Housing California
Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director
Housing California, Sacramento, California, United States, 95828
Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director
Join to apply for the
Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director
role at
Housing California .
Since 1988, Housing California (Housing CA) has worked to create a California with homes, health, and prosperity for all in thriving, sustainable communities. We bring together a diverse, cross-sector network to prevent and end homelessness, increase the supply of safe, stable, affordable homes, and reverse the legacy of systemic racial and economic inequities by building power among the people most impacted by housing injustice, shaping the narrative, and advocating for the passage of transformative statewide policy solutions. Learn more about long-term policy agenda here (being refreshed) and learn more about Housing CA at www.housingca.org.
Position Summary The Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director will lead the development and execution of Housing CA's legislative and regulatory strategy. This role is central to translating policy ideas into legislative outcomes by leveraging a deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory landscape, engaging strategically with policymakers, converting evidence-based solutions into actionable initiatives, collaborating closely with partners, and driving cross-organizational efforts toward systems and policy change.
The Director will manage a team dedicated to advancing state policies and regulatory reforms and will play a key role in the overall success of the organization. As a senior leader, this position champions the integration of legislative strategy with grassroots organizing, narrative change, and long-term movement-building.
We are seeking a candidate who not only understands how California policy and politics function but also views legislation as a powerful tool to transform systems, redistribute power, and advance racial, social, and economic justice. We are committed to maintaining a "big tent" approach—working collaboratively across sectors and disciplines to achieve meaningful systems and policy change.
What You Will Do
Bring deep knowledge of the legislative landscape to advise on and identify strategic pathways for advancing policies
Cultivate and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, caucuses, the Governor’s office, administrative agency representatives, and fellow advocates. Engage these stakeholders through education, meetings, and collaboration to inform, develop, and advance effective policies
Plan, advise, and oversee the activities of a team to implement legislative, administrative, and regulatory strategies aimed at achieving both short- and long-term policy goals. Ensure staff and consultants are present at hearings, briefings, and coalition meetings, and oversee the development of position papers, testimony, fact sheets, and other advocacy materials—in close collaboration with coalition partners and internal team members
Provide leadership in the planning and execution of key organizational initiatives and events where policy and legislative issues are central
Collaborate with the other programmatic teams, the Residents United Network, and the Policy Committee to build public support and political will for our annual policy agenda. This includes supporting media strategy, public-facing communications, and political strategy to engage cross-sector partners and strengthen relationships with policymakers
Coalition and Network Engagement
Oversee Housing CA's engagement in networks and coalitions to shape strategy, align influence, and build consensus. Build, support, and grow collaborative networks and coalitions to advance our policy priorities, with a focus on, and in alignment with, the Roadmap Home agenda. This includes leading coalitions we convene as well as representing the organization in coalitions led by external partners
Address policy and regulatory barriers through actionable policy proposals. This includes advancing the Roadmap Home and addressing the most pressing issues prioritized by the Residents United Network
Plan and lead a collaborative process of forming Housing CA’s policy agenda
Organizational & Team Development Participate as an organizational leader, shaping and ensuring the effective implementation of our mission, values, and culture, including:
Represent the organization in external events and press engagements
Collaborate with the leadership team to shape and advance the organization’s strategic objectives, ensuring that legislative and regulatory work is integrated into organizational planning, budgeting, and outcomes tracking
Lead a productive and collaborative team by hiring, managing, mentoring, and coaching staff. Support their growth through professional development and by fostering an environment of continuous learning
Partner with fellow leadership team members to cultivate an organizational culture that reflects our values
Contribute to fundraising efforts and compliance reporting
Support additional organizational responsibilities that align with and advance our strategic goals
Who You Are
Committed to Justice:
You demonstrate a deep and ongoing commitment to racial, gender, disability, economic, and housing justice—and consistently work to uphold these values in your practice and leadership. Expertise in how systems and policy changes are implemented and experienced by low-income Californians
Mission Aligned:
You bring professional experience in housing justice or a closely related field (e.g., community development, health equity, criminal justice reform, education, disability justice, food insecurity, climate justice, labor)
Policy and Systems Experience:
You have 10+ years of relevant experience in policy, advocacy, and/or campaign work—preferably on behalf of low-income communities and communities of color. You possess in-depth knowledge of California politics and the state’s budget, legislative, and regulatory processes
Strategic Leadership:
You have substantial, hands-on experience managing a legislative program and team. You are able to articulate and implement a strategic vision within a cross-functional organization, aligning efforts to achieve mission-driven goals
Agile and Adaptable:
You are tenacious, flexible, and thrive in dynamic environments. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and challenges while maintaining focus on driving change
Clear and Effective Communicator:
You are a strong communicator—both written and verbal—and can engage effectively with policymakers, media, community-based organizations, residents of affordable housing, people experiencing homelessness, advocates, funders, and cross-sector partners
Collaborative and Inclusive:
You have a demonstrated ability to build trust and collaborate across lines of difference to advance shared goals. You are a skilled facilitator who brings groups together to learn, manage conflict, and make collective decisions that lead to justice-oriented outcomes. You have the ability to ensure coalition spaces reflect our values of equity and inclusion and support shared leadership models—particularly centering impacted communities and grassroots partners
Learning- and Outcomes-Oriented:
You embrace learning and adapting as part of your work, thriving in an environment where continuous improvement and flexibility are valued. You are tenacious and committed to moving change through ambiguity and challenges to find a path forward
Willingness to Travel:
You are willing and able to travel and attend early-morning/evening obligations
Additional experience that is welcomed, but not required
Familiarity with affordable housing/homelessness programs/policy
Experience working in the California State Capitol
Knowledge of the different levers of change, including the role of movements and organizing, advocacy, and campaigns
Lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity or experience working with people with lived experience
Experience using online advocacy, data tracking, and project management tools
Fluency or high proficiency in Spanish
Compensation, Benefits, and Location This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Deputy Director of Programs. The Director will serve as a manager to at least two staff and oversee related consultants. Salary range is between $115,000-145,000.
Benefits package includes fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employee and 25% paid medical, dental and vision for dependents, paid parental leave, long-term disability and group life insurance coverage; commuting subsidy; cell phone/at home internet subsidy; 403(b) retirement plan with 3.5% employer contribution; generous vacation (3+ weeks, depending on tenure), sick leave (8 hours per month), 12 paid holidays; organization-wide closure during the last week of December and a shortened workweek during the summer legislative break; training and professional development opportunities; and a hybrid work environment.
This position is based in our office in Sacramento and requires a significant in-person presence in and around our office and the state capitol. The position will have the opportunity to work remotely from their home if their presence is not needed in the office or around the capitol. The position is expected to participate in regular travel (mostly in California).
Our Culture We are committed to creating a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace that fosters a culture of belonging, ongoing learning and collaboration, and supports, stabilizes, and incentivizes people to join the team and stay for the long game.
We value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by the issues we address. We especially encourage Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and people of color; people from families that have immigrated to the U.S.; people who have been unhoused or experienced housing instability; women; LGBTQIA+ people; system-impacted people; and people with disabilities to apply for these positions.
We aim for our work to be both effective and sustainable; we balance required travel during some parts of the year and the fast-paced legislative calendar with a commitment to our team’s mental/physical health.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Legal
Industries
Public Policy Offices
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director
role at
Housing California .
Since 1988, Housing California (Housing CA) has worked to create a California with homes, health, and prosperity for all in thriving, sustainable communities. We bring together a diverse, cross-sector network to prevent and end homelessness, increase the supply of safe, stable, affordable homes, and reverse the legacy of systemic racial and economic inequities by building power among the people most impacted by housing injustice, shaping the narrative, and advocating for the passage of transformative statewide policy solutions. Learn more about long-term policy agenda here (being refreshed) and learn more about Housing CA at www.housingca.org.
Position Summary The Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Director will lead the development and execution of Housing CA's legislative and regulatory strategy. This role is central to translating policy ideas into legislative outcomes by leveraging a deep understanding of the legislative and regulatory landscape, engaging strategically with policymakers, converting evidence-based solutions into actionable initiatives, collaborating closely with partners, and driving cross-organizational efforts toward systems and policy change.
The Director will manage a team dedicated to advancing state policies and regulatory reforms and will play a key role in the overall success of the organization. As a senior leader, this position champions the integration of legislative strategy with grassroots organizing, narrative change, and long-term movement-building.
We are seeking a candidate who not only understands how California policy and politics function but also views legislation as a powerful tool to transform systems, redistribute power, and advance racial, social, and economic justice. We are committed to maintaining a "big tent" approach—working collaboratively across sectors and disciplines to achieve meaningful systems and policy change.
What You Will Do
Bring deep knowledge of the legislative landscape to advise on and identify strategic pathways for advancing policies
Cultivate and maintain relationships with legislators, legislative staff, caucuses, the Governor’s office, administrative agency representatives, and fellow advocates. Engage these stakeholders through education, meetings, and collaboration to inform, develop, and advance effective policies
Plan, advise, and oversee the activities of a team to implement legislative, administrative, and regulatory strategies aimed at achieving both short- and long-term policy goals. Ensure staff and consultants are present at hearings, briefings, and coalition meetings, and oversee the development of position papers, testimony, fact sheets, and other advocacy materials—in close collaboration with coalition partners and internal team members
Provide leadership in the planning and execution of key organizational initiatives and events where policy and legislative issues are central
Collaborate with the other programmatic teams, the Residents United Network, and the Policy Committee to build public support and political will for our annual policy agenda. This includes supporting media strategy, public-facing communications, and political strategy to engage cross-sector partners and strengthen relationships with policymakers
Coalition and Network Engagement
Oversee Housing CA's engagement in networks and coalitions to shape strategy, align influence, and build consensus. Build, support, and grow collaborative networks and coalitions to advance our policy priorities, with a focus on, and in alignment with, the Roadmap Home agenda. This includes leading coalitions we convene as well as representing the organization in coalitions led by external partners
Address policy and regulatory barriers through actionable policy proposals. This includes advancing the Roadmap Home and addressing the most pressing issues prioritized by the Residents United Network
Plan and lead a collaborative process of forming Housing CA’s policy agenda
Organizational & Team Development Participate as an organizational leader, shaping and ensuring the effective implementation of our mission, values, and culture, including:
Represent the organization in external events and press engagements
Collaborate with the leadership team to shape and advance the organization’s strategic objectives, ensuring that legislative and regulatory work is integrated into organizational planning, budgeting, and outcomes tracking
Lead a productive and collaborative team by hiring, managing, mentoring, and coaching staff. Support their growth through professional development and by fostering an environment of continuous learning
Partner with fellow leadership team members to cultivate an organizational culture that reflects our values
Contribute to fundraising efforts and compliance reporting
Support additional organizational responsibilities that align with and advance our strategic goals
Who You Are
Committed to Justice:
You demonstrate a deep and ongoing commitment to racial, gender, disability, economic, and housing justice—and consistently work to uphold these values in your practice and leadership. Expertise in how systems and policy changes are implemented and experienced by low-income Californians
Mission Aligned:
You bring professional experience in housing justice or a closely related field (e.g., community development, health equity, criminal justice reform, education, disability justice, food insecurity, climate justice, labor)
Policy and Systems Experience:
You have 10+ years of relevant experience in policy, advocacy, and/or campaign work—preferably on behalf of low-income communities and communities of color. You possess in-depth knowledge of California politics and the state’s budget, legislative, and regulatory processes
Strategic Leadership:
You have substantial, hands-on experience managing a legislative program and team. You are able to articulate and implement a strategic vision within a cross-functional organization, aligning efforts to achieve mission-driven goals
Agile and Adaptable:
You are tenacious, flexible, and thrive in dynamic environments. You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and challenges while maintaining focus on driving change
Clear and Effective Communicator:
You are a strong communicator—both written and verbal—and can engage effectively with policymakers, media, community-based organizations, residents of affordable housing, people experiencing homelessness, advocates, funders, and cross-sector partners
Collaborative and Inclusive:
You have a demonstrated ability to build trust and collaborate across lines of difference to advance shared goals. You are a skilled facilitator who brings groups together to learn, manage conflict, and make collective decisions that lead to justice-oriented outcomes. You have the ability to ensure coalition spaces reflect our values of equity and inclusion and support shared leadership models—particularly centering impacted communities and grassroots partners
Learning- and Outcomes-Oriented:
You embrace learning and adapting as part of your work, thriving in an environment where continuous improvement and flexibility are valued. You are tenacious and committed to moving change through ambiguity and challenges to find a path forward
Willingness to Travel:
You are willing and able to travel and attend early-morning/evening obligations
Additional experience that is welcomed, but not required
Familiarity with affordable housing/homelessness programs/policy
Experience working in the California State Capitol
Knowledge of the different levers of change, including the role of movements and organizing, advocacy, and campaigns
Lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity or experience working with people with lived experience
Experience using online advocacy, data tracking, and project management tools
Fluency or high proficiency in Spanish
Compensation, Benefits, and Location This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Deputy Director of Programs. The Director will serve as a manager to at least two staff and oversee related consultants. Salary range is between $115,000-145,000.
Benefits package includes fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employee and 25% paid medical, dental and vision for dependents, paid parental leave, long-term disability and group life insurance coverage; commuting subsidy; cell phone/at home internet subsidy; 403(b) retirement plan with 3.5% employer contribution; generous vacation (3+ weeks, depending on tenure), sick leave (8 hours per month), 12 paid holidays; organization-wide closure during the last week of December and a shortened workweek during the summer legislative break; training and professional development opportunities; and a hybrid work environment.
This position is based in our office in Sacramento and requires a significant in-person presence in and around our office and the state capitol. The position will have the opportunity to work remotely from their home if their presence is not needed in the office or around the capitol. The position is expected to participate in regular travel (mostly in California).
Our Culture We are committed to creating a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace that fosters a culture of belonging, ongoing learning and collaboration, and supports, stabilizes, and incentivizes people to join the team and stay for the long game.
We value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by the issues we address. We especially encourage Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and people of color; people from families that have immigrated to the U.S.; people who have been unhoused or experienced housing instability; women; LGBTQIA+ people; system-impacted people; and people with disabilities to apply for these positions.
We aim for our work to be both effective and sustainable; we balance required travel during some parts of the year and the fast-paced legislative calendar with a commitment to our team’s mental/physical health.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Legal
Industries
Public Policy Offices
#J-18808-Ljbffr