Organizational Overview:
Front Porch Investments was formed in 2021 to address the gap in the number of affordable housing options in the region. Front Porch Investments serves as a catalyst for innovative and community-centered affordable housing solutions, with a focus on investment, advocacy, and engagement. Front Porch Investments is a supporting organization of the Omaha Community Foundation, which works with donors and nonprofits to grow a stronger region.
Front Porch’s funding priorities include production of affordable housing units, preservation of affordable housing units, promotion of housing justice and equity, and expansion of innovative housing options. Our primary goal is to increase funding, innovation, and strategic partnerships in support of affordable housing across the Greater Omaha metro area through our own investments and by leveraging leverages public-private partnerships to collaborate across stakeholders and strengthen the urban housing ecosystem.
Core Values:
- Human-Centered. We believe in housing as a human right and center this belief in our work.
- Bold. We make bold decisions to support housing innovation.
- Inclusive. We prioritize equitable access to the housing ecosystem, especially for historically excluded voices.
- Collaborative. We believe collaboration across systems is where transformative change happens.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Advocacy & Communications Manager plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to address the affordable housing gap in the Greater Omaha metro area. This position is responsible for spearheading our policy advocacy efforts, managing communications, and fostering community engagement to promote affordable housing solutions. The ideal candidate will be an innovative and strategic thinker with a strong commitment to housing justice, a deep understanding of policy analysis, and excellent communication skills.
KEY DUTIES
Policy Advocacy: (45%)
- Research and Analysis: Conduct research on housing policies, trends, and data to identify gaps and opportunities for policy improvements. Analyze the impact of existing and proposed policies on affordable housing availability and affordability.
- Policy Development: Develop policy proposals and recommendations to address issues related to affordable housing, including policy briefs, position papers, and reports to support advocacy efforts.
- Advocacy Strategy: Develop and implement advocacy strategies to influence housing policy at local, state, and national levels. Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, government officials, and other stakeholders.
- Lobbying: Engage in lobbying activities to promote affordable housing policies and initiatives. Coordinate and participate in meetings, hearings, and public forums to advocate for policy changes
- Legislation Tracking: Monitor and track legislative and regulatory developments related to affordable housing. Analyze proposed bills, regulations, and policies to assess their potential impact on affordable housing.
- Long-Term Planning: Contribute to the development of the organization’s strategic plan, focusing on affordable housing policy goals and objectives. Set goals for policy work, aligning with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Testimony: Testify on priority issues at City Council and the State Legislature and/or prepare testimony for Front Porch leadership.
- Compliance: Maintain current lobbyist and principal registration and file all required reports with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.
Communications: (30%)
- Planning: In collaboration with communications contractor, implement a communications plan to promote the organization’s mission and initiatives; liaise and share organization updates and information with communications contractors.
- Social Media: Manage the organization’s social media presence and develop content for various platforms. Track and report analytics quarterly.
- Public Relations: Coordinate with media outlets to secure coverage and ensure accurate representation of the organization’s work. Work in partnership with communications contractor to draft and disseminate press releases, op-eds, and other public statements.
- Marketing: In collaboration with contract staff, design and produce promotional materials, including brochures, newsletters, and annual reports. Obtain/provide approvals of all materials.
- Website: Maintain and update the Front Porch Investments website.
- Media relations: Work in partnership with communications contractor to prepare and distribute press releases, op-eds, and other materials to inform the public and media.
Community Engagement and Partnerships: (15%)
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with community organizations, housing advocates, and residents to gather input and build support for affordable housing policies.
- Presentations: Represent the organization at conferences, workshops, and public forums and on key.
- Research: Foster partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and other entities to support policy research and analysis.
- Committees: Represent Front Porch Investments on certain city and statewide policy related committees and other coalitions.
Internal Coordination: (10%)
- Internal alignment: Work closely with other departments and contractors to align advocacy efforts with organizational goals.
- Training: Provide training and support to committee members on advocacy strategies.
- Reporting: Prepare regular reports on policy work, including updates on advocacy efforts, program outcomes, and policy developments. Provide detailed analysis and recommendations to colleagues and the board.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field.
- 5 years of experience in advocacy, public relations, communications or a related field, with a focus on housing policy preferred.
- Proven track record in policy research, development, and advocacy.
- Strong understanding of affordable housing issues and legislative processes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing social media and public relations strategies preferred.
- Comfortable working with content management tools and systems including website management.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Reports To: Director of Operations & Impact
Location: Omaha, NE
Please note: Review of applications for this position will begin on January 15, 2025.
Front Porch Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.