Virginia Housing Advocacy Specialist Coalition for Smarter Growth - a division of The Piedmont [...]

FEMINIST; Maryland; Remote; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established non-profit organization in the Washington, DC region is seeking a passionate Virginia Housing Advocacy Specialist to lead efforts in promoting smart growth and inclusive communities. This full-time position involves developing advocacy campaigns, engaging with local decision-makers, and influencing state policies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in housing and land use advocacy, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Join a dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community and enjoy a flexible work environment with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays

PTO

Volunteer Leave

Professional Development

Flexible Work Environment

Travel Reimbursement

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of experience in advocacy, housing, or community engagement.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop housing strategies and advocacy campaigns in Northern Virginia.
• Engage with local decision-makers and build support for housing policies.

Skills

Advocacy

Housing Policy

Community Engagement

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

CRM Experience

Public Speaking

Spanish Proficiency

Tools

EveryAction

Job description

The Coalition for Smarter Growth (CSG), a division of the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), is hiring a Virginia Housing Advocacy Specialist. Applicants should email [e-mail] for the application process. Details are outlined below.

Manager:

Senior Northern Virginia Advocacy Manager

Location:

Currently remote in the DC, MD, VA area. Note about office location to be provided.

Job Classification:

Full-Time, Non-Exempt

About CSG

Join an award-winning non-profit in the Washington, DC region dedicated to advocating for smart growth. CSG has over 27 years of success promoting walkable, bikeable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities for a sustainable and equitable regional growth. Learn more at smartergrowth.net and view our Blueprint for a Better Region.

Your Responsibilities

This is a full-time position combining advocacy on housing and land use in northern Virginia with legislative and policy work at the state level. The role involves:

1. Northern Virginia (70%)

• Developing housing and land use strategies and advocacy campaigns across northern Virginia jurisdictions.
• Building support for smart growth-oriented housing policies and expanding the supporter base.
• Engaging with local decisionmakers and planning/housing staff in key jurisdictions.
• Partnering with coalitions like the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance, Housing Action Arlington, and NoVA YIMBYs.
• Creating communications to educate and engage supporters.

State policy work (30%)

• Defining state policy and legislative positions with the Executive Director.
• Building relationships with state legislators and staff, especially during legislative sessions.
• Mobilizing residents to influence legislation.
• Supporting statewide coalitions and creating a legislative agenda.
• Travel to Richmond during legislative sessions for advocacy activities.

Required Qualifications

• Commitment to CSG’s core values and DEIJ principles.
• 3-4 years of relevant experience in advocacy, housing, land use, or community engagement.
• Experience in advocacy campaigns and excellent communication skills.
• CRM experience, preferably with EveryAction.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of local housing, transportation, land use issues in DC area.
• Public speaking skills.
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly wage: $28.84 - $33.65 (approx. $60,000-$70,000/year), benefits included. This position is funded by a grant for two years, with potential renewal.

Benefits include:

• Health insurance, disability, life insurance, and more.
• Retirement plan, paid holidays, PTO, volunteer leave, and professional development.
• Flexible work environment and travel reimbursement.

Office Location

Remote work preferred; office space options are under consideration. Residency in Northern Virginia or accessible to the region is preferred. Flexibility for evening and weekend work is required.

Application Process

Send your resume, writing samples, and a 1-2 paragraph response to:

[e-mail]

Include examples of policy campaigns you have led. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority by May 1, 2025.

The hiring process includes interviews, a presentation, and reference checks. CSG values diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process. Background checks are conducted for selected candidates.