Job Description

Job Title : Policy and Advocacy Coordinator.

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer.

FLSA Status: Full-time, non-Exempt.

Compensation: $47,000-$53,000 annually.

Summary: The Policy and Advocacy Coordinator promotes Habitat’s affordable homeownership advocacy platform in the community and furthers Habitat for Humanity-Spokane’s outreach, mobilization efforts and policy research related to housing affordability. This position will build and capitalize on strong relationships and communications with community members, community-based organizations, residents, Habitat supporters and volunteers, affordable housing and homeownership partners and elected officials at the local, state, and national levels.

The following reflects the organization’s definition of essential functions for the job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Support CEO in the development and execution of an annual legislative agenda, including local, state and federal levels. (State and federal agendas require partnership with other Habitat entities.)
• Build relationships with local jurisdictions by educating stakeholders about Habitat and affordable homeownership needs.
• Collaborate with partners and coalitions to advance policy priorities.
• Support Chief Executive Officer with Organization’s lobbying efforts, research, analysis and candidate/elected official research as well as other levels of support as needed.
• Help create training materials to develop our networks’ advocacy skills and understanding of housing policies.
• Find opportunities for relationship building of naturally occurring intersections between housing and other sectors, such as health, education, transportation, and workforce development, to maximize impact and resources. Identify opportunities to share this part of our impact story as a tool in expanding partnerships.
• Help cultivate new partners and manage a variety of current partnerships, including, but not limited to community and housing advocacy collaboratives, nonprofit organizations, private foundations, and government agencies.
• Promote racial equity and social justice by advocating for policies and legislation that increase access to safe, affordable housing and homeownership to residents and communities earning below 80% of the Area Median Income.
• Support CEO in coordinating all advocacy efforts with respect to rezoning efforts, new legislation, public hearings, testimony and outreach in connection with Habitat developments.
• Support Habitat-Spokane’s engagement in advocacy events such as state and federal Habitat on the Hill days and government official build days, including working with homeowner services teams to recruit participation from homeowners.
• Serve on advocacy committees to represent affordable homeownership interests, including committees of organizations such as Habitat for Humanity of Washington State, Spokane Low Income Housing Consortium, Habitat for Humanity International, and other partners.
• Work with appropriate staff to help with Habitat Advocacy Webpage and, policy-related fact sheets and materials, presentations, letters of support, and Op-Eds in support of affordable housing and homeownership policies and funding.
• Work with community partners and those with lived experience to identify gaps in policy to further access affordable housing and homeownership. 
• Manage Habitat for Humanity International Advocacy Reporting.
• Manage Raiser’s Edge relationship database as it relates to advocacy actions and relationship building.
• Assist in planning and facilitation of Habitat Advocacy Committee meetings.
• Assist in applying for grant opportunities from government partners, private foundations and HFHI.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Strong passion for affordable housing and homeownership, thriving communities, policy, and social justice.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and willingness to learn the policy-making process at local, state and federal levels.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in respectful civil discourse and emotional regulation.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build meaningful relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Engaging presentation skills and comfort speaking in front of large groups.
• Strong analytical, writing and reporting, public speaking, and facilitation skills.
• Strong oral communication skills with multiple audiences, including elected and government agency officials, Habitat supporters, housing advocates, community stakeholders and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, multi-task, exercise good judgment, and work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable with collaborative work processes, extensive feedback and input from peers and stakeholders, and extensive scenario planning.
• Ability to prioritize information including the ability to identify key elements within complex documents and summarize them into a clear, understandable format for the general public.
• Ability to organize multi-faceted and diverse assignments, manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously without ongoing guidance; produce accurate, high-quality results quickly and on time.
• Attends Habitat-Spokane events.
• Represents Habitat-Spokane during community projects and at public, social, and business gatherings.
• Promotes the Mission of Habitat-Spokane.

Active support of HFHS Values:

• Humility - We are part of something bigger than ourselves
• Courage - We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
• Accountability - We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities but may supervise volunteers and committee work to further advocacy efforts. Responsibilities include training volunteers: planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience :

• Experience in public administration, community development, housing, public affairs, policy, urban planning, or similar field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in nonprofit advocacy, government affairs, public policy, and public awareness in areas in policy work at the local, state or federal level highly preferred
• Experience researching and analyzing impact of laws, regulations, and policy proposals
• Experience conducting legislative, administrative or grassroots advocacy.
• Bilingual/biliterate in Spanish/English preferred
• Communications experience a plus

Language Skills :

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Mathematical Skills :

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability :

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have experience using the following software at a proficient level: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, and Word. Experience in Raiser’s Edge, Volunteer Management Software such as Volunteer Hub.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Current driver's license.

Other Qualifications:

Habitat-Spokane calls all employees to serve its mission and adhere to the organization’s philosophies. Habitat seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 403B, Life Insurance, PTO, Holidays, Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Education Assistance, Flex/HSA/Dependent Care FSA Accounts, 529 Plan and others.

How to apply:

Email a resume, cover letter, and a completed Habitat for Humanity-Spokane employment application to [email protected].

A complete job description and Habitat for Humanity-Spokane employment application are available for download on our website at

We are an equal opportunity employer. We are seeking candidates to help us further our mission of bringing people together to build homes, community, and hope. We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live, and we are dedicated to building affordable homeownership opportunities in Spokane County.

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