Government Relations Manager

Make a Lasting Impact in Your Community

Are you passionate about public policy, affordable housing, and the power of strategic partnerships? Join us as our Government Relations Manager and be at the forefront of transforming housing access in Pierce County and beyond. In this influential role, you'll work closely with elected officials, oversee critical public funding efforts, and help shape smart policies that create real opportunities for families to achieve the dream of homeownership. If you're looking for a mission-driven career where your skills in advocacy and relationship-building can drive tangible change, we invite you to bring your voice-and your vision-to our team.

POSITION:

Government Relations Manager

REPORTS TO:

Chief Executive Officer

Classification

Full Time, Exempt

Date

May 2025

Schedule

Monday - Friday, occasional evenings and weekends

Pay Scale:

$77,968.80-$90,000 depending on experience

POSITION SUMMARY: The Government Relations Manager is primarily responsible for building strategic partnerships with public officials and staff to increase supply of affordable homeownership. This position will oversee government grant applications and contracts, and advocate for smart policies and systems to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The advocacy focus will be in Pierce County; however, this position will also work collaboratively at the state and national levels.

This position requires professional understanding of local and state government, lobbying, and politics; relationship management skills; written and oral communication skills; and an ability to work effectively with an array of internal and external stakeholders.

Advocacy

• Partner with leadership team and organizational subject matter experts to develop and implement Habitat's advocacy agenda and engagement strategy and messaging to secure local, state, and federal legislative priorities, including providing presentations, testimony, briefing sheets, and written content
• Serve as Habitat's primary voice and liaison with elected officials from Pierce County and its municipalities, and the Pierce County legislative and federal delegations
• Track and engage in relevant legislation, rulemaking and other emerging issues
• Build strong relationships with council members, legislators and candidates of all parties to advance Habitat's mission and priorities
• Build strong relationships with key staff members in local, state, and relevant federal government departments
• Keep Habitat leadership team, program staff, and Board Members regularly informed and engaged in advocacy efforts

Public Funding

• Oversee the timely and competitive submission of government grant applications ensuring that Habitat meets deadlines with ample time for review and editing within the team
• Identify, cultivate, and apply to new government funding prospects
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure accurate information is collected for grant applications and reporting requirements
• Create supplemental documents and/or presentations as required for grant applications, reports and/or awards

Habitat Engagement

• Understand the Habitat history, mission and culture from a staff, volunteer, donor and homeowner perspective
• Strengthen the culture of affordable homeownership both internally and externally with all constituents
• Follow proper database protocols and procedures to ensure accurate record keeping and organizational relationship knowledge building
• Be an engaged member of the organization by understanding and supporting the work of other departments
• Participate in meetings and trainings as informed by supervisor
• Actively work to strengthen Habitat's public presence and visibility
• Other projects as assigned

Qualification Requirements

• Three years of experience working in public policy and/or affordable housing
• Experience working with elected officials (preferred)
• Be collaborative and relational with both internal and external stakeholders
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Experience publicly speaking, including speaking to elected officials
• Ability to meet and manage multiple deadlines
• Ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours, particularly as the legislative session dictates
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to traverse a construction site
• We are proud to offer a competitive benefits package, including:
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short & Long term disability and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403b retirement plan with up to 5% matching after one year
• 12 paid holidays + vacation days
• Store Discount

Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to cultivating a staff who reflects the communities in which we build. We aim to attract candidates who broaden our diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, cultural experiences, skills, and community representation. We seek employees who value collegiality, respect, and pride in workplace. We believe the inclusion and amplification of our differences create a more effective workplace and a more compassionate world.

If you are selected for this position, Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity will conduct a background check before hire. Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all team members.