Advocacy Director

HomeFirst; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Holiday leave

Job summary

HomeFirst in San Jose, CA seeks an Advocacy Director to lead agency advocacy strategy and external engagement with policymakers. The role shapes policy positions, tracks legislation, and represents the organization in coalitions and with elected officials.

You will coordinate input sessions with clients and staff, align advocacy with regulatory standards, and report to the COO. Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in public policy, lived homelessness experience, and strong written and verbal

Qualifications

• Lived experience with homelessness encouraged.
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in public affairs, public policy, government relations or non-profit advocacy.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership position.

Responsibilities

• Develop the organization's advocacy strategy and revise annually.
• Ensure alignment between advocacy activities and regulatory standards and business priorities.
• Research, analyze and track relevant legislation and policies.
• Contribute to development of agency policy positions and responses to threats.
• Foster relationships with legislative offices and officials.
• Represent HomeFirst in coalitions, meetings and public settings.

Skills

Public policy

Legislative development

Verbal communication

Written communication

Public affairs

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION: Advocacy DirectorLOCATION: 3150 Almaden Expressway, San Jose CA 95118REPORTS TO: Chief Operating OfficerSTATUS: Full Time, Exempt, HybridCOMPENSATION: $140,608/AnnuallyABOUT HOMEFIRSTEstablished in 1980, HomeFirst is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.OUR VALUESKindness: We act with empathy toward others.Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.POSITION OVERVIEWThis role advances HomeFirst’s mission of ending homelessness through leadership and execution of agency advocacy activity.REPORTING RELATIONSHIPSThe Advocacy Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop the organization's advocacy strategy, revising on an annual basisEnsure alignment between agency advocacy activities, regulatory or compliance standards, and business prioritiesResearch, analyze and track relevant legislation and policiesContribute to the development of agency policy positionsSurface policy-based or legislative threats to HomeFirst’s mission and recommend opportunities for actionSurface opportunities for agency engagement with elected officials on policy initiativesFoster effective working relationships with legislative offices and their personnelRepresent HomeFirst in coalitions, collaborative meeting spaces, and public settingsConduct quarterly input sessions with participants of HomeFirst’s services to inform advocacy prioritiesConduct quarterly input sessions with HomeFirst personnel to inform advocacy prioritiesProvide routine updates and reports to leadershipFacilitate the \"Advocacy in Response\" staff working groupDirectly inform the development of two assembly or senate bill pitches per legislative cycleBENEFITSHomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENTAt HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)Education and ExperienceLived experience with homelessness encouragedBachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, or related field. May be substituted by equivalent work experience.Minimum of 5 years of experience in public affairs, public policy, government relations or non-profit advocacyMinimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership positionSkills, Abilities, and KnowledgeDemonstrated knowledge of the housing and homelessness sectorDemonstrated knowledge of public policy and legislative developmentExceptional written and verbal communication skillsFluent in Microsoft suite and project management softwareCharacteristicsMeasured – carefully weighs and prioritizes agency engagement in high impact opportunities to address the root causes of homelessnessStrategic – interprets trends and anticipates future risk and opportunities, considering the agency’s position in the broader landscape of our communityInclusive – considers differing points of view with curiosity and humility, collaborative with partners and actively seeks input from stakeholdersProductive – outcome oriented and drives progress on assigned projects