About this role
POSITION: Advocacy Director
LOCATION: 3150 Almaden Expressway, San Jose CA 95118
REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer
STATUS: Full Time, Exempt, Hybrid
COMPENSATION: $140,608/Annually
ABOUT HOMEFIRST
Established 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 VALUES
- Kindness : We act with empathy toward others.
- Passion : We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
- Excellence : We deliver exceptional service to our communities.
POSITION OVERVIEW
This role advances HomeFirst’s mission of ending homelessness through leadership and execution of agency advocacy activity.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Advocacy Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop the organization's advocacy strategy, revising on an annual basis
- Ensure alignment between agency advocacy activities, regulatory or compliance standards, and business priorities
- Research, analyze and track relevant legislation and policies
- Contribute to the development of agency policy positions
- Surface policy-based or legislative threats to HomeFirst’s mission and recommend opportunities for action
- Surface opportunities for agency engagement with elected officials on policy initiatives
- Foster effective working relationships with legislative offices and their personnel
- Represent HomeFirst in coalitions, collaborative meeting spaces, and public settings
- Conduct quarterly input sessions with participants of HomeFirst’s services to inform advocacy priorities
- Conduct quarterly input sessions with HomeFirst personnel to inform advocacy priorities
- Provide routine updates and reports to leadership
- Facilitate the "Advocacy in Response" staff working group
- Directly inform the development of two assembly or senate bill pitches per legislative cycle
BENEFITS
HomeFirst 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 STATEMENT
At 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
QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)
Education and Experience
- Lived experience with homelessness encouraged
- Bachelor’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 advocacy
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a leadership position
Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
- Demonstrated knowledge of the housing and homelessness sector
- Demonstrated knowledge of public policy and legislative development
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Fluent in Microsoft suite and project management software
Characteristics
- Measured – carefully weighs and prioritizes agency engagement in high impact opportunities to address the root causes of homelessness
- Strategic – interprets trends and anticipates future risk and opportunities, considering the agency’s position in the broader landscape of our community
- Inclusive – considers differing points of view with curiosity and humility, collaborative with partners and actively seeks input from stakeholders
- Productive – outcome oriented and drives progress on assigned projects