Director, Advocacy

About the team

Zillow’s Government & Community Relations team operates at the intersection of policy, industry, and technology, driving Zillow’s mission to reimagine real estate. The team is responsible for shaping housing, real estate, and technology policy at the federal, state, and local levels. We work collaboratively across Advocacy, Policy, Regulatory Affairs, and Public Affairs subfunctions to influence legislation, drive public awareness, and build partnerships that enhance housing accessibility, affordability, and innovation. This is a high-impact, leadership role reporting to the VP of Government & Community Relations, with a flexible location.

About the role

As Director of the Advocacy team, you will lead a high-performing field team of federal and state lobbyists. As a player and a coach, you will develop and execute integrated advocacy strategies that align with Zillow’s business objectives, build bipartisan relationships with policymakers, and serve as a trusted advisor and spokesperson for Zillow with key stakeholders. This leader will be equally comfortable navigating the halls of Congress, engaging with governors and mayors, and industry stakeholders. You will inspire, coach, and develop an experienced team, fostering collaboration and driving measurable impact on policy outcomes and public opinion.
 

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of approximately seven direct reports, including federal and state regional advocacy leaders.

• Provide strategic coaching, mentorship, and professional development for senior staff.

• Foster an inclusive, accountable, high-performance culture rooted in trust, collaboration, and results.

• Guide the team’s annual goal-setting, issue prioritization, and work planning.

• Develop and execute integrated advocacy strategies that support Zillow’s business goals.

• Connect emerging legislative trends at the state level with federal priorities—and vice versa.

• Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with elected officials, trade associations, and coalition partners.

• Collaborate with internal business leaders and shared services to ensure coordinated policy positions and public messaging.

• Represent Zillow at conferences, roundtables, and public forums to advocate for housing accessibility, modernization of financial services, consumer data privacy, and technology innovation.

This role has been categorized as a Remote position. “Remote” employees do not have a permanent corporate office workplace and, instead, work from a physical location of their choice, which must be identified to the Company. U.S. employees may live in any of the 50 United States, with limited exceptions.

In California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state, and Washington DC the standard base pay range for this role is $192,500.00 - $307,500.00 Annually. This base pay range is specific to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington state, and Washington DC and may not be applicable to other locations.

In addition to a competitive base salary this position is also eligible for equity awards based on factors such as experience, performance and location. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance and location.

Who you are

• 10+ years in government relations, advocacy, public affairs, or political campaigns, with proven success influencing policy at multiple levels (federal, state, local).

• Experience managing senior leaders in a complex, fast-paced environment.

• Strong bipartisan credibility and ability to engage effectively across the political spectrum.

• Political “grit”—a balance of polish and a willingness to get into the trenches.

• Demonstrated experience managing and growing high-performing teams.

• Direct lobbying or legislative experience—state and federal experience preferred.

• Exceptional communicator, strategist, and relationship-builder.

• Strong political instincts with a low-ego, high-collaboration leadership style.
   

Preferred experience

• Background or knowledge of housing, financial services, technology, or related regulatory landscapes in housing, real estate, propte