Federal Policy Associate / Specialist

YOUTH VILLAGES, INC.•Washington, DC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Youth Villages is hiring a leader to serve as a key member of the federal policy team, monitoring federal policy developments of relevance to the organization, representing the organization in internal and external meetings and at events, and helping to inform and advance the organization’s policy priorities. We are looking for someone with deep knowledge of Capitol Hill, the Administration, and federal public policy to drive our ambitious child welfare and mental health advocacy agenda forward. This role involves fostering and nurturing relationships, strengthening partner and community networks, and supporting stakeholders’ efforts and initiatives. The federal policy role will be a central member of the policy team and reports to the Director of Federal Policy.

Requirements

Comfortable meeting with Congressional staff independently
Demonstrated ability to write persuasively and concisely to varying audiences
Demonstrated ability to analyze federal policy, evaluate policy recommendations, and draft policy language.
Superior interpersonal skills
Superior presentation and public speaking skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with a variety of audiences across a variety of platforms and mediums
Ability to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information
Work effectively both individually and as part of a small team
Demonstrated ability as a national subject matter expert to build and maintain relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external partners and stakeholders
Bachelor's degree (required)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (specifically Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, and Outlook)

Nice To Haves

Experience or interest in coalition and stakeholder engagement
Master's degree (preferred)
Specific degrees and coursework in social work, business, public administration, health, public policy, or a related field (preferred)
Knowledge of issues related to child welfare and transition-age youth (strongly preferred)
Personal experience with foster care, child welfare, or child protective services (strongly preferred)
Experience with the federal legislative and political process, and a demonstrated ability to analyze federal funding levels and implications (preferred)

Responsibilities

Meets directly with staff in Congress, federal agencies, and the White House to advance specific legislative and regulatory priorities
Builds relationships with policymakers to understand priorities and promote alignment with our agenda
Stays abreast of current political developments to identify policy windows for action
Represents Youth Villages at policy and advocacy events that advance the organization as a leader and advisor in family and well-being policy
Sets up opportunities for Youth Villages to engage in key events, such as Congressional hearings or closed-door meetings
Establishes opportunities to disseminate policy thought leadership
Maintains strong relationships with child welfare and mental health partners
Forges new relationships with organizations that could collaborate on shared policy priorities
Participates in coalitions that elevate the role of Youth Villages
Manages policy strategy and otherwise improve efficiency
Integrates new proposed policies, windows for action, recent related news, and coalition opportunities into planning considerations
Prepares briefing materials for internal and external meetings
Handles the administration related to the role, such as lobbying reporting
Tracks and ensures completion of additional tasks, as needed