Director, Steadfast LA

Steadfast LA is a private-sector initiative dedicated to rebuilding, strengthening, and advocating for the communities and individuals affected by the 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires. Operating at the intersection of real estate development, public policy, and community service, Steadfast LA brings together resources, relationships, and resolve to help fire victims navigate recovery, and to ensure that the Los Angeles region emerges from this disaster more resilient than before.

Currently, our work spans two primary projects: rebuilding the Palisades Park, and delivering modular homes through our partner, Samara. In addition to these two initiatives, we actively engage on various policy matters, including housing, insurance reform, permitting reform, and direct advocacy on behalf of displaced residents and families. This is mission-driven, high-stakes work that requires both strategic acuity and operational rigor.

We are seeking a Director, Steadfast LA to serve as an operating leader of the initiative; effectively the number two to the Managing Director. This is not a siloed or functional role. The Director will operate across every line of Steadfast LA's work: real estate development, government relations, community advocacy, policy engagement, and organizational operations.

The ideal candidate is a high-integrity, intellectually curious generalist who thrives in ambiguity, moves quickly, and brings sound judgment to complex, fast-moving situations. You may come from a legal background, a government or policy background, operations, real estate, or the non-profit sector - what matters most is your ability to learn rapidly, communicate clearly, and show up fully for the people and mission at hand.

This role is based in Los Angeles and will require regular presence in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and across the broader LA region.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Executive Support & Organizational Leadership

• Serve as the primary operating partner to the Managing Director, ensuring priorities are translated into execution across all workstreams
• Manage and coordinate the full portfolio of Steadfast LA initiatives, maintaining visibility into progress, risks, and opportunities across projects
• Build and maintain organizational systems, processes, and communications that allow the initiative to scale effectively
• Represent Steadfast LA in senior meetings, community forums, and government settings as appropriate

Real Estate - Palisades Park & Samara Homes

• Support day-to-day operations and strategic oversight of both projects, including coordination with architects, contractors, lenders, and regulatory agencies
• Track development processes, permitting milestones, and compliance requirements across projects
• Interface with fire victims and potential homeowners/participants with professionalism, sensitivity, and care

Policy & Government Relations

• Monitor, analyze, and synthesize relevant legislative, regulatory, and policy developments at the city, county, and state level affecting fire recovery, housing, permitting, and insurance
• Coordinate advocacy efforts, prepare briefing materials, and support engagement with elected officials, agency staff, and coalitions
• Identify opportunities to advance Steadfast LA's policy positions and engage effectively in relevant forums

Community Relations & Victim Advocacy

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for fire victims, displaced residents, and community members seeking guidance, resources, or connection to Steadfast LA programs
• Help organize and execute community events, town halls, and outreach efforts in partnership with local stakeholders
• Build relationships with advocacy organizations, neighborhood associations, and community leaders to amplify Steadfast LA's presence and mission
• Bring empathy, professionalism, and dedication to every interaction with individuals navigating one of the most difficult experiences of their lives

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7 years of experience in a demanding professional environment. This may include law, real estate, government, policy, consulting, operations, or the non-profit sector
• Demonstrated ability to manage across multiple workstreams with competing deadlines and evolving priorities
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; comfort preparing briefing materials, presentations, correspondence, and public-facing content
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to engage sensitively and effectively with individuals in distress
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to quickly absorb and synthesize complex information
• Genuine connection to Los Angeles and a commitment to the long-term recovery and resilience of the communities Steadfast LA serves
• J.D. or graduate degree in a relevant field is a plus but is not required
• Experience in real estate, housing policy, or community development is a plus but is not required

What We Offer

• The opportunity to do consequential work on one of the most pressing challenges facing Los Angeles
• A small, high-trust team with direct access to senior leadership and meaningful responsibility from day one
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
• The chance to be part of a mission that will leave a lasting mark on the communities we serve