Director of Policy & Advocacy

Woodstock Institute•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Woodstock Institute is a leading nonprofit research and policy organization that works to create a safe and equitable financial system, especially for lower-income people and communities of color. Woodstock partners with community and philanthropic groups, financial institutions, and policymakers to effect change at national, state, and local levels. As a leading consumer advocacy organization, Woodstock builds bridges between key policymakers and affected consumers in low- and moderate-income areas and communities of color. The Director of Policy and Advocacy (“Director”) reports to the President and Chief Executive Officer and leads Woodstock’s policy advocacy and government relations work at the local, state, and national levels. The Director supervises the Advocacy Associate and collaborates with the Director of Applied Research in helping to set the organization’s research agenda and develops and disseminates the organization’s policy positions. Recognizing that successful advocacy can depend on effective communication, the Director assists with the development and implementation of communications plans. Travel to Springfield, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. is necessary. The amount of travel depends on several factors – two of these being the extent to which Woodstock’s policy priorities are “at play” and the extent to which “boots-on-the-ground” are available. The Director leads Woodstock’s state and national coalition work, builds and manages relationships with colleague organizations, and assists with fundraising. This is a full-time position located in Chicago with a competitive salary, professional development, and generous benefits including an employer-sponsored matched retirement program. A major element of the role is writing, and thus, exemplary writing skills are essential. Past directors have drafted research reports, OpEds, letters to the editor, speeches, articles, testimony, and fact sheets. The Director is expected to uphold Woodstock’s reputation for work product of the highest quality. Other essential qualities for the role include strong interpersonal communication skills, solid writing, and excellent project management skills. Also needed are the ability to translate complex ideas and to thrive as part of a small team.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, economics, or related field, and at least five years’ experience in policy advocacy, government relations, and state or national coalitions, including drafting comments on proposed rules and legislation and providing testimony and public presentations.
Familiarity with financial justice issues, such as high-cost lending and consumer protection; access to safe and affordable personal and small business credit and basic accounts; student loan debt and access to quality higher education; barriers to jobs and worker economic security; fair and affordable housing and home ownership; the Community Reinvestment Act; the Dodd-Frank Act; retirement savings, child savings accounts, and other avenues for asset building; and closing the wealth gap for marginalized populations.
Ability to work effectively and independently under the pressure of multiple tight deadlines and budgetary constraints
Collaborative mindset and creativity to leverage new opportunities and moments of uncertainty to achieve progress
Excellent written and spoken English language communications skills, very detail-oriented
Strong commitment to economic and social justice issues, as evidenced by previous professional and/or personal work
Ambitious, self-motivated, and able to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced, “campaign-like” environment

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or law degree preferred.
Foreign language skills, Spanish ability a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead policy/advocacy initiatives at the local, state, and national levels, including trips to Springfield, IL, and Washington, D.C.
Coordinate, facilitate and participate in lobbying meetings with local, state, and federal elected officials
Participate in regulatory rulemaking process, including drafting and submitting comment letters
Draft fact sheets and policy briefs, analyze policy proposals, and track local, state, and federal legislation relevant to Woodstock’s priorities
Conduct or assist research team with data analysis; develop policy recommendations for research reports
Build and strengthen relationships with community organizations, coalition partners, and policymakers
Write blogs, newsletter articles, and press releases; assist with media relations and conduct interviews with media; contribute to Woodstock’s social media presence
Assist with developing and maintaining relationships with funders and donors
Work with board and staff to implement the organization’s strategic plan
Build, organize and convene coalitions to advance the policy agenda
Represent Woodstock Institute in partner organizations’ coalitions
Directs planning, publicizing, presenting at, and/or logistics for policy-related events and briefings
Conduct presentations at meetings and conferences
Event fundraising; help increase turnout and ensure a successful event
On a limited basis, write and submit grant proposals and reports
Especially when the Illinois General Assembly is in Session, the Director will attend work-related events outside regular work hours in evenings and on some weekends.