Policy Associate

Become a Part of the Housing First Minnesota Team

Housing First Minnesota was founded in the 1930s by a small group of home builders committed to professionalism and a unified presence before government agencies and the public. Headquartered in Roseville, Minnesota, Housing First Minnesota is a nationally recognized impact organization and leading voice for the housing industry.

As Minnesota’s trade association and leading voice for residential builders, remodelers, developers, and building industry suppliers, we bring the housing industry together to advocate for housing and homeownership, connect building industry members, and market newly built and remodeled homes.

We produce the nation-leading Parade of Homes and Artisan Home Tour events — the country’s largest community celebrations of homeownership, style, and design. Our organization is strengthened by our charitable affiliate, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation.

Advancing the dream of homeownership for Minnesotans is our calling.

Position Summary

The Policy Associate will play a key supportive role to Housing First Minnesota’s top-tier advocacy program including actively identifying, formulating, and helping to implement public policies for the betterment of Minnesota’s housing market. This is a hybrid role, with consistent in-person expectations during the legislative session.

Key Responsibilities

·        Produce correspondence, advocacy, grassroots messaging for Housing First membership and the public about issues related to Housing First Minnesota policy positions, advocacy programs, and political affairs.

·        State lobbying and policy analysis. Topics include housing, labor, environmental, building codes, land-use, business environment and more.

·        Assisting in building relationships and coalitions with other like-minded organizations.

·        Assist in planning and coordinating legislative events and outreach to members.

·        Manage and enhance the Housing First grassroots system & Key Contacts Program.

·        Assist in political fundraising for the Housing First Political Action Committee and Housing First Fund.

·        Serve as a Housing First Minnesota liaison to members on key local and regional advocacy issues.

·        Assist in management of association political and issue advocacy campaigns, including independent expenditures and issue mobilization grassroots campaigns.

·        Represent Housing First Minnesota at the Capitol, city halls, and at political/policy oriented events.

·        Serve as a staff liaison to Housing First Minnesota Committees.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·        Manage multiple projects simultaneously

·        Ability to analyze public policy and legislative efforts into simple explanations and language.

·        Proven ability to interact and build strong and credible relationships at all levels.

·        Well-organized, flexible with strong verbal and written communication skills

·        Detail oriented

·        Association or nonprofit experience with volunteers, members and program support

·        Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

·        Strong public speaking skills

·        Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, especially during legislative session, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in related field and 2 years’ experience OR 6 years’ experience in similar role.

Application Process

If you are interested in this position, submit a current resume to Mark Foster, Vice President of Legislative & Political Affairs, mark@housingfirstmn.org. Housing First Minnesota offers outstanding compensation and benefits for this position, commensurate with experience. This position will remain open until filled. Local candidates only.

Housing First Minnesota is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law.