Policy & Advocacy Manager

Omaha Community Foundation•Omaha, NE

12d•$88,493 - $116,438•Hybrid

About The Position

The Policy & Advocacy Manager plays a crucial role in advancing Front Porch Investments’ (FPI) mission by leading the organization’s policy agenda at the local, state, and national levels. This position is responsible for developing and implementing advocacy strategies, conducting policy research, and coordinating coalitions that strengthen the region’s affordable housing ecosystem. The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-driven policy thinker who is comfortable navigating complex political environments, translating data into actionable insights, and moving partners toward shared solutions. This position reports to the Senior Director of Operations & Impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Urban Studies, Public Administration or a related field
5 years of experience in policy advocacy, legislative affairs, government relations, or a related field, with a focus on housing policy preferred.
Proven track record in policy research, analysis, and legislative engagement.
Strong understanding of affordable housing finance, land use, zoning, and state/local policy systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce policy briefs and testify publicly.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
We encourage candidates with a mix of lived experience, professional expertise, and transferable skills to apply, even if you don’t meet every listed qualification.
Commitment to mission and community-centered work
High level of personal initiative and ability to manage projects with minimal supervision
Excels working independently and as a member of a highly collaborative team
Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to top-quality output
Flexible and capable of adapting to changing priorities
Ability to organize and manage multiple responsibilities with a high degree of accuracy
Unquestionable ethics, honesty, integrity and the ability to spotlight others’ contributions
Commitment to ongoing learning
Ability to build trusted relationships across diverse partners and communities.

Responsibilities

Advocacy Strategy : Develop and implement advocacy strategies to influence housing policy at local, state, and national levels. Serve as FPI’s primary representative to policymakers, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Long-Term Planning : Lead development of annual and multi-year policy agendas aligned with organizational strategy and external opportunities. Set goals for policy work, aligning with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
Legislation Tracking : Monitor and track legislative and regulatory developments related to affordable housing. Analyze proposed bills, regulations, and policies to assess their potential impact on affordable housing.
Lobbying : Engage in lobbying activities to promote affordable housing policies and initiatives. Coordinate and participate in meetings, hearings, and public forums to advocate for policy changes. Coordinate with external lobbyists or consultants when applicable.
Testimony : Testify and submit written comments on priority issues at City Council and the State Legislature
Policy Development: Develop policy proposals and recommendations to address issues related to affordable housing, including policy briefs, position papers, and reports to support advocacy efforts.
Research and Analysis : Conduct research on housing policies, trends, and data to identify gaps and opportunities for policy improvements. Analyze the impact of existing and proposed policies on affordable housing availability and affordability.
Compliance : Maintain current lobbyist and principal registration and file all required reports with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission
Coalition Coordination : Lead and participate in local, state, and federal coalitions focused on housing affordability, zoning, financing tools, land use, and tenant protections.
Government Relations : Build and maintain strong working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, administrative agencies, and civic partners.
Stakeholder Engagement : Convene partners to shape shared policy priorities; support development of joint statements, campaigns, or initiatives.
Technical Expertise : Provide policy expertise to partners, funders, developers, and community organizations seeking clarity on housing statutes, regulations, and administrative processes.
Stakeholder Engagement : Engage community organizations, advocates, and residents to inform policy positions and monitor impacts of legislation.
Presentations : Represent FPI at policy-related conferences, workshops, and public forums.
Research : Foster partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and other entities to support policy research and analysis.
Committees : Represent FPI on certain city and statewide policy related committees and other coalitions.
Internal Alignment : Work closely with other departments and contractors to ensure policy work informs and is informed by FPI’s lending, development, communications, and evaluation strategies.
Training : Provide training and policy briefings to support committees, staff and board members.
Reporting : Prepare regular reports on policy work, including updates on advocacy efforts, program outcomes, and policy developments. Coordinate with Communications & Engagement Manager to translate policy updates into public-facing materials.