Position Summary:
As United Way Worldwide (UWW) seeks to more deeply support the United Way Network’s policy engagements at the state and local levels across the U.S., the UWW Policy team seeks to hire a Director of State Policy and Advocacy that will support the coordination of the network’s policy and advocacy efforts at the state and local levels to bolster United Way’s impact across the pillars of advancing healthy communities, youth opportunity, economic mobility and community resiliency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POSITION
The Director of State Policy and Advocacy will work with the Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy to support tactical trainings for United Way leaders across the country; coordinate across United Way state associations and local United Ways on their advocacy initiatives; develop how-to guides and resources; support capacity building efforts such as policy-based Communities of Practice on specific policy topics; provide support for elected official engagement; participate in virtual conferences and fly-ins for local United Way staff and board members; and manage external partnerships with coalitions and advocacy organizations. Additionally, the Director will manage state policy team operations and internal resource infrastructure, while identifying and operationalizing best practices and learnings from peer organizations. They will accomplish these endeavors by focusing on:
- Supporting the implementation of the vision for United Way Worldwide’s support of state policy engagement, including equipping state and local United Ways to pursue policy change aligned with United Way Worldwide’s Policy Priorities, consisting of: state-specific advocacy campaigns, strategic relationship building with elected officials, engagement on state-specific legislation, coalition mobilization, communities of practice, public events, and more.
- Leading the creation of team tools to best manage and operationalize policy tools (Fiscal Note, Voter Voice, and more) for use by local United Ways in their policy and advocacy efforts.
- Establishing strong systems and two-way communications channels to equip and educate local United Ways to effectively engage in advocacy on issues impacting their communities.
- Organizing, supporting, participating in, and conducting policy trainings, webinars, and conferences to build the capacity of the United Way U.S. network, including:
- State Capitol Hill Days and local policy Days of Action
- Trainings for local United Ways
- the United Way Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day (in Washington, DC)
- Cultivating relationships with national and local advocacy partners – including other national nonprofits, state policy coalitions, bodies of state and local elected officials, and more – to identify best practices and find synergies and alignment with UWW policy and advocacy priorities.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- At least five years of advanced-level experience in a similar role.
- Familiarity with the United Way network and federal policy landscape is strongly preferred.
- The role also requires: advanced public policy knowledge, skills and abilities; excellent verbal and written communication skills; an ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, build relationships, and work collaboratively; and excellent project management and Microsoft Office Suite skills.
- Some travel may be required.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE
United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.
United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws.
