Advocacy Director

POSITION:
Advocacy Director

LOCATION:

3150 Almaden Expressway, San Jose CA 95118

REPORTS TO:

Chief Operating Officer STATUS:
Full Time, Exempt, Hybrid COMPENSATION: $140,608/Annually ABOUT HOMEFIRSTEstablished in 1980, Home First is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

OUR VALUES Kindness:
We act with empathy toward others.

Passion:
We ignite change to fulfill our mission.

Excellence:
We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW This role advances Home First’s mission of ending homelessness through leadership and execution of agency advocacy activity.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS The Advocacy Director reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Develop the organization's advocacy strategy, revising on an annual basis

Ensure alignment between agency advocacy activities, regulatory or compliance standards, and business priorities

Research, analyze and track relevant legislation and policies

Contribute to the development of agency policy positions

Surface policy-based or legislative threats to Home First’s mission and recommend opportunities for action

Surface opportunities for agency engagement with elected officials on policy initiatives

Foster effective working relationships with legislative offices and their personnel

Represent Home First in coalitions, collaborative meeting spaces, and public settings

Conduct quarterly input sessions with participants of Home First’s services to inform advocacy priorities

Conduct quarterly input sessions with Home First personnel to inform advocacy priorities

Provide routine updates and reports to leadership

Facilitate the  Advocacy in Response  staff working group

Directly inform the development of two assembly or senate bill pitches per legislative cycleBENEFITSHomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation.

Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT At Home First, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.

Home First is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, Home First participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

Home First is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities…