Director of Policy & Advocacy

ABOUT FPWA

Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity. FPWA engages in research and analysis-driven policymaking and advocacy; program and practice testing to inform policy change; strengthening capacity to build more effective and responsive organizations; and, raising awareness, educating and mobilizing on the issues and policies that most impede economic security and well-being.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Policy & Advocacy leads the development, coordination and management of FPWA's policy and advocacy work. The Director will work closely with the Director of Research and Evaluation to ensure that FPWA’s research is in the service policy and that the policy and advocacy work is informed by research. Additionally, the Director works closely with FPWA’s Membership and External Relations Team and with several strategic stakeholders to influence legislative and budget outcomes to positively impact New Yorkers with low income and the health and human services organizations that serve them.

The successful candidate will be a creative, solutions-oriented leader who can translate complex ideas into actionable policy solutions implementable at the city and state level and is able to build consensus to move policy solutions forward.

This role reports to the Chief of Policy, Advocacy, and Research, and will be an integral part of furthering FPWA’s mission to dismantle the structural and systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and implement policies that support economic security for all by developing and leading a robust policy agenda.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and supervise a high-impact policy team; define objectives and processes and to help inform the organization’s strategic planning and direction
• Develop, oversee, and coach senior PAR staff in the design, development, execution, and delivery of timely work that furthers the team’s objectives and goals
• Influence and partner with senior leaders to define city, state, and national policy strategy aligned with FPWA’s strategic direction and theory of change
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with officials and staff at the New York City Council, Office of the Mayor, and City agencies, as well as with New York State legislators, committees, and executive offices, in order to align FPWA advocacy with government priorities and funding cycles.
• Develop and support internal capacity to conduct independent research and policy analysis (including budget and legislative)
• Remain informed and responsive in strategy and communication to policy developments that impact the human services sector and present opportunities for FPWA to take a leadership position
• Measure the effectiveness of policy work and initiatives; define and lead change to meet objectives
• Work in partnership with FPWA External Affairs team in coordinating the work of external partners (lobbying firms, consultants, etc.) to ensure that priority positions and targeted local, state and national advocacy outcomes are effectively achieved
• Collaborate and coordinate across the Policy and Research department and broader organization to ensure policy and advocacy priorities align with FPWA’s strategic direction and the needs of FPWA's membership network of nearly 170 human services and faith-based organizations and sector at large
• Effectively partner across all organizational departments to enable and facilitate FPWA’s positioning across its core areas of focus and increase engagement of stakeholders through the strategic use of diverse media platforms
• Serve as ambassador of FPWA’s mission and policy and advocacy priorities; develop and maintain relationships across constituents (faith-based, Board of Directors, staff, legislative, etc.)
• Raise FPWA profile and visibility as a leader in developing and advancing anti-poverty policy solutions through communications, relationship building, and other advocacy strategies including campaigns for achieving legislative, budgetary, and other policy goals
• Diversify, expand, and promote the department's research and policy products to influence a broad base of policymakers, elected officials, community members, and other stakeholders

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in public policy at a government agency or legislative body
• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in successfully building and managing a high performing team
• Graduate degree in policy, public administration, law, social work, divinity or related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• Relevant experience designing policy for implementation
• Relevant experience writing policy and related advocacy materials
• Experience with New York City and State legislative and budget processes
• Experience in intergovernmental affairs, municipal advocacy, or advising elected officials at the city or state level strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with and influencing New York City Council, NYC agencies, and State legislative processes, with a track record of securing policy or budget outcomes for low-income communities.
• Experience with navigating, securing and managing discretionary funding cycles preferred
• Strong, proactive project management skills with solid experience managing and coordinating research projects and policy analysis, developing policy agendas, building and managing coalitions, and supervising high-impact advocacy campaigns
• Deep commitment to social justice, policy advocacy and research, with an understanding of the needs of the communities that FPWA serves and a track-record of high-level impact on policy issues in the human services field and on economic equity concerns
• Skilled relationship manager to secure partnerships with internal and external stakeholders in undertaking common goals to build campaigns and coalitions to impact advocacy at the local, state and national levels
• Critical thinker, flexible, and visionary

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position manages senior team members and is responsible for coaching, teambuilding, and performance management. Consultant and intern supervision may also be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Salary range: $95,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum, commensurate with experience.
• Excellent Benefit Package including medical, dental, vision, life, 403(b) with match and more.
• Ample Vacation Time: Four weeks of paid vacation accumulated during the year plus 12 company holidays.
• Professional Development: Resources committed to bolster professional and personal growth.
• Modern & Flexible Work Environment: Our staff work out of a beautifully designed open workspace with flexible and tech-equipped meeting spaces to support different workstyles, promote team building and collaboration.

TO APPLY: PLEASE SUBMIT A COVER LETTER and RESUME via BambooHR.

No phone calls or other inquiries please.

FPWA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

FPWA is committed to employing people who reflect the diversity of our member agencies and the communities and people they serve. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Salary range: $95,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum, commensurate with experience.
• Excellent Benefit Package including medical, dental, vision, life, 403(b) with match and more.
• Ample Vacation Time: Four weeks of paid vacation accumulated during the year plus 12 company holidays.
• Professional Development: Resources committed to bolster professional and personal growth.
• Modern & Flexible Work Environment: Our staff work out of a beautifully designed open workspace with flexible and tech-equipped meeting spaces to support different workstyles, promote team building and collaboration.