Director, Public Policy

About the teamZillow’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

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Director of Public Policy to join our team. This role will be responsible for developing and implementing policies that align with our organization's mission and vision while ensuring smooth operations. Specifically, the Director will develop Zillow’s public policy strategies to enable, build, and deliver a modern, integrated rentals, real estate, and financial services experience for consumers. The position will direct policy analysis (legislation, regulations, guidance, and stakeholder priorities), assess business impact, and determine policy priorities, working alongside advocacy and public affairs peers.

The role will interact with internal and external stakeholders to analyze the impact of policies, develop Zillow’s policy positions and external messaging, and inform business planning and strategies related to current and evolving policy issues. The position serves as an internal subject matter expert on policy issues. Externally, this position engages and manages relationships with critical external stakeholders, including regulatory and industry organizations. This position will report to the VP of Government and Community Relations and have four direct reports.

The responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to the following:

• Policy Development and Implementation: Develop and implement effective public policy strategies that align with the organization's goals. Monitor policy landscape and propose proactive strategies. 
• Cross-Functional Engagement: Lead conversations with other teams across the business– including (but not limited to) legal, compliance and product – to drive internal alignment to analyze legislative, regulatory, and stakeholder policy proposals, priorities, and dynamics to assess business impact and develop policy recommendations.
• Operations Management: Translate strategic goals into operational plans. Partner with advocacy and public affairs teams to determine engagement priorities, develop external messaging, and inform internal stakeholders on policy priorities.
   

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, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington state, and Washington DC the standard base pay range for this role is $201,000.00 - $321,000.00 annually. This base pay range is specific to these locations and may not be applicable to other locations. In Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont the standard base pay range for this role is $191,000.00 - $305,000.00 annually. The base pay range is specific to these locations 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. Employees in this role will not be paid below the salary threshold for exempt employees in the state where they reside.

Who you are

We’re looking for an experienced and autonomous leader who will seek out special projects, find innovative ways to address product and policy priorities, as well as lead a team that serves as the backbone to the GR org.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business Administration, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in public policy and operations, with at least 5 years in a people leadership role.

• Strong understanding of policy development, operations management, and strategic planning.

• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.

• Strong written and oral communication and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Get to know us

At Zillow, we’re reimagining how people move—through the real estate market and through their careers. As the most-visited real estate platform in the U.S., we help customers navigate buying, selling, financing and renting with greater ease and confidence. Whether you're working in tech, sales, operations, or design, you’ll be part of a company that's reshaping an industry and helping more people make home a reality.

Zillow is honored to be recognized among the best workplaces in the country. Zillow was named one of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2025, and included on the PEOPLE Companies That Care® 2025 list, reflecting our commitment to creating an innovative, inclusive, and engaging culture where employees are empowered to grow.

No matter where you sit in the organization, your work will help drive innovation, support our customers, and move the industry—and your career—forward, together.

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.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.