Community Engagement & Policy Manager en Homewise

Description

Location: Santa Fe (with some work In Albuquerque)
Reports to: Director of Policy & Advocacy  
Classification: Full-time Exempt
Supervisory Responsibilities: No 

Position Mission Homewise is seeking a Community Engagement & Policy Manager to design and implement inclusive engagement strategies that strengthen community voice in development projects, expand the reach of our Livability Speaker Series and Fellowship programs, and advance our policy and advocacy initiatives to increase affordable housing in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and statewide.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Community Engagement & Development Support 

• Design and execute inclusive public input strategies for Homewise’s residential and commercial developments, including canvassing, stakeholder meetings, presentations, and public meetings. 
• Build and foster meaningful relationships with local groups, stakeholders, and partners to inform and support development and policy initiatives. 

Livability Speaker Series & Fellowship Programs 

• Lead coordination with speakers and panelists. 
• Promote events ensuring strong turnout; oversee marketing and promotional materials in collaboration with the marketing team. 
• Manage fellowship recruitment, interviewing, relationship building, curriculum development and execution, and ongoing engagement for fellows following the program.  

Policy Monitoring & Advocacy Support 

• Track proposed and adopted local and state policies related to affordable housing and development. 
• Assist in policy research and analysis to support Homewise’s development and advocacy efforts. 
• Support community turnout efforts for Homewise initiatives and aligned policy campaigns. 
• Coordinate logistics, drive outreach efforts, and contribute to agenda planning for quarterly advocacy meetups. 

Expected Outcomes 

• Well-run, inclusive public engagement processes that result in actionable feedback informing development decisions. 
• Highly attended and thoughtfully executed Livability Series events and fellowship sessions, supported by clear marketing assets and seamless logistics. 
• Up-to-date tracking of pertinent local and state policies, with summaries shared timely with leadership and the team. 
• Drive Homewise’s advocacy efforts with strong community and partner engagement that contributes to meaningful policy change.

Competencies 

• Program Management: Able to coordinate multiple moving parts—speakers, fellows, logistics, marketing—while maintaining quality and outcomes. 
• Policy Insight: Familiarity with housing, land use, and community development policy; adept at tracking and interpreting evolving policy landscapes. 
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Builds trust and meaningful relationships across diverse groups. 
• Facilitation & Communication: Skilled at convening public forums, presenting complex information clearly, and leading inclusive dialogue. 

Requirements 

Education & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (e.g. public policy, urban planning, community development) or equivalent experience. 
• Significant experience (e.g. 3–5 years) in community organizing, policy work, planning, or similar. 
• Experience coordinating programs and events. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. 
• Effective communication skills to liaise with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Ability to travel as needed. 
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, as needed. 

Preferred Qualifications (optional) 

• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish; written and verbally. 
• Familiarity with Santa Fe organizations, businesses and stakeholders. 
• Experience working with nonprofits or mission-driven organizations. 
• Past engagement in community-based research or policy advocacy. 

Physical Requirements 

• Primarily office-based with some fieldwork, community gatherings, or in-person events. 
• Ability to support events that may involve moderate physical activity (e.g., setting up materials, moving light equipment, etc.).