Public Policy Coordinator

Communities Unlimited, Inc.•Fayetteville, AR

4d•$48,000 - $50,000•Remote

About The Position

The Public Policy Coordinator leads legislative and programmatic advocacy on issues affecting rural and Indigenous communities across Communities Unlimited’s seven-state region, providing analysis, recommendations, and advocacy for legislative and regulatory changes. The role represents Communities Unlimited in national advocacy coalitions, develops policy communications and campaigns in collaboration with the Communications Team, and supports organizational advocacy priorities. Additionally, the position provides policy, partner, and administrative support to the CEO and senior leadership team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science or similar field and 3 years of work experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, advocacy, or similar field.
Ability to travel 10%-15%, with some travel being in concentrated periods of time.
Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and geographies, engage policymakers and stakeholders, deliver presentations and public speaking, and communicate effectively with technical and public audiences.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex policy and impact data, develop recommendations, manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently, demonstrate initiative and diplomacy, and provide confidential support to senior leadership.
Must maintain a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation, an acceptable driving record, and at least the state minimum personal liability auto insurance coverage.
Must be authorized to work in the USA.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in public policy, political science, or similar field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead Communities Unlimited’s public policy and advocacy strategy by developing the organization’s policy agenda, priorities, workplans, and budgets in collaboration with the CEO and senior leadership.
Represent Communities Unlimited with national, state, and federal partners by participating in advocacy coalitions, developing relationships with legislators and government staff across the organization’s seven-state footprint, and advancing organizational policy priorities.
Coordinate legislative and advocacy initiatives including Congressional Fly-Ins, legislative committee communications, hearings, agency roundtables, and other external engagements, ensuring effective preparation, follow-up, and action-item tracking.
Collaborate across Communities Unlimited to advance policy priorities by leveraging programmatic expertise and impact data and partnering with Communications to develop campaigns, materials, and messaging that elevate the organization’s policy initiatives.
Strengthen Communities Unlimited’s external presence and thought leadership by cultivating strategic stakeholder relationships, identifying speaking and engagement opportunities, supporting senior leaders in external affairs, and securing resources to sustain the organization’s policy and advocacy efforts.