Western Center seeks an advocate who will work before the state legislature and administrative agencies to analyze, sponsor, and pass legislation and comment on and influence housing policy and regulations. As the state faces an affordable housing crisis, this position provides a unique opportunity for an individual who is passionate about the rights of marginalized low-income tenants to push for statewide tenant protections and just land use policies.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of one or more areas of housing law and policy, such as landlord-tenant, fair housing, redevelopment, land use, federal and state housing programs, tax policy, foreclosures and low-income homeowner issues, homelessness, health and safety, building codes and enforcement, and mobile homes, and the intersection of these issue areas with racial justice.
This position is located in our Sacramento office and the person hired must be available to be in Sacramento a substantial amount of the year. However, it is possible for a successful candidate to live outside of the Sacramento region, such as in the Bay Area or the northern San Joaquin Valley, and commute to the office.
Responsibilities
• Determine and execute legislative strategy.
• Analyze and monitor pending legislation, budget proposals, and administrative policies and regulations.
• Develop relationships with legislators and their staff.
• Testify for or against relevant legislation.
• Respond to requests for information from public officials, agencies, and the media.
• Disseminate legislative reports, analyses of bill and statutes, and administrative materials to our partners.
• Participate in and manage regional housing policy meetings with local advocates.
• Engage in research for local legal services attorneys in areas of expertise.
• Provide trainings for legal services staff members related to advocacy work.
• Work within a team while engaging in most work independently.
• Represent WCLP in various coalitions.
• Some overnight travel is required.
Qualifications
• Knowledge and understanding of California housing law and policy.
• A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in legislative or policy advocacy, preferably in California.
• Ability to think creatively, be strategic, and exercise good judgment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to develop and work in diverse coalitions in which participants may have multiple interests.
• Ability to work in a team setting but independent enough to be able to implement team objectives effectively outside the team setting.
• Ability to work under time pressure.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with a nonprofit legal services agency.
• Law degree and membership in California State Bar.
Applications accepted until the position is filled. Applications preferred by November 9, 2017. Please email a cover letter, résumé, two writing samples, and a list of references to: Stephanie Surabian, Director of Finance and Administration, [email protected].