Director of Advocacy

Habitat for Humanity Wake County•Raleigh, NC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Director of Advocacy (DA) is responsible for leading the affiliate’s advocacy efforts by promoting policies and systems that eliminate barriers to affordable housing. The Director of Advocacy will lead the department in conducting public education and awareness activities to highlight the importance of housing affordability in our community and build political will for change. This is a full-time, exempt position requiring flexibility to work evening and weekend hours as needed for meetings and projects.

Requirements

Knowledge of affordable housing issues and policy at the local, state and/or national level
Experience developing and managing efforts to influence policymakers and external stakeholders.
Ability to think strategically and use judgement in decision-making.
Prioritize work to meet objectives when balancing multiple projects with differing deadlines, importance, and stakeholders.
Strong relational, analytical, writing and verbal skills for communicating with diverse populations.
Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with Habitat Greater Raleigh staff, Advocacy Committee, community partners, and policymakers.
Ability to organize work and time while working efficiently and effectively in an office with frequent interruptions.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team and with great energy and persistence.
Excellent public relations skills with a passion for the organization’s mission.
Critical thinking, problem solving, accuracy and attention to detail.
Experience effectively managing a team.
5+ years of experience in advocacy, government relations, public affairs and/or awareness campaigns aimed at influencing policy change.
Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, and virtual meeting platforms.
All work must comply with applicable laws related to non-profit advocacy and employment.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with data sets such as U.S. Census, Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS), HUD Income Limits, HUD Fair Market Rents (FMR) preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in political science, public affairs, public policy, communications, or related field preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Provide leadership in setting and implementing Habitat Greater Raleigh’s advocacy agenda, policy priorities, and strategy.
Lead Habitat Greater Raleigh’s policy advocacy efforts, which are primarily focused at the local/regional level with some engagement at state and national levels in collaboration with Habitat North Carolina and Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI).
Champion Habitat Greater Raleigh’s participation in HFHI’s national advocacy campaigns.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and national policymakers to position Habitat Greater Raleigh as a trusted advisor on housing issues.
Support the development review processes for Habitat Greater Raleigh projects and mobilize the network to contact elected officials in support when needed.
Speak on behalf of Habitat Greater Raleigh to promote its advocacy agenda in collaboration with the CEO.
Raise awareness for equitable housing policies and call out systems that perpetuate the need for Habitat, especially through a racial justice lens.
Partner with the Communications department to set advocacy communications strategy, including key messaging, media, public relations and online engagement.
Position Habitat Greater Raleigh as a thought leader and resource on affordable housing, especially regarding homeownership.
Educate policymakers and community leaders on housing policy and issues affecting Habitat Greater Raleigh’s ability to further its mission.
Forge partnerships with organizations across the housing continuum so that all may work together to advance access to housing affordability.
Facilitate Habitat Greater Raleigh’s involvement in network-wide advocacy events, including Habitat NC Legislative Day, Habitat NC Week of Action, Habitat on the Hill, etc.
Lead efforts to engage Habitat Greater Raleigh’s constituency with housing advocacy messages and present opportunities for stakeholders to take action.
Recruit board members, advocacy committee and homebuyers to participate in HFHI’s national lobby day, Habitat on the Hill.
Work with the Homebuyer Support team to empower homebuyers and neighborhood residents to become housing advocates.
Partner with the Faith Relations department to engage faith coalitions in advocacy from a faith-based justice perspective.
Set the strategy for Habitat Greater Raleigh’s advocacy initiatives in collaboration with the Advocacy Committee and CEO.
Represent the advocacy function on Habitat Greater Raleigh’s senior leadership team.
Supervise the Advocacy Specialist role and other staff/intern/volunteer positions within the department.
Manage department budget and track expenditures.
Report advocacy metrics and progress on a monthly basis.
Develop monthly reports for the Advocacy Committee and Board of Directors.
Engage in strategic planning to set annual objectives within the context of Habitat Greater Raleigh’s organizational goals.
Lead the Advocacy Committee in shaping Habitat Greater Raleigh’s advocacy agenda and setting annual policy priorities that guide the affiliates advocacy work.
Recruit for the Advocacy Committee and onboard new members.