Senior Policy & Corporate Communications Manager

About the team

Zillow 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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