Director of Policy & Communications

Empire Justice Center•City of Albany, NY

4d•$113,978 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Empire Justice Center, a statewide legal services organization, is seeking a Director of Policy & Communications to lead its policy, government, and media relations efforts. This role involves providing internal and external leadership, advancing advocacy strategies, offering strategic input to coalitions and legislative campaigns, and focusing on systemic change and access to justice for marginalized communities, particularly outside of New York City. The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and involves developing and implementing a state policy agenda based on client work, working collaboratively with staff and external organizations. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement and is based in Albany, with travel required. The organization emphasizes work-life balance, teamwork, diversity, wellness, and personal/professional development.

Requirements

At least 7 years of policy and communications experience, including campaign development and coalition leadership.
A demonstrated history and commitment to achieving positive systemic change and expanding protections for low-income and marginalized persons through policy advocacy.
Proven supervisory and leadership skills in a policy/government relations/communications role.
Project management experience in assessing, identifying, and implementing programming based on the organization's needs.
Ability to shift priorities while working in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing objectives.
Effective decision-making skills that balance organizational and leadership objectives with employee needs.
Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to cultivate partnerships and to work with a diverse workforce.
An ability to work independently and create and develop programs and initiatives.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Extensive experience with NYS legislative and budget process, including engagement in legislative advocacy and campaign development and leadership.
Demonstrated excellence in utilizing the Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn and adapt to other applications quickly.
Must demonstrate strong communication skills, including proficiency in technology that facilitates the delivery of communication, documents, and other materials.
Practice effective time management and demonstrate an ability to meet deadlines.
Strong writing, presentation, and public communication skills.
Skilled in problem management.
Strong organizational skills.
Creative and strategic approach to problem solving.
Must demonstrate a high level of comfort and commitment to working with people from marginalized communities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in policy, communications, or other relevant field.
Experience with managing JCOPE reporting.
Experience working in social services, social justice, legal services, or other similar nonprofit environments.

Responsibilities

Lead policy, government, and media relations for Empire Justice Center.
Provide leadership internally and externally.
Advance Empire Justice Center’s policy advocacy, government relations, and media relations strategies and initiatives.
Provide strategic input in these areas to coalitions and legislative campaigns.
Keep Empire Justice Center focused on high-impact systemic change and access to justice for marginalized communities outside New York City.
Develop and implement a proactive state policy agenda based on Empire Justice Center’s client work.
Supervise and mentor the staff of the Policy and Communications Team.
Through policy advocacy, focus on high-impact systemic change and access to justice for marginalized communities outside New York City.
Work collaboratively with Empire Justice staff doing substantive policy work in seven practice groups to advance progressive policies benefiting low-income and marginalized communities.
Through budget advocacy, secure funding for Empire Justice programs individually and statewide.
Work collaboratively with Empire Justice Center development staff on government funding initiatives.
Develop robust government relations strategies with the legislature and the Executive Chamber and ensure continued presence in Albany governmental institutions.
Oversee policy and government relations at all levels: federal, state, county, and municipal.
Work extensively with other legal and social services providers and coalitions to advocate for systemic change benefiting low-income communities and expansion of state funding for client legal services.
Work with the Chief Legal Officer or their designee to ensure compliance with all state and federal lobbying rules and regulations and all necessary reporting requirements.
Provide leadership and oversight, mentoring in media relations and communications, working with the Communications and Public Relations Manager.
Occasionally serve as the spokesperson for Empire Justice Center, including testifying at hearings, speaking with the press, at events, and conferences.
Monitor developments in New York and federal law relating to subjects that impact low income New Yorkers to enhance Empire Justice Center’s policy positions and agenda.
Provide vision and leadership and review communications addressing policy matters issued by Empire Justice Center, including monthly newsletters.
Develop strategies for promoting and publicizing Empire Justice Center’s achievements and initiatives via marketing platforms.
Assist in preparing staff for testimonies before the New York State Legislature and attend Legislature hearings.
Develop the annual legislative policy agenda for Empire Justice Center.
Develop and implement strategies and opportunities for written and oral communications concerning Empire Justice Center’s policy agenda.
Work closely with the assigned supervisor and participate in regular supervision meetings, including work plan development, and grant deliverable management.
Perform administrative and other support related duties to serve clients and fulfill the mission as a non-profit legal services organization.
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor and/or to meet the organization’s needs.