Senior Planning Associate

SV@Home is seeking a motivated, detail oriented, and driven candidate to support our planning and land use advocacy efforts. The Senior Planning Associate will work to develop and implement SV@Home’s portfolio of land use campaigns as well as oversee planning policy. This position reports to the Deputy Director. Due to the current pandemic, this position will work remotely through the end of this calendar year.

SV@Home is the voice for affordable housing in the Silicon Valley. With a 12‐person staff team and a 20‐member Board of Directors, SV@Home drives the creation of affordable housing for a more vibrant and equitable Silicon Valley. SV@Home’s approach focuses on policy advocacy, education, and messaging to build the political will to support policies, programs, land use, and funding that will increase the supply of affordable housing for all in Santa Clara County. SV@Home’s vision is a Silicon Valley where all people have access to a safe, stable, and affordable home.

SV@Home is a membership organization, with over 300 organizational and individual members who represent a wide variety of sectors and backgrounds.

The Senior Planning Associate will be responsible for the following activities:
Policy and Advocacy

• Developing and implementing land use campaign strategies that achieve SV@Home’s housing affordability goals through city and county area/specific plans in partnership with policymakers, city and county staff, and community members.
• Providing planning expertise in developing SV@Home policy recommendations and responses to General Plans, Housing Elements, Plan Bay Area, and the Regional Housing Needs Allocation
  process.

Communication, Partnerships, and Engagement

• Testifying at public meetings and participating, as needed, on task forces and committees.
• Preparing comment letters and activating advocacy tools to engage members and community members.
• Supporting efforts to change the conversation through social media, educational events, and other communication channels.

A competitive candidate will have the following experience and knowledge:

• A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of experience in a land use planning field is required. A Master’s Degree in Urban or Regional Planning can substitute for experience. Additional experience in a land use planning position can be substituted for the education requirement.
• A well‐developed knowledge of local planning principles and practices. GIS skills are highly desired but not required.
• Familiarity with local government planning and development policies and understanding of planning regulations and codes.
• While not required, experience with housing and community development is a plus.
• Must possess excellent communications skills including outstanding writing and public speaking skills and familiarity with social media platforms.
• Must have a start‐up attitude, be well organized at handling multiple tasks, work well in a team environment, and have the ability to work under minimal supervision.