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.
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, proptech, or related industries.
Campaign experience signaling on-the-ground political acumen.
Experience in both corporate and association settings.
Familiarity with legislative process and political dynamics across multiple jurisdictions.
Get to know us
Zillow is reimagining real estate to make home a reality for more and more people.
As the most-visited real estate website in the United States, Zillow® and its affiliates help movers find and win their home through digital solutions, first class partners, and easier buying, selling, financing and renting experiences. Millions of people visit Zillow Group sites every month to start their home search, and now they can rely on Zillow to help make it easier to move. The work we do helps people get home and no matter what job you're in, you will play a critical role in making home a reality for more and more people.
Our efforts to streamline the real estate transaction are supported by a deep-rooted culture of innovation, our passion to redefine the employee experience, a fundamental commitment to Equity and Belonging, and world-class benefits. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages as well as parental leave, family benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off. We’re also setting the standard for work experiences of the future, where our employees are supported in doing their best work and living a flexible, well-balanced life. But don’t just take our word for it. Read recent reviews on Glassdoor and recent recognition from multiple organizations, including: the 100 Best Companies to Work For, Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award, Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equity Index, and TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.
Zillow Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact your recruiter directly.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable state and local law.
Applicants who receive job offers from Zillow Group will be asked to sign a Proprietary Rights Agreement which includes confidentiality, intellectual property assignment, customer and employee non-solicitation, and non-competition provisions. If you are contacted for a role at Zillow Group and wish to review a copy of the Proprietary Rights Agreement prior to receiving an offer, you may request a copy from your Recruiter.
