Director, Advocacy & Policy

United Way of New York City•New York, NY

7d•$80,874 - $101,971•Hybrid

About The Position

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) works with community partners to address urgent needs and develop long-term solutions that advance health, opportunity, and prosperity for New Yorkers. Its Advocacy and Government Relations work uses a place-based approach, partnering with community organizations, government partners, and policymakers to advance policies and public investments grounded in local knowledge, community priorities, and lived experience. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Advocacy and Policy, the Director manages implementation of assigned policy, advocacy, research, and government relations initiatives under the AVP’s strategic direction. The Director conducts policy analysis, develops recommendations for review, coordinates advocacy activities, and maintains relationships with government officials, coalitions, and community partners. The role translates research and community insights into policy materials and actionable recommendations supporting UWNYC’s approved legislative and budget priorities. It collaborates across departments, manages project work plans, and represents UWNYC at designated meetings and forums to advance equitable outcomes for New Yorkers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations, or legislative affairs.
Working knowledge of New York City and New York State legislative and budget processes, with familiarity with federal policy processes.
Ability to analyze legislation, budgets, and policy issues and communicate their implications clearly.
Strong research, writing, presentation, and project management skills.
Experience coordinating advocacy initiatives, participating in coalitions, and maintaining external partnerships.
Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate across departments.
Commitment to equity and advocacy informed by community priorities and lived experiences.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, or a related field.
Experience supervising staff or coordinating the work of project teams.

Responsibilities

Implement assigned city, state, and federal policy and advocacy initiatives in alignment with priorities established by the AVP and organizational leadership.
Monitor legislation, budgets, and regulations and assess potential implications for UWNYC programs and the communities it serves.
Develop policy recommendations and draft organizational positions for review and approval.
Maintain working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and coalition partners.
Coordinate legislative meetings, lobby days, and related advocacy activities, including preparation, logistics, and follow-up.
Represent UWNYC in designated meetings and communicate approved organizational positions.
Conduct policy research and legislative analysis related to UWNYC’s advocacy priorities.
Draft policy briefs, testimony, reports, memos, talking points, and advocacy materials for review.
Incorporate community perspectives, program insights, and relevant data into policy recommendations.
Collaborate with program and data colleagues to assess policy impacts and track progress toward advocacy objectives.
Prepare timely summaries of policy developments and emerging issues for the AVP and internal stakeholders.
Manage day-to-day implementation of assigned advocacy campaigns and coalition activities.
Build and maintain relationships with nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and community partners.
Coordinate partner participation around shared, approved policy priorities.
Organize advocacy events, training, stakeholder meetings, and public forums.
Track campaign activities, partner engagement, and outcomes; recommend adjustments to improve effectiveness.
Collaborate with Community Impact teams and other internal departments to connect advocacy activities with program priorities and community needs.
Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop accurate, accessible messaging reflecting approved policy positions.
Contribute policy content to grant proposals, funder reports, external communications, and executive briefings.
Manage assigned work plans, timelines, and deliverables; provide progress updates and elevate issues requiring AVP guidance or approval.
Supervise assigned staff and interns, as applicable, including setting expectations, reviewing work, and supporting professional development.
Assume other responsibilities as assigned to meet business and operational needs.