Community Alliance of Tenants
Tenant Advocacy & Engagement Manager
Community Alliance of Tenants, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Tenant Advocacy & Engagement Manager
Job Title: Tenant Advocacy & Engagement Manager
Department: Tenant Protection Team (TPT)
Employment Type: Part-timeto full-time (as funding supports)
Remote-Hybrid
Compensation: $75,000-90,000 (Exempt, non-union management position)
Reports to: Tenant Education & Support Director
Location: Oregon statewide, with frequent travel due to in-person events
Duration: through June 30, 2026 (renewal dependent on funding)
About CAT The Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) is Oregon’s only statewide, grassroots, tenant-led membership organization. Founded in 1996, CAT’s mission is to educate and empower tenants to demand safe, stable, and affordable housing. Our membership base includes low-income tenants, predominately low-wage workers, families with children, people living with disabilities, seniors, and tenants from diverse backgrounds.
CAT builds tenant power through education, organizing, and advocacy. We operate a renters’ rights hotline, host community workshops, and organize tenants to lead a culturally humble, equity-driven housing justice movement. We are committed to long-term systems change led by those most impacted by Oregon’s housing crisis.
Position Summary The Tenant Advocacy & Engagement Manager provides strategic leadership with advocacy initiatives, and community engagement efforts such as tenant organizing. This position oversees Tenant Advocacy & Engagement staff, builds strong relationships with tenants and community partners, and advances policy and systems change to improve housing conditions and tenant protections. The role combines people-centered leadership, campaign strategy, and community-based advocacy.
Media & Public Conduct Staff are expected to uphold the organization's integrity and reputation, as representatives of CAT. Employees must refrain from making public statements—whether in media, online platforms, or other public forums that could be construed as defamatory, disparaging, or otherwise harmful to CAT, its mission, staff, or community partners. Constructive feedback should be directed through internal channels.
Transportation Requirement This position requires reliable personal transportation to attend in-person statewide meetings, events, training, and conferences. Staff must be able to travel independently as work duties require. CAT provides reimbursement for mileage incurred during work-related travel, in accordance with organizational policy and funding guidelines.
Key Responsibilities Tenant Organizing & Leadership Development
Lead and support tenant organizing campaigns focused on housing stability, tenant rights, and equitable housing policies
Develop leadership pathways for tenants, including trainings, workshops, and leadership development programs
Support tenant associations, councils, and coalitions in building collective power
Ensure organizing strategies are inclusive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed
Contribute to strategic initiatives aligned with CAT’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan.
Advocacy & Policy Engagement
Develop and implement advocacy strategies aligned with organizational priorities
Collaborate with tenants to identify policy goals and campaign demands
Represent the organization in coalitions, public forums, and meetings with elected officials and agency staff
Support tenant participation in hearings, public testimony, and advocacy actions
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Build and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations, service providers, and advocacy partners
Facilitate community meetings, listening sessions, and outreach activities
Serve as a trusted liaison between tenants, community stakeholders, and the organization
Strengthen community visibility and engagement through events and collaborative initiatives
Make hotline calls or provide in-person consultation to renters, utilizing Landlord-Tenant law and Fair Housing training and information.
Management & Organizational Leadership
Supervise, coach, and support organizing and community engagement staff
Set goals, monitor progress, and evaluate program outcomes
Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning and organizational development
Support grant reporting, data collection, and documentation related to organizing and engagement work
Additional Duties
Work cross-functionally with program, finance, and administrative teams to align organizational priorities and impact.
Represent the organization professionally with members, donors, partners, and at public or community events.
Attend community events with flexible scheduling.
Utilize standard office software and reporting tools.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Lived experience or understanding of race-based disparities.
Strong facilitation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Experience in public speaking or training.
Strong commitment to advancing anti-racist practices, equity, restorative justice, and leadership development within low-income renter communities and communities of color.
Experience working with diverse groups — across race, class, ability, gender, and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to remain calm and think clearly in high-stress or crisis situations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, and database systems (e.g., HMIS Community Services).
Reliable transportation and ability to transport materials.
Must live in Oregon or Washington within proximity of Portland or tri-county region to be in-person at events.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with BIPOC communities impacted by housing instability.
Knowledge of Renters’ Rights and Landlord-Tenant Law.
Multilingual skills, multicultural lived experience, and/or prior work with culturally diverse communities.
Experience centering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, immigrant and refugee, communities most harmed by the housing crisis.
Personal experience with housing instability.
Experience working in a mission-driven or community-based organization.
Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to equity and inclusion.
Compensation & Benefits
Hourly Rate: $75,000-90,000, depending on experience.
Benefits Package Includes:
100% paid medical and dental coverage for employees and their dependents (subject to change based on grant renewal periods).
Oregon Sick Leave.
Personal Time Off with a minimum of 120 hours (10 days) per year.
Family Leave after 180 days (6 months) of employment.
Opportunity to participate in the Oregon Saves Roth IRA program.
Environment: CAT is a family-friendly workplace. Flexible hours and scheduling offered as pertinent to your team's requirements.
Position Funding: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CAT is reliant on annual grants and donations as its primary source of funding. This position is funded through various grant funding at various percentages. This position is subject to the availability of those funds.
This position is 100% grant-funded (subject to needs and funding changes).
Duration: through June 30, 2026 (renewal dependent upon funding).
Short-term temporary furloughs or layoffs between grant periods are possible.
Labor Union: This is not a union-represented position.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills needed.
Equal Opportunity Employer Community Alliance of Tenants provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. CAT complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. BIPOC, Women, LGBTQ, Two Spirit, and low-income renters are encouraged to apply to all our open positions.
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Department: Tenant Protection Team (TPT)
Employment Type: Part-timeto full-time (as funding supports)
Remote-Hybrid
Compensation: $75,000-90,000 (Exempt, non-union management position)
Reports to: Tenant Education & Support Director
Location: Oregon statewide, with frequent travel due to in-person events
Duration: through June 30, 2026 (renewal dependent on funding)
About CAT The Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) is Oregon’s only statewide, grassroots, tenant-led membership organization. Founded in 1996, CAT’s mission is to educate and empower tenants to demand safe, stable, and affordable housing. Our membership base includes low-income tenants, predominately low-wage workers, families with children, people living with disabilities, seniors, and tenants from diverse backgrounds.
CAT builds tenant power through education, organizing, and advocacy. We operate a renters’ rights hotline, host community workshops, and organize tenants to lead a culturally humble, equity-driven housing justice movement. We are committed to long-term systems change led by those most impacted by Oregon’s housing crisis.
Position Summary The Tenant Advocacy & Engagement Manager provides strategic leadership with advocacy initiatives, and community engagement efforts such as tenant organizing. This position oversees Tenant Advocacy & Engagement staff, builds strong relationships with tenants and community partners, and advances policy and systems change to improve housing conditions and tenant protections. The role combines people-centered leadership, campaign strategy, and community-based advocacy.
Media & Public Conduct Staff are expected to uphold the organization's integrity and reputation, as representatives of CAT. Employees must refrain from making public statements—whether in media, online platforms, or other public forums that could be construed as defamatory, disparaging, or otherwise harmful to CAT, its mission, staff, or community partners. Constructive feedback should be directed through internal channels.
Transportation Requirement This position requires reliable personal transportation to attend in-person statewide meetings, events, training, and conferences. Staff must be able to travel independently as work duties require. CAT provides reimbursement for mileage incurred during work-related travel, in accordance with organizational policy and funding guidelines.
Key Responsibilities Tenant Organizing & Leadership Development
Lead and support tenant organizing campaigns focused on housing stability, tenant rights, and equitable housing policies
Develop leadership pathways for tenants, including trainings, workshops, and leadership development programs
Support tenant associations, councils, and coalitions in building collective power
Ensure organizing strategies are inclusive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed
Contribute to strategic initiatives aligned with CAT’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan.
Advocacy & Policy Engagement
Develop and implement advocacy strategies aligned with organizational priorities
Collaborate with tenants to identify policy goals and campaign demands
Represent the organization in coalitions, public forums, and meetings with elected officials and agency staff
Support tenant participation in hearings, public testimony, and advocacy actions
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Build and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations, service providers, and advocacy partners
Facilitate community meetings, listening sessions, and outreach activities
Serve as a trusted liaison between tenants, community stakeholders, and the organization
Strengthen community visibility and engagement through events and collaborative initiatives
Make hotline calls or provide in-person consultation to renters, utilizing Landlord-Tenant law and Fair Housing training and information.
Management & Organizational Leadership
Supervise, coach, and support organizing and community engagement staff
Set goals, monitor progress, and evaluate program outcomes
Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning and organizational development
Support grant reporting, data collection, and documentation related to organizing and engagement work
Additional Duties
Work cross-functionally with program, finance, and administrative teams to align organizational priorities and impact.
Represent the organization professionally with members, donors, partners, and at public or community events.
Attend community events with flexible scheduling.
Utilize standard office software and reporting tools.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Lived experience or understanding of race-based disparities.
Strong facilitation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Experience in public speaking or training.
Strong commitment to advancing anti-racist practices, equity, restorative justice, and leadership development within low-income renter communities and communities of color.
Experience working with diverse groups — across race, class, ability, gender, and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to remain calm and think clearly in high-stress or crisis situations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, and database systems (e.g., HMIS Community Services).
Reliable transportation and ability to transport materials.
Must live in Oregon or Washington within proximity of Portland or tri-county region to be in-person at events.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with BIPOC communities impacted by housing instability.
Knowledge of Renters’ Rights and Landlord-Tenant Law.
Multilingual skills, multicultural lived experience, and/or prior work with culturally diverse communities.
Experience centering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, immigrant and refugee, communities most harmed by the housing crisis.
Personal experience with housing instability.
Experience working in a mission-driven or community-based organization.
Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to equity and inclusion.
Compensation & Benefits
Hourly Rate: $75,000-90,000, depending on experience.
Benefits Package Includes:
100% paid medical and dental coverage for employees and their dependents (subject to change based on grant renewal periods).
Oregon Sick Leave.
Personal Time Off with a minimum of 120 hours (10 days) per year.
Family Leave after 180 days (6 months) of employment.
Opportunity to participate in the Oregon Saves Roth IRA program.
Environment: CAT is a family-friendly workplace. Flexible hours and scheduling offered as pertinent to your team's requirements.
Position Funding: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CAT is reliant on annual grants and donations as its primary source of funding. This position is funded through various grant funding at various percentages. This position is subject to the availability of those funds.
This position is 100% grant-funded (subject to needs and funding changes).
Duration: through June 30, 2026 (renewal dependent upon funding).
Short-term temporary furloughs or layoffs between grant periods are possible.
Labor Union: This is not a union-represented position.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills needed.
Equal Opportunity Employer Community Alliance of Tenants provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. CAT complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. BIPOC, Women, LGBTQ, Two Spirit, and low-income renters are encouraged to apply to all our open positions.
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