Careers

SGA is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual with deep knowledge and experience in zoning, housing, and land use policy to lead our housing work and the Center for Zoning Solutions (CZS). The Assistant Vice President (AVP) will oversee SGA’s technical assistance and capacity-building work on zoning and housing. This role will help deliver more housing—in the right locations, of the right types, and at the right prices—to advance community health, economic prosperity, transportation access and safety, and climate resilience. This high-profile position reports to the VP of Programs & Operations.

The ideal candidate will be: an established leader in zoning reform who is eager to grow the movement for building more housing at the right place, type, and price. The work will include leading direct technical assistance to local and state governments, leading TA to advocates, building out SGA’s research strategy on housing and land use, integrating zoning into our federal advocacy strategy, and convening leaders in the field. 

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and 1-2 writing samples to jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org with “AVP, Housing & Development” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please indicate how you’ve learned of this opportunity.

Smart Growth America (SGA) is seeking a skilled and motivated professional with a strong grounding in land use policy and urban planning, and a passion for advancing smart growth principles and zoning reforms that unlock affordable housing. This position supports SGA’s Center for Zoning Solutions (CZS) and LOCUS coalition, contributing to research, advocacy coalition management, and programs that connect zoning reform to housing access and health equity. It reports to the Senior Program Manager.

The ideal candidate will be: highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects, track deliverables, and keep work on schedule. They bring a strong passion for and interest in housing, advocacy, and zoning policy and practice, including how reforms are developed, adopted, and put into practice. They’re relational by nature and comfortable coordinating with local officials, planners, developers, and community advocates. They’re a self-starter who anticipates needs, and a team player excited to join a group of passionate housing and zoning nerds advancing Smart Growth America’s mission.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and 1-2 writing samples to jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org with “Program Associate, Housing & Development” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please indicate how you’ve learned of this opportunity.

Smart Growth America is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual with deep knowledge, experience, and interest in housing and land use policy to help plan and execute creative research ideas to advance the organization’s housing policy framework. The candidate will manage much of SGA’s research on walkability, including housing access and availability in locations well-served by transportation, services, and community resources. This position reports to the AVP of Economic Development.

The ideal candidate will be: an entrepreneurial and creative self-starter who is eager to produce research and report ideas; experienced with analytical tools like GIS, data visualization, and AI models; knowledgeable about available federal, state, and local housing data; a compelling writer who can produce research-backed content like in-depth reports, but also brief analyses, blog posts, and visuals; well connected to the world of housing policy and practice; and ready to both collaborate with others and develop their own creative ideas for research and other content to advance our mission.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org with “Housing Research Manager” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please indicate how you’ve learned of this opportunity.