Job Description
Job Opportunity: Director of Policy and Advocacy
Compensation: Expected starting salary is $110,000, with some flexibility commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including 11 paid holidays, employer paid health insurance of 90% of premium for employee and 50% of premium for additional eligible household members, and employer paid 7% contribution to 401K retirement plan.
Organization: Minnesota Homeownership Center
Location: Hybrid | Saint Paul, MN
Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until filled, applications received by March 2 will receive priority consideration.
About Minnesota Homeownership Center
The Minnesota Homeownership Center (HOC) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainable homeownership by strengthening the systems that support it. We serve as a central coordinating organization for Minnesota’s housing advisory and homebuyer education system, providing training, capacity building, technology, and policy leadership to a network of community-based partners. We convene stakeholders across the homeownership ecosystem to create program and policy innovations to improve high-quality, accessible, and sustainable homeownership opportunities across the state — especially for households that have historically faced the greatest barriers to achieving homeownership.
Position Summary
The Director of Policy and Advocacy is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing Minnesota Homeownership Center’s public policy strategy at the local, state, and federal levels. Reporting to the President and CEO, the Director of Policy and Advocacy leads advocacy initiatives, coalition engagement, legislative strategy, and policy research to improve housing access, affordability, and sustainability for Minnesotans.
This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on policy development, stakeholder engagement, and public communication, serving as a key voice for HOC in the housing policy arena.
What You’ll Do
Core Responsibilities
Policy Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the development and execution of HOC’s policy agenda to further the HOC strategic plan and annual work plans.
- Lead and participate in policy coalitions and campaigns, including member management, project management, meeting facilitation, and deliverable tracking.
- Conduct legislative and policy research and provide analysis on housing, homeownership, and related issues.
- Develop and implement legislative and administrative strategies, including lawmaker engagement and tracking and analysis of legislation.
- Provide analysis of administrative and regulatory issues, including preparing public comment letters.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with lawmakers, agency staff, and advocacy partners.
- Advance homeownership advocacy at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels.
- Identify emerging policy issues and lead special projects through research, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Provide regular progress and status reports to leadership and the Board of Directors.
- Serve as a key member of HOC’s leadership team.
Partner Engagement & Strategic Communications
- Collaborate with internal teams to develop advocacy and policy materials, including policy agendas, summaries, toolkits, action alerts, and talking points.
- Produce written policy content for newsletters, memos, advocacy materials, media engagement, and social media.
- Recruit issue specific support and incorporate perspectives from diverse communities and cross-sector partners.
Events & Advocacy
- Represent HOC in coalitions, campaigns, external meetings, and in the media.
- Support planning and execution of in-person and virtual events, including securing speakers and moderating panels.
- Plan and prepare legislative advocacy activities, including meetings with lawmakers and “Day on the Hill” events.
Other Duties
- Support the President and leadership team with additional responsibilities that advance HOC’s mission and impact.
What You Bring
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; graduate degree in public policy, political science, community development, or a related field preferred.
- At least 3 years of relevant experience successfully advancing policy initiatives; 5 or more years preferred.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience conducting policy research and analysis strongly preferred.
- Subject-matter expertise in affordable housing, community development, public-private finance, and/or tax policy preferred.
- Proven ability to build relationships with lawmakers, staff, and community partners.
- Commitment to advancing economic opportunity and housing equity for low-income communities.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Hybrid work schedule, with at least two days per week in the Saint Paul office. expect more days in person at the Capitol during legislative session.
- Office location: 1000 Payne Avenue, Suite 200, Saint Paul, MN 55130.
- Regular travel to off-site meetings, including extended time at the State Capitol during legislative session.
- Occasional long hours, such as some evenings and weekends during the legislative session or overnight travel to meet with Greater Minnesota organizations.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and lift up to 20 pounds for event setup.
How to Apply
Please submit the following:
- A Letter of Interest
- A Resume or CV
Equal Opportunity Employer
Minnesota Homeownership Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a respectful and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and communities to apply. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
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