Policy Intern

Organization Overview

The Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County is a membership organization that works with communities and their leaders to produce and preserve quality affordable homes. We strive to solve the problems at the root of the housing crisis so that everyone who works here, lives here, or grows up here can obtain a home they can afford. HLC and its allies:

• Advocate for housing policies that create affordability at all income levels
• Collaborate with local government, community members, and stakeholders to promote affordable housing
• Educate through community-wide events such as San Mateo County Affordable Housing Month and Housing Leadership Day
• Develop leaders to speak up for housing opportunities for everyone in their communities.

Position Overview

HLC’s policy intern will assist the policy manager with their day-to-day policy research, community organizing, and lobbying efforts as we work to end California’s housing crisis with equitable, evidence-based local policy solutions. This is a dynamic role for self-motivated workers who want to develop skills in all facets of policy advocacy. Though the role will require some busywork, such as reviewing city meeting agendas and updating internal documents, it will also provide unparalleled opportunities to advocate for affordable housing and learn about the inner workings of housing politics in San Mateo County. 

Responsibilities

• Research and implement policy solutions to the root causes of California’s housing crisis
• Review local Housing Elements and provide public comment to jurisdictions
• Track city council meeting agendas for housing-related items
• Participate in local, regional, and statewide coalitions
• Mobilize supporters to attend public meetings and promote policy research
• Schedule and attend meetings with allies, elected officials, city staff
• Support lobbying meetings with city staff and elected officials

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with California housing regulations and local government procedures, particularly the housing element process
• Excellent writing skills, including a firm grasp of spelling and grammar
• Inquisitive and open to learning; comfortable with constructive feedback
• Ability to disagree respectfully
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms)
• Flexible schedule that allows working some evenings (we can’t control when city meetings happen!) 

What you get

• $18 per hour, we participate in LAEP and other student programs
• 15-20 hours of paid work per week, depending on availability and need
• Networking opportunities with political leaders throughout San Mateo County and California
• Mentorship by professionals throughout the housing space, including affordable housing developers, tenants’ rights activists, city planning staff, lawmakers, and more. 

To Apply

Send an email to jlevine@hlcsmc.org with the subject line “[Insert Last Name] Policy Intern Application” with the following information: 

• Resume
• Cover letter of one page or less 
• Three references, with full name, relationship, company and address, phone, and email
• 1-3 writing samples, however many you think we need to get a sense of your writing

Applications that do not follow all instructions will not be considered. 

Equal Opportunity

Housing Leadership Council is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, compensation, termination, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.