Policy Director

Minnesota Homeownership Center

Salary: $100,000 – $135,000 + Comprehensive Benefits

Location: Hybrid | Saint Paul, MN

About Minnesota Homeownership Center

The Minnesota Homeownership Center (MHC) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable homeownership by strengthening the systems that support it. As a HUD-certified intermediary, MHC serves as a backbone organization for Minnesota’s housing advisory and homebuyer education ecosystem—providing training, capacity building, technology, and policy leadership to community-based organizations across the state.

Through data, policy engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, we work to remove barriers within housing programs, policies, and delivery systems so that more Minnesotans can access and sustain homeownership. Our systems-focused approach strengthens long-term housing stability and promotes fair and effective homeownership systems for households and communities statewide.

Position Summary

The Policy Director is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing Minnesota Homeownership Center’s public policy strategy at the local, state, and federal levels. Reporting to the President and CEO, the Policy Director leads advocacy initiatives, coalition engagement, legislative strategy, and policy research to improve housing access, affordability, and sustainability for Minnesotans.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on policy development, stakeholder engagement, and public communication, serving as a key voice for MHC in the housing policy arena.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Leadership & Strategy

• Support the development and execution of MHC’s policy agenda, strategic plan, and annual work plans.
• Lead and participate in policy coalitions and campaigns, including member management, project management, meeting facilitation, and deliverable tracking.
• Conduct legislative and policy research and provide analysis on housing, homeownership, and related issues.
• Develop and implement legislative and administrative strategies, including lawmaker engagement and tracking and analysis of legislation.
• Provide analysis of administrative and regulatory issues, including preparing public comment letters.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with lawmakers, agency staff, and advocacy partners.
• Advance advocacy at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels.
• Identify emerging policy issues and lead special projects through research, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide regular progress and status reports to leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Serve as a key member of MHC’s leadership team.

Partner Engagement & Strategic Communications

• Collaborate with internal teams to develop advocacy and policy materials, including policy agendas, summaries, toolkits, action alerts, and talking points.
• Produce written policy content for newsletters, memos, advocacy materials, media engagement, and social media.

Events & Advocacy

• Represent MHC in coalitions, campaigns, and external meetings.
• Support planning and execution of in-person and virtual events, including securing speakers and moderating panels.
• Plan and prepare legislative advocacy activities, including meetings with lawmakers and “Day on the Hill” events.

Other Duties

• Support the President and leadership team with additional responsibilities that advance MHC’s mission and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; graduate degree in public policy or a related field preferred.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience; 5 or more years preferred.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience conducting policy research and analysis strongly preferred.
• Subject-matter expertise in affordable housing, community development, public-private finance, and/or tax policy preferred.
• Proven ability to build relationships with lawmakers, staff, and community partners.
• Commitment to advancing economic opportunity and housing equity for low-income communities.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Regular travel to off-site meetings, including extended time at the State Capitol during legislative sessions.
• Long hours, including some evenings and weekends during the legislative session.
• Occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and lift up to 20 pounds for event setup.
• Hybrid workplace with two in-office days per week.
• Office location: St. Paul, MN 55114

Compensation & Benefits

This full-time position offers a salary range of $100,000–$135,000, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A Letter of Interest
• A Resume or CV
• Three professional references (name, email, phone number, and relationship)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Minnesota Homeownership Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to social, racial, gender, and economic justice. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, and individuals from other historically underrepresented communities.