Associate Director of Policy

Associate Director of Policy

Full-time, Hybrid in Washington, D.C.

$70,000 - $90,000 per year.

About the National Youth Employment Coalition

NYEC (National Youth Employment Coalition) is a national membership network representing hundreds of workforce-development organizations and tens of thousands direct service professionals and young people. NYEC’s membership is primarily composed of direct-service organizations, and includes workforce development boards and other intermediaries, research organizations, and national nonprofits. NYEC works to improve the effectiveness of all organizations that serve young people aged 14-26 who are out of school and out of work, or opportunity youth (OY). NYEC sets and promotes quality standards; tracks, crafts, and influences policy; provides and supports professional development; and builds the capacity of organizations and programs. For 46 years, NYEC has been central to the youth workforce system as a convener, policy and advocacy lead, training and technical assistance provider, and builder of youth leadership nationally. As a membership organization, we track and shape changing practices within our industry, and employers in the industry.

Summary

The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) seeks a driven individual for an Associate Director of Policy position. This is a full-time hybrid position, with 2 days a week in NYEC’s Washington, DC office. The ideal applicant will be a curious and creative advocate for marginalized young adults, with experience doing the day-to-day work of federal and/or state government relations.

With support and guidance from the Senior Advisor for Federal Policy, the Associate Director for Policy will lead NYEC’s state policy research efforts, support and lead NYEC’s federal policy engagement with Capitol Hill and its network, represent NYEC in coalition settings, and lead policy-related communication deliverables, such as NYEC’s weekly policy update, monthly newsletter, and network activation materials. The Associate Director will be expected to attend and participate in in-person events like NYEC’s Annual Forum and DC Summit, as well as online formats like virtual webinars.

Responsibilities

• Lead NYEC’s state policy research efforts and related projects.
• Help drive the implementation of NYEC’s policy agenda, primarily focused on federal efforts with support to state and local efforts.
• Facilitate focus groups with direct-service practitioners, state and local leaders, and young people around the policies that shape how they deliver youth workforce development services.
• Develop and contribute to a range of advocacy and communications materials, including policy priority plans, weekly policy updates, NYEC’s monthly newsletter, toolkits, blog posts, talking points, visualizations, and reports.
• Track relevant policy topics, including workforce development, education, juvenile justice, homelessness, and national service.
• Support NYEC’s contribution to and leadership of coalitions and steering committees.
• Support efforts to collect and evaluate the effectiveness of the NYEC advocacy efforts.
• Contribute to grant proposals and reports to funders.
• Staff NYEC’s Policy Committee, composed of practitioners and young people drawn from NYEC’s membership.
• Facilitate advocacy related workshops and provide related content within NYEC’s convenings and workshop series.
• Support NYEC’s in-person events (Annual Forum and DC Summit).

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in federal and/or state government relations or other related experiences (including internships).
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Familiarity with the federal legislative process.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Can travel as needed.
• (Preferred) Knowledge and experience with youth workforce development, youth ecosystems, juvenile justice systems, opportunity youth and other NYEC priorities.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $70,000 - $90,000 per year.

NYEC offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance coverage; a generous 403(b) retirement plan; and five weeks of combined vacation time and sick leave.

Working Environment

The Associate Director of Policy is a full-time, hybrid position. NYEC values a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all to employees and applicants for employment and prohibits unlawful discrimination and unlawful harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability status, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other protected classes or categories as defined by federal, state or local laws.

NYEC offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance coverage; a generous 403(b) retirement plan; and five weeks of combined vacation time and sick leave.