Advocacy Manager
About The Position
The Advocacy Manager manages the Ali Forney Center’s City, State, and Federal discretionary funding portfolio for operational and capital needs. The role identifies, drafts, submits, and tracks funding applications, and builds and maintains the calendars, systems, and processes needed to keep submissions on schedule and audit-ready. In coordination with advocacy leadership, the role manages funding tools and portals, prepares application narratives and budgets, and coordinates contributions from Advocacy, Finance, Operations, Programs, contracted lobbyists, and Executive Leadership. After awards are made, the role coordinates the transition to registration, implementation, and reporting with the Director of Government Contracts and Compliance. The position also supports AFC’s broader advocacy agenda by coordinating coalitions, meetings, sign-on letters, and campaign logistics; preparing advocacy materials; tracking legislation and policy developments affecting LGBTQ+ youth homelessness; and representing AFC at advocacy events. The position is based in New York City and follows a hybrid schedule with regular on-site presence at AFC locations and travel between program sites, government offices, and external meetings as needed. The usual schedule is Monday through Friday, either 9 a.m.–5 p.m. or 10 a.m.–6 p.m., negotiable, with occasional evening and weekend hours based on organizational, programmatic, and funding needs.
Requirements
- Demonstrated past experience managing and submitting government discretionary funding applications; NYC and NYS experience is strongly preferred, including capital applications.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Strong project-management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple applications, deadlines, requirements, and competing priorities.
- Strong writing skills and comfort with government funding portals and compliance requirements.
- Strong familiarity with the New York City and New York State government funding landscape.
- Ability to navigate government portals and application submissions.
- Commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populations using cultural humility.
- Clear communication, professionalism, accountability, adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments.
Nice To Haves
- College degree; a bachelor’s or master’s degree is preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
- Hands-on experience with government contracting and reporting systems.
- Familiarity with PASSPort, HHS Accelerator, DYCD systems, CAPS, SFS, SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and HUD systems.
- Familiarity with LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and affirming services.
- Experience with NYC and NYS government discretionary funding, including capital applications.
Responsibilities
- Manage, draft, and submit City, State, and Federal discretionary funding applications for operational and capital needs.
- Assist with CapGrant submissions by writing narratives, gathering information, and collecting documents.
- Own the discretionary funding calendar and track opportunities, eligibility, and deadlines across City Council, Borough President, State, and Federal legislative and agency sources.
- Keep applications organized and reporting-ready, including portals, registrations, attachments, version control, prequalification, and MWBE documentation.
- Draft application narratives and budgets and coordinate input from advocacy leaders, contracted lobbyists, Finance, Operations, Programs, and Executive Leadership.
- Keep the Senior Director and Director of Advocacy on schedule and route materials for their strategic input and review.
- Coordinate post-award government communications with the Director of Government Contracts and Compliance to support award management and reporting.
- Coordinate coalitions, meetings, sign-on letters, and campaign logistics.
- Draft talking points, fact sheets, and advocacy communications for review.
- Track legislation and policy developments affecting LGBTQ+ youth homelessness.
- Maintain advocacy trackers and contact lists and follow up on outstanding items.
- Represent AFC at advocacy events.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with up to a 5% employer match, vested after five years.
- Generous paid time off, sick leave, personal leave, and 12 paid holidays.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Professional development opportunities.
- Mission-driven, inclusive workplace culture.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
High school or GED
