Policy Advocacy Manager

Chicago Jobs Council•Chicago, IL

6d•$59,000 - $65,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Policy Advocacy Manager is a full-time position that leads CJC’s efforts to advance equitable workforce policies through advocacy, coalition-building, and strategic partnerships. This role is responsible for developing and executing advocacy strategies that influence local, state, and federal policy decisions impacting workforce development and economic justice.

Requirements

Strong commitment to the Jobs Council’s mission, vision, and racial equity
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills across diverse groups
Consensus-building and project management skills to drive progress
Self-starter with strong initiative and alignment with organizational priorities
Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement
Collaborative team player with adaptability and respect for all contributions
Willingness to handle all project tasks, big or small
Ability to travel to Springfield during legislative sessions
Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills
Clear, concise, and persuasive communication (written, verbal, listening)
Detail-oriented with excellent follow-through and strategic thinking
Creative problem-solving and critical analysis abilities
Ability to interpret complex information for diverse audiences
Collaborative mindset with openness to support and feedback
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, G-Suite, and web-based tools
Ability to monitor emerging trends and adapt strategies
Willingness to travel throughout the state, especially to Springfield during legislative sessions
At least 5 years of work experience in policy at the local, state, or federal level strongly preferred
Knowledge of the political and policy landscape in Illinois, or similar experience in another state or local policymaking context
Strong Level of Knowledge on the State and Federal Level, with familiarity in how it affects Workforce Development.
Experience and ease in communicating with high-level policy makers, including those in the legislative and executive branches, opinion leaders, and their staff; experienced advocate on the ground in Springfield preferred
Demonstrated ability to analyze public policy proposals, including the drafting of legislation and regulatory language
Experience working with directly impacted people and communities, frontline services providers, and other diverse stakeholders
Minimum post-secondary credential

Nice To Haves

Degrees or certifications related to policy, political science, economics, or other social sciences preferred

Responsibilities

Policy Monitoring & Response: Track, analyze, and respond to local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory proposals related to employment, workforce development, and public safety net policies.
Legislative Advocacy: Lead the Jobs Council’s state and federal legislative advocacy efforts, including regular travel to Springfield during legislative sessions and occasional national travel as needed.
Policy Expertise & Advising: Build and maintain subject-matter expertise on workforce issues impacting people facing systemic barriers to employment, serving as a resource internally and externally.
Coalition Management: Convene, facilitate, and manage advocacy coalitions, ensuring effective collaboration and progress on shared goals; represent the Jobs Council in partner coalitions as needed.
Strategic Communications: Collaborate with the Director of Policy to develop messaging and materials that support advocacy goals, educate the workforce field, and inform stakeholders of policy efforts and outcomes.
Stakeholder Engagement: Design and implement engagement opportunities for workforce development organizations and job seekers to advance the Jobs Council’s policy agenda and systems change efforts.
Policy Development & Planning: Collaborate with staff and partners to shape the Jobs Council’s policy platform, set annual priorities, and develop advocacy work plans.
Project & Grant Management: Manage contracts, consultants, and grant reporting; prepare written materials and represent the organization in external meetings as needed.
Other Duties As Assigned