Founded in Summit, New Jersey, in 1988, Family Promise is the leading national nonprofit addressing the crisis of family homelessness. Our organization, comprised of approximately 200 Affiliates, takes on the range of issues that can lead to homelessness. From prevention services to emergency shelter, stabilization supports, and permanent housing, we ensure families have access to critical resources to achieve lasting housing independence. We have served more than one million individuals since our founding. You can learn more about us at familypromise.org. 

Do you believe all families should have a safe and stable place to call home? Do you have federal policy and legislation experience and want to parlay that experience into ending family homelessness nationwide? Are you super strategic and enjoy bridge-building? Can you conceptualize and think about the “big picture” while executing the necessary steps to get there? If you answered “yes!” to these questions, this role may be perfect for you.

Family Promise is seeking a Director of Advocacy. This newly created position will create and implement Family Promise’s national advocacy strategy. In this role, you will leverage your national advocacy experience and relationships to develop strong connections with key stakeholders in the homelessness space. You will become well-versed in relevant national policy, coordinate with partners, and ensure Family Promise is at the table regarding relevant national discussions. Additionally, you would have the opportunity to support the national affiliate network with local/state/federal level advocacy, developing and implementing trainings, tools, and resources for education and advocacy.

The Director of Advocacy’s contribution to the organization’s success:

Policy analysis and strategy

• Create and implement a federal advocacy strategy, prioritizing policies that affect families with children at risk of or experiencing homelessness
• Monitor and analyze federal legislation and regulations around family homelessness and housing
• Advocate to prioritize existing funds availability for families with children at risk of or experiencing homelessness

Congressional, Federal Agency, and Fellow Nonprofit relations

• Identify prospective legislative and policy champions and develop strategies for educating and engaging them in our work
• Engage with national advocate partners and homeless service leaders to identify and work towards shared policy priorities
• Develop and maintain positive bipartisan working relationships with key policymakers, including congressional staff, administrative and regulatory officials and staff, and other leaders in the executive and legislative branches

Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate relevant policy and advocacy efforts to the various stakeholders including Family Promise affiliates, volunteers, and corporate partners
• In collaboration with our Development Team, Identify and take advantage of media opportunities to reach stakeholders and shape public opinion related to family homelessness
• Share relevant statistics, policies, and research with the national FP team
• Draft articles, talking points, and newsletters to share the story of family homelessness and inform, mobilize, and engage Family Promise’s network
• Represent Family Promise on policy-related coalitions and at relevant policy-related meetings, trainings, and conferences

The ideal candidate will have the following experience and abilities:

• Commitment to preventing and ending family homelessness
• 5-7 years working with federal agencies and, ideally, members of congress
• Strong understanding of legislative processes and procedures, including but not limited to homeless policies, legislative tracking, and engagement with elected officials, staffers, and committees
• Ability to create and implement strategies, with a demonstrated ability to find creative pathways or alternative solutions in the face of unexpected obstacles, shifting policy landscapes, and evolving priorities
• Be a bridge-builder who can advocate for policies that impact family homelessness
• Ability  to apply knowledge of working the hill to the issue of family homelessness
• Ability to motivate others and to lead change
• Ability to forge and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills: precise, accurate, clear, and persuasive
• Comfort conveying complex ideas in a non-complex way via virtual and in-person meetings, graphics, and written communication
• Ability to learn new issues and be a “quick study” on a range of policies
• Bachelor’s degree in policy, nonprofit management, business, or related field or relevant work experience expected

Are you this Advocacy Leader? Here is what we have to offer you:

We offer an inclusive and meaningful work environment, allowing collaboration with passionate, creative, and productive colleagues nationwide.

Family Promise recognizes that communities and organizations are stronger when they combine individuals’ diverse skills, experiences, and efforts. We foster a culture that embraces diversity, promotes inclusivity, furthers social justice, and empowers all to connect. As an organization, we are constantly evolving, listening, and learning to meet the needs of our team members and other stakeholders.

Competitive compensation:

• Starting salary range begins at $100K
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, vision, dental insurance; employer paid basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and AD&D; 403b retirement account with employer contribution and match
• Generous Paid Time Off, paid holidays, and floating holidays

More about this position:

• Because regular in-person meetings in Washington, DC are required, only applicants living in the DC Metropolitan area or within 100 miles will be considered.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of January 15th. Applications without cover letters will not be considered; use this as an opportunity to convey what you would contribute by being the Family Promise Director of Advocacy!

Family Promise is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices, and to working toward racial equity. The equal employment opportunity policy of FP provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local law. FP is committed to developing a diverse and dynamic team and welcomes applications from people of color, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with lived experience. FP hires and promotes individuals solely based on their qualifications for the job to be filled.