Salary: $77,000
Position Title: CommunityHousing and Planning Fellow
FLSA: Exempt - Temporary (12 month position, with potential for extension)
Salary: $77,000
Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday - Friday, some nights and weekends
Location: 100% In-Person, on-site in San Francisco, CA
Dates: January 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027
Mission:
Booker T. Washington Community Service Center (BTWCSC) is one of the Bay Areas oldest Black-led, Black-serving nonprofit organizations. A beacon of Black joy and self-determination, we have nurtured over five generations of Black San Franciscans. We stand embedded as an anchor institution, fostering intergenerational bonds and working in solidarity with allied communities to reform and reimagine a more inclusive San Francisco. We prioritize serving the Black community and we welcome all from ages 0-99 who walk through our door. We are one of the few urban spaces where anyone in the community can access comprehensive services, from a hot meal to childcare to academic support to senior services.
Summary:
BTWCSC seeks a highly-reliable, detail-oriented, savvy and results-drivenCommunity Housing and Planning Fellow to help the organization meet its ambitious short-term and long-term community and neighborhood planning and housing policy goals.
The Community Housing and Planning Fellow will support BTWCSCs housing and community planning projects, social policy advocacy, and community outreach and engagement to support our mission of advancing housing, economic and racial justice in San Francisco.
This position requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing low-income youth, families and seniors, particularly those who are at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness, displacement, and housing insecurity. The Fellow will work closely with the BTW Leadership and Programs Team, local agencies, community organizations, and clients themselves to advocate for and develop solutions that are responsive, sustainable, and community-centered.
The Community Housing and Planning Fellow will also help coordinate our engagement and support of community and neighborhood planning projects and related outreach activities. The Fellow will also coordinate the organizations popular education modules to inform clients about the community planning processes, neighborhood history, housing and economic development and pertinent topics.
The Fellow will play a pivotal role in influencing local policy and planning, mobilizing community advocacy, and facilitating partnerships. This position must have solid knowledge of and experience in the San Francisco landscape, especially Fillmore/Western Addition communities. This position is ideal for someone passionate about equitable urban development, racial justice and has a strong background in urban planning, advocacy, and nonprofit service. This position reports to the Executive Director. The position will work alongside a high-achieving team consisting of the Program and Ops teams.
Essential Duties:
Community Engagement and Education:
- Facilitate BTWCSC outreach efforts to ensure that diverse voices, especially from Fillmore/Western Addition and surrounding communities of color, are part of the neighborhood planning and policy-making process.
- Assist in planning and executing community meetings, public forums, and events to engage with residents and other stakeholders.
- Plan, conduct, and support weekly educational workshops to raise awareness about community planning, land use, neighborhood history, and local housing issues.
Project Management and Administrative Support:
- Assist with tracking progress on specific housing or community development projects.
- Perform various administrative duties to support the neighborhood and community planning processes and housing policy work.
- Use project management tools and processes to ensure assignments and projects are timely, accurate and meet expectations.
- Report on progress and impact to funders, stakeholders, and the Board of Directors.
Policy Research and Data Analysis:
- Gather and analyze demographic information, market trends, housing data, and best practices to inform BTWCSC housing policy and community planning initiatives.
- Monitor and analyze local, state, and national housing policies and trends, including housing affordability, homelessness prevention and local rezoning initiatives.
- Produce reports, policy briefs, and other materials to advocate for effective policies.
- Work with other community partners, policy experts and City government staff to identify gaps and propose innovative solutions.
- Create maps and visual representations of data using tools like GIS and Excel for presentations and reports.
- Translate complex ideas and planning information into simplified language and concepts.
Collaboration and Advocacy:
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, housing developers, community groups, funders, and other nonprofits.
- Support BTW Leadership in representing the organization in meetings with city staff, policymakers, and community partners.
- At the direction of BTW Leadership, advocate on behalf of the organizations positions at public hearings, legislative meetings, and other forums.
- Coordinate with BTW clients and advocacy partners and within affiliated and allied coalitions to help influence community understanding and local policy outcomes.
Education/Experience:
- A./B.S. required, M.S. preferred. Must have a degree in public policy, history, urban planning, social work, or a related field that provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of housing policy issues.
- At least 2-3 years of experience in urban planning, housing policy or related fields. Must demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexities of land use and zoning as it relates to equitable outcomes.
- Proven experience in supporting or leading community planning processes or other self-determination activities.
- Demonstrated ability in developing partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and financial institutions.
- Strong advocacy skills and experience mobilizing community engagement are necessary.
- Ability to analyze data and use findings to inform policy recommendations and advocacy strategies is vital for developing evidence-based policies that address the specific needs of low-income people and communities of color.
- Excellent communication skills, including writing policy reports, briefs, and documents for policymakers and presenting findings to diverse audiences, are essential for effectively communicating policy recommendations and engaging stakeholders.
- Experience with statistical data analysis and interpretation in order to analyze housing and community planning data and draw meaningful insights to inform policy decisions.
- Experience presenting findings to large audiences.
- Strong writing, critical thinking, analysis and research skills.
- Lived experience with Black/African-American communities, communities of color, and/or navigating housing insecurity and/or the justice system preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, clients, volunteers, community stakeholders, funders and government agencies.
- Demonstrated professionalism, socioemotional tact and integrity.
- Ability to plan, be flexible, work with a team, and develop and create on-site activities and services.
- Demonstrated commitment to accountability, measuring outcomes, and a results-oriented culture.
Professional Expectations:
In addition to responsibilities, candidates will exhibit and represent behaviors consistent with the expectations within the BTWCSC competency guidelines listed below:
- Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs for vulnerable populations
- Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
- Builds rapport and relates well to others.
- Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another. Exercise mature judgment and good decision-making.
- Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.
- Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
- Pursues self-development that enhances job performance.
- Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process.
- Does not indulge in illicit drugs or alcoholic beverages before or during work hours.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to move 35 pounds safely. Must be able to remain in a stationary position during shift. Physical requirements are also typical of those needed in an office environment.
Schedule:
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, occasional nights and weekends. (Additional hours may be required for program activities include but are not limited to, BTWCSC staff events, evening and late-night duty, and staff meetings; a calendar will be provided.)
Benefits and Compensation:
BTWCSC offers a competitive compensation package with paid time off and holidays, generous health and retirement benefits, and a salary commensurate with experience. This position is full-time and temporary exempt with salary of $77,000 plus a benefits package, including:
- 100% employer covered excellent health, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid time off, including 15 days paid vacation, plus holidays and Center breaks/closures
- Workers compensation;
- Employee assistance program;
- Monthly wellness benefit after 90 days;
- Access to daily chef cooked meals and snacks;
- Commuter benefits;
- Life and disability insurance
- Professional development opportunities, including conferences, seminars, webinars, and trainings
BTWCSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
To Apply:
- People of color and candidates with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Please submit the following:
- Cover letter detailing your fit and qualifications for the position
- Copy of certifications
- Resume or CV
- Minimum of 2-3 references including at least one recent supervisors
- Application submission screening will be completed on a rolling basis
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