Urban Habitat seeks a motivated, social justice minded, land use planner to work on land use and housing campaigns in East Palo Alto, Fremont and other priority campaigns throughout the region.

The Organization

Founded in 1989, Urban Habitat has advanced equity in the Bay Area by changing transportation investments, increasing housing options and advocating for healthy and thriving built environments in communities. We achieve our mission by shaping public policy, developing advocate leaders as decision makers, building coalitions and coordinating campaigns to advance environmental, economic and social justice in the Bay Area.

Position Summary

The Land Use & Housing Program Coordinator works closely with UH’s Management Team to define and implement Land Use and Housing campaigns, policies, research, and coalition building efforts that promote equitable development and prevent displacement– integrating issues of housing, climate, transportation, jobs and health. The Coordinator will work closely with UH’s equity partners to ensure that low-income communities and communities of color benefit from the implementation of key land use and climate policies at the local, regional, and state level. Example policy targets may include General Plans, Housing Elements, Energy & Climate Action Plans, Environmental Impact Reports and the Sustainable Communities Strategy of the Regional Transportation Plan, along with key statewide legislation including AB 32 and SB 375. The Coordinator will strengthen and integrate Land Use and Housing campaigns, policies, research, and coalition building efforts across UH’s program areas.

The Ideal Candidate

The candidate must be a strategic thinker, excellent communicator and have the ability to generate and equalize knowledge between complex ideas or research findings into concrete campaign recommendations and from community needs to policy recommendations. Candidate must be able to work with a diverse group of stakeholders including allied organizations, community groups, policy, government, labor, and health organizations. Coordinator must be competent in land use planning and familiar with community planning processes from a social equity perspective.



Key Responsibilities

Serve as UH’s Lead Staff and Site Coordinator for Great Communities Collaborative (GCC) and represent UH in GCC Site Coordinator meetings and related activities; Analyze local Land Use/Transit Oriented Development plans and identify opportunities to advance UH’s equity agenda; Work with local site partners to develop and execute campaign plans.

Lead the creation and advancement of UH’s short and long-term Land Use and affordable housing policy agenda and strategy.
Monitor the political landscape for strategic opportunities to advance UH’s priority campaigns and programs. Research and analyze local, regional, state and, national policies that are relevant to UH’s Land Use goals; design innovative policies and advocacy strategies that build on UH’s existing expertise and relationships.

Mobilize policymakers, community and labor allies, and other key stakeholders around UH’s Land Use policy agenda and strategies.
Support UH’s efforts through regional equity forums & convenings to educate and mobilize members on key Land Use policy issues including land use, equitable development, climate, housing, transportation, jobs and health.
Strengthen UH’s written regional equity analysis and framework on Land Use issues including equitable development, climate, housing, transportation, jobs and health. Lead UH’s efforts to produce original reports and analysis that contribute to the environmental justice movement. Provide data, analysis and articles for UH’s website and other UH publications.

Represent UH on Land Use & Housing issues at conferences, community events, workshops, and other public/media engagements.

Make policy recommendations to staff and board about key legislative opportunities at the local, state and national level.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in urban planning, environmental sciences, economics, public policy, or equivalent experience such as policy director for planning, housing or transportation organization.
Knowledge and experience working on land-use planning and affordable housing policies and programs (for example inclusionary zoning implementation, analysis of planned land use alternatives, EIR and CEQA review) and climate change policies and programs (for example, development of land use policies within climate change actions plans)
Capacity to utilize a wide array of research methods, including but not limited to: Internet searches, public information requests, government reports, telephone inquiries and key informant interviews.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate policy analysis and research results, including development of conclusions and persuasive arguments for individuals outside the organization, as appropriate; bilingual or multi-lingual a plus.
Demonstrated experience developing and leading successful policy campaigns and/or programs focused on environmental, social, and/or economic justice. Capacity to evaluate and prioritize campaign opportunities to ensure that they maximize Urban Habitat’s overall campaign and organizational goals.
General knowledge of the Bay Area as a region with specific knowledge of sub-regions and priority communities a plus. This position does require extensive interactions with community-based organizations throughout the region. Strong commitment to issues of environmental, social and economic justice and to working within a regional, multi-sector, multi-issue framework.
High level of proven leadership and ability to manage complex tasks in a timely and professional manner.
Ability to work well under tight deadlines and in a team environment.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $50,000 to $65,000, commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package, including full health coverage, paid time off (PTO), and 401K. This is a full time, exempt position that reports to the Transportation Justice Program Director.


Application Process

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to jobs@urbanhabitat.org by 5:00pm on Friday December 20th.

Contact person:
Evvy Stivers
Phone:
510-839-9510
Email:
admin@urbanhabitat.org