OPEN OPPORTUNITY

Advocacy Manager

Position Overview:
The Advocacy Manager serves as Up for Growth Action’s primary “boots on the ground” lobbyist, responsible for advancing the organization’s federal housing policy agenda through direct engagement with Congress and the executive branch. Working closely with the Policy Director, the Advocacy Manager is on the front lines of advocacy, building relationships with policymakers, influencing legislation, and representing Up for Growth’s interests at the heart of decision-making within the Capitol and federal agencies.

Position Opportunity &
Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Lobbying and Relationship Management

  • Engage directly with members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials, advocating for Up for Growth’s policy positions on housing issues.
  • Develop and maintain strategic relationships within the Capitol and federal agencies, positioning Up for Growth as a go-to resource on housing policy. 
  • Represent Up for Growth in face-to-face lobbying efforts, advocating for key legislation and regulatory changes to support housing supply and affordability.

 Policy Briefing and Message Development 

  • Prepare concise, compelling talking points, policy briefs, and background materials for use in direct advocacy with legislators and agency officials.
  • Tailor messages to resonate with specific policymakers, ensuring alignment with Up for Growth’s strategic goals and federal policy objectives.
  • Work closely with the Policy Director to adapt policy recommendations and legislative priorities based on real-time feedback from legislative engagements.

Monitoring and Reporting on Legislative Developments

  •  Track ongoing legislative activity within Congress and regulatory developments in federal agencies, providing timely updates to the Policy team on key developments and potential impacts on Up for Growth’s agenda.
  • Analyze new policy proposals and regulatory actions, identifying opportunities and challenges for advancing Up for Growth’s federal housing priorities.
  • Prepare detailed reports for the Policy Director and senior leadership on lobbying activities, outcomes, and insights from direct interactions with policymakers.

 Coalition Engagement and Collaboration

  •  Coordinate with coalition partners to advance shared legislative goals, working within established networks to strengthen collective influence on housing policy.
  • Represent Up for Growth at coalition meetings, strategy sessions, and briefings, ensuring alignment and support for joint advocacy initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Engagement Director to integrate coalition strategies into Up for Growth’s broader advocacy efforts.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

  • Partner with the Communications team to translate legislative activities and achievements into public-facing content that highlights Up for Growth’s impact.
  • Support the Engagement team by engaging members in advocacy efforts, organizing Hill visits, and briefing members on how to effectively communicate with their representatives.
  •  Work closely with the Policy Director to align direct lobbying efforts with organizational objectives, contributing to an integrated, cohesive approach to Up for Growth’s mission.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

  • Have an established history of interacting with members of Congress, their staff, and administration officials across both parties.
  • Have working knowledge of housing issues and policies, particularly at the federal level.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in written and verbal communication.

Position fundamentals

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in direct lobbying, legislative affairs, or government relations, with proven success in federal advocacy.
  • In-depth knowledge of the legislative process and executive branch functions, on Capitol Hill and within federal agencies.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build rapport with policymakers and key decision-makers.
  • Strong organizational skills, with experience managing multiple engagements and meetings in a fast-paced lobbying environment.
  • Collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across departments to support shared advocacy goals.

Location: Up for Growth offers a hybrid working model with an office located at 1627 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC. Team members may work full-time in the office or split their time between the office and remote locations commensurate with the Up for Growth policy. This position is expected to spend significant time on Capitol Hill.

Compensation: We offer a base salary of $100,000, higher for more experienced professionals. We also offer a competitive benefits package that includes generous paid time off including a week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day and flexible paid holidays a 401K with an above market company match health, dental, and vision and a commuter allowance.

 

How to apply

How to Apply: Up for Growth’s Policy Director, David Garcia (dgarcia@upforgrowth org), is managing the search for Up for Growth’s Advocacy Manager. Please use the form to the right to submit your resume and cover letter by Friday, February 7. You may reach out with questions about the position in advance of this date.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting immediately for select applicants. The interview process will include a phone screen, an interview with the Policy Director, and an interview with the Chief of Staff or Chief Executive Officer.

Up for Growth is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. All applications and inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality.