Policy and Field Building Advisor

MCCD performs three core activities: advocacy and public policy around economic development, affordable housing, small business development, including providing technical assistance and small business loans for startup and growth-stage entrepreneurs, and convening MCCD member organizations and partners for peer-learning, networking, and professional development.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: 

MCCD is a consortium of housing and economic development organizations and a
Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) working across the Twin
Cities area. MCCD’s mission is “to work collectively to build strong stable
communities by leveraging resources for the development of people and places.”

POSITION SUMMARY: MCCD is looking for a proactive, full-time Policy and Field Building Advisor to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience working in economic development or housing advocacy and be familiar with local and regional policy making, experience in Saint Paul and the East Metro in a plus. The Policy Advisor will help build capacity on MCCD’s local advocacy efforts and engage with MCCD members and advocacy partners to ensure policy decisions reflect the needs of the low- and moderate-income families that MCCD members serve.

Key work areas include securing resources for affordable housing development, developing and advancing policy efforts that support affordable housing and community development activities, and actively participating in coalitions and partnership work groups with shared goals. This position will interact with staff from MCCD member organizations, advocates, and allies from partner organizations, as well as public officials and administration staff. The Policy Advisor will need to thrive in a fast-paced work environment and be able to work independently as well as part of a team and within coalitions.

Reporting to the Co-Director of Public Policy and Field Building, the Advisor is responsible for:

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Public Policy and Advocacy

Work with Policy Team and MCCD members to develop an annual policy agenda, clearly articulate policy priorities, formulate strategies, and partner with appropriate groups to implement advocacy campaigns at the local, and regional level.
Monitor and concisely summarize local/legislative/agency proposals and plans for member organizations.
Convene and mobilize members (and other stakeholders) to take action on identified initiatives
Coordinate meetings with elected officials and relevant department staff and provide testimony in committee hearings and meetings with policy makers.
Support Co-Directors of Public Policy and Field Building as needed and when issues emerge at the local, regional, state, or federal level.

2. Field Building

Support the work of MCCD Committees and Emerging Leaders in Community Development (ELCD) Program
Work with MCCD policy team to help staff and coordinate committee meetings and work with committee chairs and members.
Convene working groups to address identified priorities as appropriate.
Provide updates to include in MCCD board packets on committee activities as warranted.
Work with MCCD policy team to arrange trainings, tours, and other events for community development practitioners.

3. Communications

Assist in creating communications materials (both digital and print) that support MCCD’s policy agenda and advocacy goals
Coordinate with Communications Manager in maintaining social media presence as an engagement and outreach tool for coalition building/campaign work
Work with MCCD and partners to utilize advocacy software to
Work with MCCD policy team and partners to secure more proactive media based on advocacy communications plan

4. General Operations

Represent and promote MCCD’s work at various functions and working groups as appropriate.
Assist with event planning and support as needed.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in public affairs, public policy, urban and regional planning, or similar field desirable and 1-2 years related professional experience. Without a degree, 3-5 years of professional experience. Professional experience may include organizing, public policy, and advocacy, housing development and finance, economic development, program coordination, or similar field.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Zoom and advocacy software.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a high level of comfort with interacting with diverse audiences. Familiarity with the local and regional housing policy landscape, Saint Paul and East Metro Area is a plus.
A strong commitment to racial justice and an ability to apply racial justice lens to their work.
Demonstrated knowledge of housing policy history and current trends in housing research
Experience leading meetings and coalition work.
Ability to work collaboratively with other staff members from different departments
Demonstrated interest in community development, affordable housing, and community wealth building policies, practices, and strategies.

Hours and compensation:

Full-time salary, with occasional evening and weekend meetings necessary. Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000.
Employer-paid benefits include medical, dental, employer-matched 401K, disability coverage, and life insurance. Paid vacation, holidays, sick, parental leave, and personal time off.

To apply:

Please email cover letter and resume as a PDF to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with position title in the subject line. In your cover letter, please explain what motivates you to work with MCCD, and how your experience, skills and commitment will advance our work to help Minnesotans achieve housing stability and create a more equitable economy.

(e-mail receipt confirmation will be sent)

Position will remain open until filled, priority given to applications received by February 17, 2022.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

MCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQIA+ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.