Destination: Home - Public Policy Officer / Senior Public Policy Officer

ABOUT DESTINATION: HOME

Destination: Home, a 501(c)3 supporting organization of Silicon Valley Community Foundation, is a public-private partnership ending homelessness in Silicon Valley. Through our collective impact model, we convene and collaborate with stakeholders across our community to address the root causes of homelessness and drive true systemic change. We embrace a data-driven and human approach - advocating for policies, incubating new ideas and programs and investing in strategies to connect more of our homeless neighbors to a stable home and prevent homelessness before it begins. Our work is grounded in a commitment to advancing racial and socioeconomic justice - and working together, we can build a community where homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring. Learn more at destinationhomesv.org. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a full-time exempt level position on Destination: Home’s Public Policy team.

The organization will be filling this position at one of two different levels - Public Policy Officer or Senior Public Policy Officer. Applicants will be considered for both levels, and the position’s ultimate title and responsibilities will be based on the selected candidate's experience and skill set (see below for more details on the qualifications, skills and job duties for each level).

Destination: Home is located in San Jose, California and currently operates in a hybrid office/remote work environment. Destination: Home employees are required to be in the office three days per week (typically, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays). However, given the nature of the role and the work, there will be times when the Officer will be required to be in the office or in the field beyond the stated days.  Evenings and weekends will be required on occasion.   

JOB SUMMARY

Destination: Home is seeking an experienced and dedicated individual to join the organization’s Public Policy team and help advance smart, impactful policies that are key to ending homelessness in Silicon Valley.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Policy and Communications, this position will play a key, hands-on role implementing the organization’s public policy and advocacy initiatives. This position will have a wide range of duties that span the multitude of methods our organization touches and influences the policymaking process: from research, analysis and case-making, to coalition-building and direct advocacy activities. True to our organization’s unique public-private partnership model, this position will be tasked with working in close collaboration with a wide variety of key stakeholders involved in local, state and federal policymaking (including elected officials). This position will also serve as a key public-facing representative for the organization, regularly speaking about our policy positions and priorities in a variety of settings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively monitor, anticipate, identify and interpret key policy decisions that have direct or indirect effects on local homelessness and affordable housing issues in Santa Clara County.  Work closely with the Senior Director and other members of Destination: Home leadership to develop and coordinate strategic responses.


• Conduct detailed research and analysis on legislation, administrative actions and other types of policy proposals being considered at the local, regional and state level.


• Write letters, position papers and other forms of public communication that articulate and build support for Destination: Home’s public policy positions.


• Provide public testimony during public hearings, community meetings, public forums and other types of speaking opportunities.


• Help execute tactical advocacy campaign activities, including:




• Coordinating direct and grassroots lobbying activities.


• Partnering with the Communications Team on publicity and media strategies.


• Organizing and activating partner organizations and advocates.




• Design and implement activities to help cultivate relationships with elected officials and their staff.


• Participate in a wide-range of coalition-building activities to deepen collaboration with key stakeholders and advance Destination: Home’s own policy initiatives. These types of activities may include:




• Participating in standing policy/advocacy coalitions and attending related meetings, events and activations.


• Convening key partners and stakeholders to build buy-in and support for Destination: Home campaigns.


• Hosting workshops and trainings for grassroots advocates.


• Regular meetings with close policy/advocacy partners.




• Assist with various monitoring and reporting tasks that help ensure the organization remains in compliance with applicable lobbying rules and other related regulations.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities for the Senior Public Policy Officer:

In addition to all of the duties and responsibilities listed above, the Senior Public Policy Officer would also be tasked with:

• Assuming primary responsibility for one to two designated issue areas within the overall public policy portfolio, serving as the organization’s primary point-person, subject-matter expert and lead strategist for these designated policy areas.


• Designing and leading individual policy and/or advocacy campaigns, with responsibility for ensuring successful execution and cross-team collaboration.


• Assisting with the development of the organization’s annual public policy workplan.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED SKILLS

• A minimum of three years of professional experience with responsibilities closely related to the job duties listed above




• The preferred candidate will also have previously worked either directly in local/state/federal government or for an organization deeply involved in public policy and advocacy work.


• Candidates with lived experience in homelessness are also highly desirable.




• In-depth experience working on homelessness or another related socio-economic issue that is comparable in scope, complexity and nature.


• Familiarity with the inner workings of local, state and federal government, including their respective legislative, budgetary and administrative processes.


• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to quickly synthesize complex issues and legislative proposals with the requisite detail and nuance.


• Superb oral and written communication skills, with the ability to speak to complex and/or controversial topics as well as create compelling, digestible communications that convey the organization’s position.


• A “people person” who has the ability to initiate, develop and maintain productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.   Someone who excels working in coalition.


• Strong project management skills, with the ability to simultaneously coordinate multiple projects and proactively managing workflow to meet deadlines.


• Comfort working in a fast-paced, ambiguous and constantly shifting environment, with the ability to respond quickly to urgent needs and opportunities.


• Demonstrates a high degree of independence, integrity and accountability, in addition to discretion when dealing with sensitive matters.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite and virtual meeting platforms

Additional Qualifications for the Senior Public Policy Officer:

In addition to all of qualifications and skills listed above, to be considered for the Senior Public Policy Officer classification, a candidate must also possess:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience with responsibilities closely related to the job duties listed above - including direct experience working in local/state/federal government or for an organization deeply involved in public policy and advocacy work.




• Candidates with lived experience in homelessness remain highly desirable.




• Demonstrated experience leading a public policy or advocacy campaign, including both developing campaign strategy and ensuring successful execution.


• Previous experience managing multiple stakeholders in a coalition setting.


• Significant experience interacting directly with elected officials.

ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Reliable personal transportation, a valid California driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.


• Occasional work on evenings and weekends to participate in public hearings, coalition meetings and/or community events taking place outside of regular work hours.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Destination:Home is committed to offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.


• Below are the target hiring range for this position, with the final salary to be determined based on the individual candidate’s experience and credentials, and internal salary equity.


• Public Policy Officer: $100,000 to $115,000


• Senior Public Policy Officer: $135,000 to $150,000


• Our comprehensive benefits package includes generous medical, dental, and vision plans; paid time off; holidays and employer contribution and matching to a 403(b) retirement plan.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent in this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND INCLUSION

Silicon Valley Community Foundation has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.  We are committed to building a team that is representative of our community. 

SVCF is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, political affiliation, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

SVCF is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions, of employment, please contact [email protected].  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format and/or using specialized equipment.