Come Join the City of Bellevue! Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.Job SummaryA 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. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesPolicy and Government Affairs: Lead and coordinate annual engagement efforts with ARCH elected and appointed officials and staff, including educational and communications eventsProvide expertise in affordable housing policy and help advise ARCH membersConvene ARCH coalition members to develop targeted legislative priorities related to funding for affordable housing and reducing barriers to affordable housing developmentCollaborate 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 partnersMonitor 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 prioritiesCommunications:Lead the development of the overall ARCH communication plan and key messages; provide training and support to staff in order to ensure consistent, accurate messagingProvide strategic communications support for ARCH members regarding public policy issuesDevelop and implement communications plans for projects, programs, initiatives, and events, and recommend methods and techniques for implementationCreate external facing ARCH materials for a variety of audiences including elected officials, community members ARCH serves, etc. Materials include annual reports, presentations, and program informationWrite, 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 releasesPrepare and make presentations to city councils and other audiencesQualificationsKnowledge, Skills, Abilities and CompetenciesGraduation 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 issuesDirect experience working on state, federal, and/or local legislative policy is a plusAbility 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 publicSkill in effective, clear and persuasive oral and written communications to individuals and groupsAbility to develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, community leaders, advisory boards, the news media, and the general publicUnderstanding of political environments and sensitivities, and ability to function effectively within that environmentSuccess in developing and implementing communications plans for small and large-scale projectsDemonstrated experience working effectively in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.Commitment to racial equity and social justiceSupplemental InformationFlexible/Hybrid Working: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. HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENTAll candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employmentSome positions may require obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications. At the City of Bellevue, you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. You'll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. It's what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.
Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing. The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.** Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.**Job DetailsEmployer City of BellevueSalary
$139,621.50 - $192,717.00 AnnuallyLocation
Redmond, WAJob TypeRegularRemote EmploymentFlexible/HybridJob Number25-00029DepartmentCommunity DevelopmentDivisionCD Housing/ARCHOpening Date01/13/2025Closing Date2/10/2025 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada); TijuanaAgency infoEmployerCity of BellevueWebsiteAddress
PO Box 90012
Bellevue, Washington, 98009
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Government Affairs, Policy and Communications Manager