FYSA Policy and Advocacy Associate

Children's Aid Job Listing•New York, NY

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Policy & Advocacy Associate provides strategic, operational, and administrative support to the Fostering Youth Success Alliance (FYSA), advancing statewide policy and advocacy efforts that improve outcomes for current and former foster youth across New York State. Working collaboratively with advocates, service providers, government partners, and young people with lived experience, this role helps coordinate coalition activities, manage day-to-day operations, support policy initiatives, and facilitate communications that strengthen FYSA's collective impact. The Policy & Advocacy Associate supports the planning and execution of advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement, meetings and convenings, research activities, and special projects while ensuring effective coordination across a diverse statewide network. The ideal candidate is an organized, proactive professional with strong project management, communication, and relationship-building skills who is committed to advancing equity and systems change for youth and young adults impacted by foster care. Reporting to the Director of the Fostering Youth Success Alliance, this role is accountable for coalition operations, policy and advocacy support, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and administrative excellence in alignment with the mission, values, and strategic priorities of Children's Aid.

Requirements

High-School Diploma and 4 years of relevant experience in policy and advocacy role(s) required.
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
Excellent attention to detail, creative and the initiative to solve or anticipate problems.
Experience working with youth and families on advocacy-related issues.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to travel occasionally to Washington DC and Albany is required.
A passion for and commitment to mission-based work and social change, especially around youth with a foster care background.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree and one year of relevant experience preferred.
Lived experience in foster care and/or experience working with youth in foster care preferred.

Responsibilities

Track and report on key hearings, policy developments, and advocacy opportunities within child welfare and related policy areas that impact youth with a foster care background and transition age youth.
Develop subject matter expertise in assigned issue areas to inform internal and external strategy.
Lead select coalition activities (i.e., letter writing, email campaigns, social media campaigns etc.) and manage communications with external partners and youth advocates.
Coordinate logistics and provide support for youth-focused events, including forums and shadow days.
Support legislative and advocacy efforts by coordinating logistics, ensuring alignment among youth, partners, and staff, and assisting with participant recruitment for lobby days and related events.
Develop materials that will aid in educating and mobilizing youth and partners on FYSA issue areas and resources.
Co-develop and co-deliver legislative, advocacy, and social media trainings for youth, families, and staff.
Support government relations operations by maintaining database of contacts, and monitoring pertinent committee hearings at the city, state, and federal levels.
Provide administrative, technical, and clerical support to the Office of Public Policy team including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and facilitating internal meetings.
Maintain all FYSA online communications, including website, social media, and advocacy alerts.
Produce monthly communication to the alliance steering committee and working groups.
Conduct weekly check-ins with our Youth Advocate Cohort.
Perform other duties as assigned.