Senior Policy Manager or Policy Director

Association of University Centers on Disabilities•Washington, DC

2d•$100 - $130•Hybrid

About The Position

AUCD, a national disability nonprofit organization, is hiring a Senior Policy Manager or Policy Director, with the level based on experience. As a member of the senior leadership team, this person will help formulate and implement AUCD's internal and external partnerships, with a focus on legislative and federal advocacy priorities and strategies, sponsoring relationships, and effective external communication. The role works closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Public Policy Committee to educate the AUCD network and diverse stakeholders about the network's work, mission, and priorities. The position analyzes the impact of federal and state legislation and regulatory changes on member centers, people with disabilities, and their families. It builds working relationships with Members of Congress and their staff, federal agencies, AUCD network members, the disability community, and corporate partners; prepares Congressional testimony; and communicates AUCD's positions through strategic channels. The role also works with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational goals and pursue funding for policy initiatives. The position is based in the Washington, DC metro area under AUCD's hybrid structure. Employees based in Washington, DC are expected to work in the office one to three days per week and remotely on the other days. Regular in-person meetings on Capitol Hill or at other policy meetings, as well as local and national travel, are required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social science, education, administration, public policy, law, or a related field.
For the Senior Policy Manager level: at least five years of progressive, related experience in public policy, law, or legislative advocacy related to disability issues, and at least two years managing direct reports or project teams.
For the Policy Director level: at least eight years of progressive, related experience in public policy, law, or legislative advocacy related to disability issues, and at least five years managing direct reports or project teams and leading policy strategy.
Track record of working with people with disabilities, including people with intellectual disabilities, and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
In-depth knowledge of federal legislative and executive regulatory processes, particularly federal budget and appropriations mechanisms.
Expertise in bipartisan advocacy across disability policy, health, education, employment, and social services.
Ability to translate complex policy into plain-language materials for diverse audiences.
Ability to think strategically, assess emerging opportunities or threats, and formulate proactive responses.
Strong written, verbal, organizational, and time-management skills.
Attention to detail and project management skills.
Commitment to AUCD's mission, accessibility, and inclusion.
Ability to be based in the Washington, DC metro area and attend in-person Capitol Hill or other policy meetings regularly.
Ability to engage in required local and national travel.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or Juris Doctor (JD).
Direct experience working in the U.S. Congress, U.S. administration, or state government.
Direct experience working with children and adults with disabilities and their families.
Familiarity with the capacity and national structure of UCEDDs, LENDs, and IDDRCs, as well as higher education settings.
Deep knowledge of federal funding agencies such as ACL, HRSA, NIH, and CDC.
Established network within national disability, health, and education coalitions.
Experience and understanding of higher education settings.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute policy and governmental relations strategy, ensuring the perspectives of people with lived experience are represented across advocacy platforms.
Represent AUCD on Capitol Hill, within the national disability community, and with corporate and agency partners.
Develop and nurture relationships with network members across UCEDDs, LENDs, and IDDRCs.
Communicate policy positions through briefing papers, Congressional testimony, AUCD publications, online platforms, and internal and external briefings.
Identify, monitor, and analyze relevant legislative and regulatory trends.
Partner with internal team leaders to embed policy education across funded project areas and member center communication strategies.
Serve as lead staff liaison to the Public Policy Committee or other network groups and provide regular policy-development reports to the Board of Directors.
Pursue unrestricted funding sources and grant opportunities to strengthen the organizational budget and support policy activities.
Mentor and direct policy staff, project teams, and emerging leaders within and outside the AUCD network.
Supervise the Senior Advocacy Specialist, including assigning and coordinating work, conducting performance evaluations, recommending personnel decisions, and enforcing organizational policies.
Travel locally and nationally as required to perform essential functions and represent the association.