Senior Policy & Corporate Communications Manager

About the teamZillow Group’s Senior Policy & Corporate Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication plans that enhance our company's reputation, influence public policy, amplify advocacy efforts and position Zillow as a thought leader. This role requires a deep understanding of the tech and real estate industry, strong media relations skills, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. The Senior Policy & Corporate Communications Manager is an individual contributor position on the Corporate Communications team, reporting to Zillow’s Director of Corporate Affairs and collaborating very closely with Zillow’s Director of Public Affairs.

About the role

Zillow’s Corporate Affairs team, composed of Communications and Government Relations, is responsible for growing awareness for Zillow Group’s portfolio of innovative products and services, enhancing its brand reputation and affinity and amplifying advocacy efforts with various audiences including consumers, real estate professionals, policymakers, regulators and investors. Through earned and owned media channels, on-the-ground engagement and data and research, the Corporate Affairs team strengthens Zillow’s position as a thought leader in housing, technology, and real estate. 

Key responsibilities: 
 

Develop and execute external communications to support public affairs strategies:

• Lead the creation and implementation of comprehensive communications plans that align with Zillow Group’s business objectives and federal, state and local public policy goals

• Collaborate with the Public Affairs team to amplify our policy positions, consumer-focused business objectives and advocacy efforts

• Drive measurable impact through media, events, thought leadership and owned content 

• Regularly track and analyze communications KPIs to optimize strategies and measure success
   

Craft compelling narratives and impactful content:

• Develop high-impact messaging that aligns with Zillow’s business objectives and is tailored for policy makers, regulators and other government stakeholders

• Strengthen Zillow’s position as a thought leader in tech, housing and real estate through strategic speaking engagements, events, media opportunities and owned content 

• Create compelling content, including press releases, op-eds, speeches, and social media posts, to support public affairs initiatives

• Ensure all communications are accurate, timely, and aligned with Zillow’s brand, business objectives and policy goals 
   

Build your subject matter expertise and drive cross-functional collaboration: 

• Become a subject matter expert in Zillow’s business, advocacy work and policy initiatives 

• Develop a deep understanding of our different stakeholder audiences and craft communications accordingly

• Develop processes, resources, playbooks and best practices for information sharing and ongoing (internal) stakeholder education 

• Partner closely with Government Relations and various internal teams including product marketing, investor relations, legal and compliance

• Act as a key leader in the development, assessment, and execution of external communications strategies to support public policy initiatives and business objectives

• Provide guidance and training for executives and cross-functional teams on communications and public affairs strategies through comprehensive briefing books and speaker training 
   

Position Zillow as a thought leader:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers to effectively communicate Zillow’s pro-consumer advocacy and public policy positions

• Support Zillow's engagement with policy makers, industry associations, community groups and participation in events through messaging and content development

• Engage with media on public affairs matters, providing clear and consistent messaging

Enhance Zillow’s reputation: 

• Develop and implement crisis communication strategies to protect and enhance Zillow’s reputation

• Coordinate messaging across legal, product, customer care, investor relations, and other key teams to ensure a unified response during high-stakes situations

  • Support Government Relations team with timely messaging and training in the event of a crisis

• Evaluate public policy initiatives for potential reputation risks or conflicts

• Work closely with the Government Relations and Legal teams to address regulatory and business needs.

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 $127,100.00 - $203,000.00 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

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of communications and public affairs experience in a senior role, ideally at a medium-large U.S. tech company; advanced degree a plus

• Experience working with federal, state and local government agencies and understanding of regulatory processes

• Proven expertise developing and executing strategic communications plans supporting public affairs, policy, and executive initiatives in fast-paced, regulated environments

• Business acumen and experience with public company reporting standards and disclosures 

• Deep knowledge of U.S. public policy issues affecting tech and housing; successful collaboration with federal, state, and local government agencies. Direct experience in tech, real estate or housing is considered an asset 

• Exceptional media relations and corporate spokesperson skills; experience working with a robust network of media on-record and on background, representing a business with policymakers and regulators, on-camera owned content and at conferences and events, and landing high-impact earned coverage that positively impacts company reputation 

• Strong cross-functional partnership and project management abilities with communications, government and community relations, legal and other business partners; able to drive consensus, lead complex initiatives, and deliver results in flexible/remote work settings

• Excels at developing relationships, sharing information, documenting work and driving results in a flexible/remote work environment

• Sharp eye for finding and shaping compelling narratives around policy positions, key company priorities, news cycles, housing policy, tech, and real estate narratives

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a portfolio spanning op-eds, speeches, press releases, social content, and familiarity with AP style

• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and adaptability; thrives managing multiple priorities, mentoring teammates, and operating effectively under pressure

• Willingness to travel up to 25% and occasionally work outside standard hours for business or crisis needs; proficient with key communications and AI tools

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.