Director of Policy and Advocacy  

Salary Range: $140,000-$150,000/year DOE

What We Do  

Come be part of the affordable, homeownership movement! Join us and make an impact on people’s lives! Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco believes in the power of homeownership to create generational impact. To this end, we build homes for first-time homeowners and sustain homeownership by helping homeowners retain their home as an asset for generations to come. Your Impact  

The Director of Policy and Advocacy plays a critical role in leading and advancing Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco’s (HGSF) affordable homeownership agenda through policy development, government relations, and community  

engagement across San Francisco, Marin, and the Peninsula. Reporting directly to the CEO, this position will lead local and state-level advocacy efforts, working closely with local legislators, elected officials and our partners at community organizations to develop and advance policies that support affordable homeownership. The Director of  

Policy and Advocacy will also collaborate closely with HGSF’s MarCom and Homeowner Community Engagement departments to mobilize homeowners as key advocacy voices. They will serve as a public representative of HGSF, actively engaging with housing coalitions and acting as a key resource by elevating the unique and vital perspectives of homeownership data and homeowner voices within the broader affordable housing ecosystem. This role requires a strategic and proactive leader with a deep understanding of Bay Area housing policy, political processes, and coalition building.  

Primary Responsibilities  

Policy Development & Government Relations (60%)  

• Develop and implement local and regional advocacy strategies to advance affordable homeownership policies and funding in San Francisco, Marin, and the Peninsula.  

• Serve as HGSF’s lead representative in policy discussions, engaging with local legislators, municipal staff, and community stakeholders.  

• Monitor, analyze, and draft local and state housing policies to ensure alignment with HGSF’s mission and strategic objectives.  

• Advocate for affordable homeownership policies by presenting recommendations to city councils, county boards, and other decision-making bodies.  

• Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials, city planners, and housing coalitions to advance HGSF’s policy agenda.  

Community Engagement & Advocacy Mobilization (20%)  

• Partner with community organizations, housing coalitions, affordable housing advocates, and local stakeholders to build support for affordable homeownership initiatives.  

• Engage and train homeowners, volunteers, and supporters to participate in advocacy efforts, including speaking at public meetings, writing op-eds, and attending rallies.  

• Work with the MarCom team to develop advocacy messaging, campaign materials, and public awareness initiatives.  

• Represent HGSF at public forums, advocacy events, and coalition meetings to strengthen partnerships and increase visibility.  

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration (15%)  

• Work directly with the CEO to develop and implement advocacy initiatives that align with the Strategic Plan Advocacy Pillar, ensuring that all policy and engagement efforts contribute to HGSF’s long-term vision.  

• Partner with the Homeowner Community Engagement team to ensure homeowner voices are central to policy discussions.  

• Collaborate with the Administrative Project Coordinator to devise a strategic approach to advocacy efforts, utilizing tools and frameworks developed by the Board Fellow to enhance policy engagement and outreach.  

• Track and report advocacy impact metrics, including policy wins, coalition participation, and community engagement milestones. Other Duties as Assigned (5%)  

• Support internal and external efforts to elevate HGSF’s role as a leader in Bay Area affordable housing advocacy.  

• Identify opportunities for innovation and strategic expansion of advocacy efforts.  

• Develop Advocacy Plans, strategies and impact reporting metrics  

Minimum Qualifications  

• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in housing policy, government relations, or community advocacy.  

• Extensive knowledge of Bay Area housing policies, local government processes, and key housing stakeholders.  

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing local and state-level advocacy strategies.  

• Strong public speaking and writing skills, with experience presenting to legislative bodies, coalitions, and the public.  

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with elected officials, municipal staff, and community partners.  

• Experience mobilizing community members, volunteers, and grassroots advocates around policy initiatives.  

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and meet deadlines.  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and virtual meeting platforms.  

• Must be able to travel within HGSF’s tri-county service area ( SF, Marin, San Mateo)  

• Must be able to pass background check  (In accordance with state and county law: convictions do not necessarily rule out employment, it depends on the nature and severity of the conviction and is evaluated on a case by case basis, check is conducted on last 7 years only.)  

Preferred Qualifications   

• Direct experience in affordable housing policy and homeownership initiatives.  
• Established relationships with local policymakers, advocacy groups, and affordable housing coalitions.  

Work Environment  

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.  

Physical Demands  

This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and stand or bend as necessary. Must be able to travel within HGSF’s service area.