Front Policy and Advocacy Manager
Listed on 2026-02-28
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Government
Public Health -
Non-Profit & Social Impact
Public Health
The Policy and Advocacy Manager serves as Front Step Community Land Trust’s primary external policy representative and internal policy lead, advancing local, regional, and statewide pro-housing policy aligned with Front Step’s mission and values. This role builds power with aligned partners to address historic disinvestment, exclusionary zoning, and systemic barriers to stable, affordable home ownership, driving systems-level change and strengthening the collective influence of Missoula and Montana communities in shaping housing policy.
The Policy and Advocacy Manager leads Front Step’s engagement in key coalitions, including Pro Housing Missoula and Pro Housing Montana, and works across ideologically diverse partnerships to advance shared advocacy goals. They steward relationships with community-based organizations, housing practitioners, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and nonprofit staff, representing Front Step and the community land trust model with clarity, credibility, and strategic judgment.
Internally, this role functions as Front Step’s policy clearinghouse, helping the organization determine when, where, and how to engage on policy issues; translating complex legislative and regulatory developments into actionable insights; and ensuring staff, board members, and partners are informed and aligned. The Policy and Advocacy Manager collaborates closely with the Executive Director to shape advocacy strategy, prioritize campaigns, and balance responsiveness with mission focus.
The position includes tracking housing policy and legislation at the local and state levels, coordinating with contract lobbyists, facilitating coalition meetings, organizing and supporting public testimony, and advancing public education and mobilization efforts. Over time, the Policy and Advocacy Manager may supervise part-time organizing staff working in targeted communities across Montana.
This position is currently grant-funded through 2026 and the Front Step is committed to securing additional funding to sustain the role beyond this period.
Responsibilities- Partner with the Executive Director to develop and implement advocacy strategies aligned with the Front Step’s mission and goals.
- Analyze local and statewide housing policy and legislation, with emphasis on advancing land use reforms and shared equity housing models.
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and identify strategic opportunities for action.
- Coordinate with contract lobbyists to understand legislative dynamics and advance advocacy priorities.
- Prepare policy briefs, summaries, talking points, and written public comments for staff and coalition partners.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers and public officials to strengthen support for equitable housing solutions.
- Organize and steward strong relationships with local and statewide coalitions of partners, including leading Pro Housing Missoula and Pro Housing Montana, and participating in coalitions such as the Montana Housing Partnership, and a statewide network of community land trusts.
- Collaborate with shared equity housing and community land trust partners to align policy priorities and strategy.
- Facilitate regular coalition meetings, strategy sessions, and ad hoc convenings for Pro Housing Missoula and Pro Housing Montana and other potential strategic groups.
- Coordinate agendas, notes, follow‑up materials, and timelines to ensure clear communication and accountability.
- Work with coalition members and lobbyist to coordinate hearing participation, identify key messengers, and prepare effective testimony.
- Support partners in mobilizing members, residents, and organizational leaders to engage in educational and advocacy efforts.
- Develop clear, accessible tools—such as talking points, scripts, and action alerts.
- Coordinate testimony and public participation in hearings, meetings, and media opportunities.
- Help ensure diverse voices are represented and empowered in advocacy efforts.
- Draft advocacy-focused content—including copy for newsletters,…
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