Policy & Engagement Manager

The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) is seeking a Policy & Engagement Manager to develop and execute our policy strategy in Los Angeles, identify new cities/states to expand our work in, increase virtual engagement opportunities for young adults, and strengthen our role as a bridge between national child welfare policy and local implementation. This role combines two strategic areas:

1. Local-Level Policy Engagement — initially focusing on Los Angeles County, one of the largest child welfare jurisdictions in the nation, while exploring opportunities to expand into other key regions in the US.
2. Program Management of NFYI’s Virtual Youth Engagement Efforts — overseeing the development and delivery of policy-focused training and curriculum for current and former foster youth participants.

This position will work with the CEO, federal policy team, and program team to develop and implement political strategies to use governmental levers to strengthen the systems that impact current and former foster youth. They will develop NFYI’s local policy platforms, working directly with NFYI members, advocates, funders and policy makers.

This role will be critical in our strategy to connect the grassroots with the grasstops — mobilizing young people; educating and engaging elected officials; and building strong, collaborative relationships with all.

The ideal candidate will bring policy analysis skills, program management experience, and the ability to translate complex systems issues into actionable insights for both policymakers and youth participants. Critical to the success of this role is the ability to engage current/former foster youth in a trauma-informed, culturally competent manner and navigate meetings and relationships with elected officials and policy makers.

Key Responsibilities

Local Policy Analysis & Engagement (Los Angeles and beyond):

• Monitor and analyze relevant policy developments at the Los Angeles City & County levels, identifying intersections with federal legislation.
• In collaboration with NFYI staff, develop NFYI’s policy priorities and local policy agenda.
• Build, manage, and leverage strong strategic relationships with local policymakers, county agencies, and partner organizations to surface challenges and opportunities in strengthening child welfare policy and practices.
• Work closely with the LA Organizing Manager to support Los Angeles Foster Youth Shadow Day.
• Develop and implement strategies to advance NFYI impact with decision makers at city, county, and state levels.
• Work with NFYI members and staff to create policy fact sheets, recommendations and policy reports.
• Represent NFYI at relevant in-person and virtual child welfare events and coalition meetings.
• In collaboration with the LA Organizing Manager and COO, plan briefings, townhalls, and meetings between youth and decision makers.
• Begin identifying additional strategic geographies where NFYI’s local chapter model could be replicated.

Develop and Manage Virtual Youth Engagement Program:

• Lead the design, refinement, and implementation of curriculum and training modules for NFYI’s Idea Labs and other engagement opportunities for current/former foster youth, 18-30.
• Facilitate regular virtual meetings and trainings with program participants.
• Maintain regular and open communication with program participants using GroupMe, email, and social media to keep members informed, engaged, and feeling like part of a welcoming community.
• Identify, recommend, and prepare program participants for speaking opportunities.
• Collaborate with NFYI staff and external experts to ensure programming reflects both policy priorities and youth leadership development.
• Evaluate program effectiveness, incorporating participant feedback and outcomes into continuous improvement efforts.

Cross-Organizational Collaboration:

• Work closely with NFYI’s national policy, programs, and communications teams to align local policy analysis and youth programming with broader organizational goals.
• Support grant proposals, reports, and funder communications by providing policy insights and program updates.
• Represent NFYI in external meetings, coalitions, and convenings as appropriate.
• Other duties, as needed, to support the organization’s mission.

NFYI offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee health, wellbeing, and financial security.

• Health Insurance: NFYI covers 100% of employee medical insurance premiums.
• Life Insurance: NFYI provides fully paid life insurance coverage for all employees.
• Dental & Vision: Employees have access to optional dental and vision insurance through NFYI’s plans, with premiums paid by the employee.
• Generous paid time off