Southern California Director

Position: Southern California Director

Location: Southern California (Los Angeles preferred)

Travel: Southern California, San Francisco, Sacramento (20–30%)

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: Full-time

Housing Action Coalition (HAC) is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven leader to serve as our Southern California Director, responsible for launching and growing our regional presence in the most populous and politically influential part of the state. This is a pivotal role for someone ready to build a regional strategy, cultivate a dues-paying membership base to sustain a Southern California office, represent HAC in local and state housing conversations, and drive long-term success in the region.

About HAC

HAC is a nonprofit, pro-housing advocacy organization working to solve California’s housing crisis. We engage with communities, policymakers, and industry leaders to support policies and housing projects that promote affordability, equity, and supply. With over 25 years of history in the Bay Area and recent momentum in Sacramento, we’re expanding our footprint to Southern California to build deeper, more connected statewide influence.

Job Description

The HAC Southern California Director will:

Build & Lead Regional Operations

• Establish HAC’s presence in Southern California, with a focus on Los Angeles County and surrounding areas
• Open and manage a regional co-working office and eventually build out a local team
• Serve as the lead HAC representative in the region and build organizational credibility

Grow Membership & Revenue

• Cultivate, recruit, and retain HAC member organizations in the Southern California region across development, policy, finance, labor, and design sectors
• In partnership with the Deputy Director, develop and execute a membership and sponsorship growth strategy
• Understand and deliver strong membership services; communicate member benefits effectively

Advocate & Engage

• Build relationships with local policymakers, government officials, and civic leaders
• Represent HAC in coalitions and public forums; educate stakeholders on housing policy and legislative implementation
• Lead or support Project Review efforts for infill multifamily housing in the region
• Collaborate with other advocacy organizations, including YIMBY Action and Abundant Housing LA
• Organize local educational and fundraising events for members and the general public

Prepare for Growth

• Help develop the regional strategy for future staff expansion (e.g. hiring an organizer or political staffer)
• Collaborate closely with HAC’s Executive Director and Policy Manager
• Contribute to statewide strategy development and annual events such as Housing Heroes and Spring Symposium

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in housing, urban planning, policy, advocacy, or nonprofit leadership
• Proven success in membership or revenue growth roles, especially within a nonprofit or professional association
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills; able to earn trust across diverse sectors
• Strong network within the Southern California housing landscape, political ecosystem, and our membership base.
• Comfortable working independently in a startup-like environment with limited oversight
• Track record of integrity, honesty, and long-term relationship management
• Experience in both public and private sector environments is a plus
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to build programs from scratch
• Spanish or other language fluency is a plus

Salary: $120,000 – $130,000 annually, with potential performance-based bonus

Benefits: HAC offers employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance. We support hybrid work schedules and provide professional development opportunities for all staff.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to HR@housingactioncoalition.org with the subject line “Southern California Director Application.” or by applying directly using the following link. In your cover letter, share what attracts you to the mission of Housing Action Coalition, this specific role, and any relevant experience. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Apply Here: https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/san-francisco-housing-action-coalition-southern-california-director-bae7ed40-e80d-48ac-b873-854a86050d57

HAC is committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, parents, and others historically excluded from housing advocacy to apply.