Director of Policy and Advocacy

Director of Policy and Advocacy

Job Description

About the National Youth Employment Coalition

The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) is a national membership network representing hundreds of workforce development organizations and tens of thousands of direct-service professionals and young people. NYEC’s membership is primarily composed of direct-service organizations and also includes workforce development boards, intermediaries, research organizations, and national nonprofits.

NYEC works to improve the effectiveness of organizations serving young people ages 14–26, particularly those facing barriers to education and employment. NYEC sets and promotes quality standards; tracks, develops, and influences policy; provides professional development and technical assistance; and builds the capacity of organizations and programs.

For 46 years, NYEC has played a central role in the youth workforce development field as a convener, policy and advocacy leader, training and technical assistance provider, and champion of youth leadership nationally. As a membership organization, NYEC tracks and shapes emerging practices, strengthens employer engagement, and supports collaboration across the youth workforce development field.

Position Summary

The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) seeks a driven and experienced individual to serve as its Director of Policy and Advocacy. This is a full-time position. The ideal candidate will be a curious, creative, and strategic advocate for young people, with demonstrated experience leading federal government relations strategies and policy and advocacy initiatives.

With support and guidance from the Executive Director, the Director of Policy and Advocacy will lead NYEC’s policy and advocacy efforts, including federal policy engagement with Capitol Hill and the Administration, collaboration with national coalitions, and engagement with NYEC’s membership and broader network.

The Director will plan and oversee NYEC’s annual Washington, DC, advocacy event, the DC Summit, and represent NYEC at conferences, meetings, and other events. The Director will also develop weekly policy updates, monthly newsletters, and materials to engage and mobilize NYEC’s network as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead NYEC’s federal policy and advocacy efforts by developing policy recommendations and providing resources, tools, and opportunities for local workforce development boards, intermediaries, backbone organizations, young people, and NYEC members to participate in federal advocacy initiatives.
• Provide strategic thought partnership in the organization’s policy and advocacy planning, including maintaining critical stakeholder relationships and ensuring high-quality project implementation and programming.
• Manage relevant policy staff and consultants working on projects to ensure deliverables are completed on time and achieve desired outcomes.
• Represent NYEC externally, building meaningful working relationships with stakeholders, legislators, Administration officials, and partner organizations while identifying opportunities for increased collaboration and coalition building.
• Oversee performance and project management processes, ensuring appropriate goals, benchmarks, and accountability measures are established and maintained for each function, individual, and project.
• Assist in developing and implementing policy and advocacy learning events and convenings, including virtual workshops, NYEC’s Annual Forum, DC Summit, and other gatherings that advance knowledge, best practices, and alignment within the youth employment field.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grant opportunities, and manage grant-related activities, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Coordinate and collaborate across NYEC teams to support knowledge sharing, reporting, and communications with external stakeholders.
• Co-create policy strategies and ensure that all public-facing communications reflect NYEC’s organizational values and advance its policy and advocacy goals.
• Develop and deliver training opportunities for local and grassroots partners, including webinars, workshops, and learning communities.
• Explore, initiate, and implement research projects and partnerships that advance youth employment policy and advocacy and address the diverse needs and challenges facing young people.

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of professional experience in federal government relations, policy, or advocacy, including a minimum of three years of experience in youth workforce development or a closely related field. These periods of experience may overlap.
• Demonstrated experience and a successful track record of securing grants and funding to support policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong knowledge of the federal legislative process and experience engaging with policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy partners.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $100,000–$115,000 annually.

NYEC offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, and five weeks of combined vacation and sick leave, in accordance with organizational policies and eligibility requirements.

Working Environment and Equal Employment Opportunity

The Director of Policy and Advocacy is a full-time position.

NYEC values a diverse workforce and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. NYEC prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability status, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

1. Before posting: I recommend confirming the benefits language against the current personnel policy and verifying whether the 46-year organizational history is the figure NYEC wants to use in

The required three years of youth workforce experience and successful grant acquisition record are both clearly incorporated.

Benefits

NYEC offers a competitive benefits package, including medical and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, paid time off annually, paid holidays, and opportunities for professional development.