’s annual policy agenda.
Oversee Housing CA’s engagement in legislative and regulatory focused networks and coalitions to shape strategy, align influence, and build consensus.
Address policy and regulatory barriers through actionable policy proposals.
Support additional organizational responsibilities and initiatives that align with and advance Housing California’s strategic goals.
Requirements
Committed to Justice: Demonstrates a deep and ongoing commitment to racial, gender, disability, economic, and housing justice.
Expertise in how systems and policy changes are implemented and experienced by low-income Californians.
Policy and Systems Experience: 7+ years of relevant experience in policy, advocacy, and/or campaign work, preferably on behalf of low-income communities and communities of color.
In-depth knowledge of California politics and the state’s budget, legislative, and regulatory processes.
Mission Aligned: Experience in housing justice or a related field such as community development, urban planning, health equity, criminal justice reform, education, disability justice, food insecurity, climate justice, or labor.
Strategic Leadership: Substantial, hands-on experience managing a legislative program and team, able to articulate and implement a strategic vision within a cross-functional organization.
Agile and Adaptable: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and challenges while maintaining focus on driving change.
Clear and Effective Communicator: Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to engage effectively with policymakers, media, community-based organizations, residents of affordable housing, people experiencing homelessness, advocates, funders, and cross-sector partners.
Collaborative and Inclusive: Ability to build trust and collaborate across lines of difference to advance shared goals, skilled facilitator who ensures coalition spaces reflect Housing CA’s values of equity and inclusion and support shared leadership models.
Learning- and Outcomes-Oriented: Embraces learning and adapting as part of the work, committed to finding paths forward through ambiguity and challenges.
Willingness to Travel: Willing and able to travel and attend early morning or evening obligations.
Qualifications
Experience in housing justice or a related field such as community development, urban planning, health equity, criminal justice reform, education, disability justice, food insecurity, climate justice, or labor.
Familiarity with affordable housing and homelessness programs or policy.
Experience working in the California State Capitol.
Knowledge of the different levers of change, including the role of movements and organizing, advocacy, and campaigns.
Lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity or experience working with people with lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity.
Experience using online advocacy, data tracking, and project management tools.
Fluency or high proficiency in Spanish.
Skills
Strong policy analysis and advocacy skills.
Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Effective coalition-building and network management.
Strategic planning and implementation experience.
Ability to manage a team and oversee related consultants.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Experience with data tracking and project management tools.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package including fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employee and 25% paid medical, dental and vision for dependents, paid parental leave, long-term disability and group life insurance coverage; commuting subsidy; cell phone/at home internet subsidy; 403(b) retirement plan with 3.5% employer contribution; generous vacation (3+ weeks, depending on tenure), sick leave (8 hours per month + employees start with 8 hours of leave), 12 paid holidays; organization-wide closure during the last week of December and a shortened workweek during the summer legislative break; training and professional development opportunities; and a hybrid work environment.
The position is based in Sacramento and requires a significant in-person presence in and around the office and the state capitol.
The position offers the opportunity to work remotely from home if necessary.
The position involves regular travel (mostly in California) including board meetings, retreats, conferences, and partner meetings.
Pay
$150,000, depending on experience.
Schedule
This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Deputy Director of Programs. The Director will provide leadership for a team of two staff and oversee related consultants.