Job Announcement

Position: Policy Manager
Reports to: Executive Director
FLSA: Exempt
Location: Salt Lake County, Utah (hybrid; requires regular presence at the Utah State Capitol, city halls, and community meetings)
Salary Range: $70,000 – $85,000 (commensurate with experience)

About Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities

Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities (WALC) champions community development in the Wasatch Region through programs and public policies focused on community planning, housing, local governance, and transportation. We believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable home in a vibrant, connected community. Our work focuses on reforming outdated zoning codes, advancing mixed-use and sustainable development, supporting affordable housing policies, and ensuring all residents have a voice in shaping their neighborhoods.

We are part of a growing national movement to address the housing shortage, build equitable and opportunity-rich communities, and dismantle barriers that prevent people from finding a place to live.

Position Summary

The Policy Manager leads WALC’s policy and advocacy efforts at the state legislature and in local governments across the Wasatch region. This position is responsible for developing policy priorities, building relationships with decision-makers, monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, and representing the organization in formal policymaking spaces.

The Policy Manager’s role is to advance the public policy priorities of the organization. This includes legislative lobbying, ordinance and policy drafting, coalition-building around policy priorities, and providing technical expertise to allies and partners.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development & Legislative Advocacy

• Lead the development and execution of WALC’s policy agenda at the state and local levels.

• Draft and review legislation, ordinances, amendments, and regulatory comments.

• Track, analyze, and summarize housing- and land use-related legislation, ordinances, and administrative rules.

• Prepare testimony, position papers, fact sheets, and talking points for staff, partners, and community advocates.

• Directly lobby legislators, local elected officials, and agency staff; maintain positive working relationships with policymakers and their staff.

• Serve as WALC’s primary representative in legislative hearings, city council/planning commission meetings, and other public forums.

• Act as primary staff support for the Policy Committee of the Board of Directors. 

Coalition Building & Partnerships

• Coordinate and lead advocacy coalitions focused on community planning, local governance, housing, and transportation.

• Facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, nonprofit partners, developers, labor, and community-based organizations.

• Provide policy expertise to coalition partners and grassroots allies.

• Support grassroots mobilization in partnership with organizing and communications staff.

Research & Policy Analysis

• Conduct research on best practices and model policies from around the country.

• Analyze policy proposals for potential impacts on housing affordability, equity, and neighborhood vitality.

• Maintain systems for tracking legislative and local government activity relevant to housing.

• Produce policy briefs, reports, and technical memos to support advocacy campaigns.

• Supervise interns and volunteers supporting the work of the organization. 

Public Engagement & Education

• Educate legislators, local elected officials, and community leaders about housing solutions.

• Provide policy updates, briefings, and presentations to the board, staff, and community partners.

• Represent WALC at conferences, coalition convenings, and policy forums.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, urban planning, political science, law, or related field; or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in public policy, government relations, or legislative advocacy.

• Demonstrated ability to draft, analyze, and advance legislation or ordinances.

• Strong knowledge of state and/or municipal policymaking processes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and policy writing.

• Proven ability to navigate complex political dynamics and build relationships with elected officials and staff.

• Ability to travel across Salt Lake County and the Wasatch Region; some evening and weekend work required.

Preferred:

• 5+ years of progressively responsible policy or advocacy experience.

• Experience in housing, land use, zoning, or urban planning.

• Track record of successfully passing legislation or ordinances.

• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder coalitions.

• Familiarity with Utah’s legislative process and municipal structures.

• Law degree, master’s in public policy, or urban planning background.

• Bilingual or multilingual skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $70,000 – $85,000, commensurate with experience.

• Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; retirement match; and professional development opportunities.

• Flexible work environment that is fully remote.

Additional Information

For additional information about the organization, visit www.slcneighbors.org/the_future. 

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references (PDF format) to apply@civicutah.org with the subject line: Policy Manager – [Your Last Name].