Government Affairs, Policy and Communications Manager

A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) is dedicated to creating equitable, inclusive communities of opportunity through investment, policy development, program delivery and direct support for people looking for affordable rental and ownership housing.The

Government Affairs, Policy and Communications Manager

is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have a passion for affordable housing policy, a strategic mindset, and a love of working with both internal and external stakeholders to fulfill communications, legislative and intergovernmental initiatives to further ARCH’s mission. The position will serve as a policy and government affairs advisor responsible for implementing state and regional policy and funding strategies, including facilitating an annual process to set ARCH legislative priorities focused on creating more affordable housing faster. The position will also lead ARCH’s communications strategy and deepen its connections to diverse stakeholders including program participants, community members, and the development community. This will include expanding ARCH’s focus on education and engagement to ensure that elected and appointed leaders from ARCH member jurisdictions have the tools to advance shared policy goals. The position will work collaboratively with ARCH and member jurisdiction staff and may have supervisory responsibilities.Policy and Government Affairs : Lead and coordinate annual engagement efforts with ARCH elected and appointed officials and staff, including educational and communications events.Provide expertise in affordable housing policy and help advise ARCH members.Convene ARCH coalition members to develop targeted legislative priorities related to funding for affordable housing and reducing barriers to affordable housing development.Collaborate with ARCH members’ government relations and other key personnel to support implementation of identified legislative priorities, including coordination of advocacy efforts, informing strategy and coordinating with relevant partners.Monitor and analyze legislative activity, including rules, bills, and laws relevant to ARCH priorities and programs.Draft policy recommendations and talking points that support ARCH coalition priorities.Communications : Lead the development of the overall ARCH communication plan and key messages; provide training and support to staff in order to ensure consistent, accurate messaging.Provide strategic communications support for ARCH members regarding public policy issues.Develop and implement communications plans for projects, programs, initiatives, and events, and recommend methods and techniques for implementation.Create external facing ARCH materials for a variety of audiences including elected officials and community members. Materials include annual reports, presentations, and program information.Write, edit, and proofread content for ARCH’s communications channels. Examples include website and social media content, program promotional and educational materials, video, flyers, and press releases.Prepare and make presentations to city councils and other audiences.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies : Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public policy, public administration, or related field.A minimum of five years of experience in policy, government affairs, and communications working on affordable housing, urban planning or related issues.Direct experience working on state, federal, and / or local legislative policy is a plus.Ability to assess and summarize complex policy proposals, laws, and regulations.Experience communicating complex subject matter and terminology into succinct, accessible information for elected officials and members of the public.Skill in effective, clear, and persuasive oral and written communications to individuals and groups.Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, community leaders, advisory boards, the news media, and the general public.Understanding of political environments and sensitivities, and ability to function effectively within that environment.Success in developing and implementing communications plans for small and large-scale projects.Demonstrated experience working effectively in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.Commitment to racial equity and social justice.Flexible / Hybrid Working :

Is this the next step in your career Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below.A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to ARCH offices.

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