Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy

The Deputy Director of Policy and Advocacy will lead the department’s city policy and systems advocacy work. The Deputy Director will also play a critical role in supporting the department’s work across all levels of policy and systems advocacy work, including at the county and state levels through the creation of memos, supportive materials and external outreach and organizing opportunities. Community partner engagement and collaboration are key aspects of this position, to engage in advocacy on The Network’s initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy and Policy Development – 65%

• In coordination with the Department Director and Vice President of Policy and Impact, lead and execute on the department’s annual city of Chicago budget advocacy campaign to support funding for gender-based violence service providers in the region.
• Create an annual project plan for city budget advocacy and systems advocacy initiatives in line with The Network’s policy platform and annual priorities.
• Monitor developments and share information impacting the sector and the issue area at the city, county and state level.
• Support and engage in workgroups with systems stakeholders at the city level to provide feedback on survivor and sector impact, including but not limited to the Department of Family and Supportive Service, Chicago Police Department, Civilian Office of Police Accountability etc.
• Create action alert campaigns to mobilize individual and programmatic participation in support of advocacy priorities at the city, county and state level.
• Draft memos, policy briefs, one pagers and outreach materials in support of advocacy priorities across the department.
• Research, analyze, and advise on system advocacy issues related to issues impacting survivors and programs and engage in policy advocacy in support of best practices for survivors.

Partner Engagement and Organizing – 20%

• Represent The Network in external stakeholder spaces potentially including the appointment of governmental taskforces, boards and advisory positions.
• Support coordination and outreach efforts between local programs and their elected officials to foster relationships and familiarity with the issue of gender-based violence.
• Initiate training and outreach to educate stakeholders on the foundations of gender-based violence and the services offered in the community.
• Assist in convening partner organizations and collecting information for funding and policy priorities each cycle.
• Organize public engagement opportunities for programs to participate in advocacy as part of campaign initiatives led by the department. Administrative Support and Other Duties

15%

• Support facilitation and convening of the Department’s committee work including Legal Advocacy Committee and Policy Committee. Including the creation of agendas, minutes, and partner engagement, attendance and training preparation as needed.
• Provide input and feedback to the Department’s annual plan and team meetings including administrative support of documents and deliverables.
• Draft external communications documents to support department objectives and projects.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Four to eight years of experience working in the city, county, state or federal policy and advocacy required.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity-centered and survivor-informed approaches to gender-based violence, including non-carceral and community-based solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing policy materials, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and representing an organization in external advocacy spaces.
• Proven ability to build strategic relationships, manage multiple priorities, and work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Completion of a 40-Hour Domestic Violence Training required within three (3) months of employment. Training may be completed through The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence at no cost to staff.

COMPUTER/ SOFTWARE KNOWLEDGE

• PC literate with strong skills in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel).
• Familiarity with Odyssey and Cook County court systems preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position operates primarily in a hybrid in-person and remote office environment that is accessible. Some work at offsite locations may be required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee frequently is required to move around the office; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 40 pounds.
• Travel between the main office and remote locations may be required.

The Network offersthe following paid benefits to all full-timestaff:

• HMO, with the option to enroll in a PPO for an additional cost;50% coverage for dependents enrolled in the HMO plan.
• STD/LTD and life insurance, with the optionto enroll in voluntary coveragefor an additional cost.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid time off, including vacation,sick, and 14 holidays Other optional benefits are available:
• Dental, vision, FSA, and Accident/Critical Illness/Hospital Indemnity coverages, 403B