Director of Policy and External Affairs

Company: Insight Housing
Location: Berkeley
Posted on: May 28, 2025

Job Description:

Benefits:

• Free Dental & Vision
• 19 Paid Holidays- Including 4 Mental Health Days
• Retirement Plan with a match
• Paid Training
• 10-year anniversary sabbatical
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Professional Development Allowance
• Paid Parental Leave benefit
• Discounted Pet Insurance
• Affordable Health Insurance, including a free healthcare option for employees
• 50% coverage paid by employer for dependents (vision, dental, health)
• and many more!Company OverviewFor more than 50 years, Insight Housing (formerly, Berkeley Food & Housing Project) has provided a comprehensive range of housing, food, and support services to help those in need move from homelessness into a safe and affordable home of their own. We serve in seven counties in the bay area - Alameda County, San Francisco County, Contra Costa County, Solano County, Sacramento County, San Joaquin County and Amador County. We are proud of our team members who are very dedicated to our missionof ensuring everyone in our community has a home through supportive, equitable, and sustainable housing solutions.Position SummaryThe Director of Policy and External Affairs will be a strategic partner to lead our policy, advocacy, and communications work. This highly visible leadership role will be central to shaping Insight Housing's public voice, advancing policy priorities, and ensuring our message is consistent, bold, and rooted in justice. The Director manages the Communications Specialist and serves as a key partner to the Chief of Philanthropy and External Affairs, organizational leadership, and external stakeholders.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPolicy and Advocacy
  • Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal legislation related to housing, homelessness, and supportive services.
  • Develop and drive proactive policy and advocacy strategies that reflect Insight Housing's mission.
  • Represent Insight Housing in coalitions, policy convenings, and public hearings.Draft compelling policy briefs, testimony, fact sheets, and rapid response materials.
    • Plan and execute advocacy days, legislative meetings, and government relations activities.Strategic Communications & External Affairs
      • Partner with the Chief of Philanthropy and External Affairs to co-develop annual policy and communications goals and track progress against department objectives.
      • Lead a bold, clear communications strategy that amplifies Insight Housing's impact and voice.
      • Oversee external content creation including newsletters, media statements, social media, and digital campaigns.
      • Ensure consistent branding and messaging across platforms.
      • Build and manage relationships with press, elected officials, and community partners.
      • Support executive staff with talking points, public statements, and communications planning.Leadership and Collaboration
        • Supervise and mentor the Communications Specialist, helping them grow and thrive.
        • Collaborate across departments to elevate program outcomes, stories of impact, and timely policy messaging.
        • Manage departmental budgets related to policy campaigns and communications, including consultant contracts, design tools, and media buys.
        • Partner closely with the Philanthropy team on campaigns, storytelling, and donor-facing materials.
        • Stay current on housing and homelessness issues, and help keep the team informed, inspired, and prepared.Administrative:
          • Drive own vehicle to the field and to other program sites, as required; documenting and reporting mileage according to agency procedures, so that services can be provided in a timely manner; comply with agency driving policy at all times.
          • Participate in promoting a safe, healthy, and clean working environment consistent with agency's health and safety practices.
          • Attend and participate in all meetings and trainings as assigned.
          • Complete and submit owntimesheets and approve staff timesheet in a timely and accurate manner.
          • Work within the framework of Insight Housing's Code of Conduct.
          • Perform other tasks and projects as assigned.Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
            • Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Communications, or related field.
            • 7+ years of experience in policy, advocacy, strategic communications, or external affairs, preferably in housing, homelessness, or human services. Prior supervisory experience required.
            • Proven success in advancing public policy, building coalitions, and navigating complex political landscapes
            • Transferable skills demonstrated leadership and administrative skills, and other relevant experience will be considered.
            • Commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and ending the crisis of homelessness in Counties served. Experience with CARF accredited programs a plus.
            • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to translate complex issues into accessible, inspiring messaging.
            • Deep commitment to equity, justice, and systems change.
            • Strong community networking skills and ability to build resources and relationships. Existing relationships with Bay Area housing and homelessness policy networks a plus.
            • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email, internet, and calendaring applications.
            • Familiarity with digital advocacy tools and media monitoring platforms.
            • Familiarity with platforms like Canva, HubSpot, and WordPress a plus.
              • Ability to communicate and interact in a supportive and professional manner with colleagues and clients with diverse range of abilities and cultural, racial, gender, and economic background.
              • High level of independent thinking and judgment.
              • Excellent interpersonal and persuasive skills with a can do and flexible attitude.
              • Ability to work with minimal supervision, multitask, maintain confidentiality, and meet deadlines.
              • Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance at all times.Special Requirements
                • This position requires frequent driving. A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies.
                • Must be able to receive and maintain criminal and credit records clearance.Physical RequirementsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is
                  • Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
                  • Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk, hear, and see clearly.
                  • May be occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
                  • May be required to lift or move up to 10 lbs.Compensation range: $140,000 - $170,000 DOEEWe are extremely proud of our diverse team and welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state of local laws.
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Keywords: Insight Housing, North Highlands , Director of Policy and External Affairs, Executive , Berkeley, California