FYSA Policy and Advocacy Associate

Compensation: $31.87 – 35.71/hr. for a 35-hour work week

Position Summary

The Policy & Advocacy Associate provides strategic, operational, and administrative support to the Fostering Youth Success Alliance (FYSA), advancing statewide policy and advocacy efforts that improve outcomes for current and former foster youth across New York State. Working collaboratively with advocates, service providers, government partners, and young people with lived experience, this role helps coordinate coalition activities, manage day-to-day operations, support policy initiatives, and facilitate communications that strengthen FYSA's collective impact.

The Policy & Advocacy Associate supports the planning and execution of advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement, meetings and convenings, research activities, and special projects while ensuring effective coordination across a diverse statewide network. The ideal candidate is an organized, proactive professional with strong project management, communication, and relationship-building skills who is committed to advancing equity and systems change for youth and young adults impacted by foster care.

Reporting to the Director of the Fostering Youth Success Alliance, this role is accountable for coalition operations, policy and advocacy support, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and administrative excellence in alignment with the mission, values, and strategic priorities of Children's Aid.

Children’s Aid Mission

To help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive support to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Children’s Aid annually serves children and their families at over forty sites in New York, as well as through three national program models. Children’s Aid is concentrating its efforts on creating cradle-through-college pathways in high-need neighborhoods, with a focus on children’s health, family stability, education, and social and emotional development.

Culture and Values

We put children, youth, and families first: We listen to and incorporate the voices of children, youth, and families in all that we do.

We seek equity and transformation in our communities: We courageously work within and outside systems to create opportunities for children, youth, and families.

We strive for excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

We are powered by collaboration: Our work is stronger when we trust, partner, and respect each other and the communities we serve.

We are driven by compassion: We lead with kindness, care, and empathy and believe in the endless potential of the people we serve and our team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Policy Analysis

• Track and report on key hearings, policy developments, and advocacy opportunities within child welfare and related policy areas that impact youth with a foster care background and transition age youth.
• Develop subject matter expertise in assigned issue areas to inform internal and external strategy.
• Lead select coalition activities (i.e., letter writing, email campaigns, social media campaigns etc.) and manage communications with external partners and youth advocates.

Advocacy Engagement

• Coordinate logistics and provide support for youth-focused events, including forums and shadow days.
• Support legislative and advocacy efforts by coordinating logistics, ensuring alignment among youth, partners, and staff, and assisting with participant recruitment for lobby days and related events.
• Develop materials that will aid in educating and mobilizing youth and partners on FYSA issue areas and resources.
• Co-develop and co-deliver legislative, advocacy, and social media trainings for youth, families, and staff.
• Support government relations operations by maintaining database of contacts, and monitoring pertinent committee hearings at the city, state, and federal levels.

Project & Operational Coordination

• Provide administrative, technical, and clerical support to the Office of Public Policy team including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and facilitating internal meetings.
• Maintain all FYSA online communications, including website, social media, and advocacy alerts.
• Produce monthly communication to the alliance steering committee and working groups.
• Conduct weekly check-ins with our Youth Advocate Cohort.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess High-School Diploma and 4 years of relevant experience in policy and advocacy role(s) required OR bachelor’s degree and one year of relevant experience preferred.
• Lived experience in foster care and/or experience working with youth in foster care preferred.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, creative and the initiative to solve or anticipate problems.
• Experience working with youth and families on advocacy-related issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to travel occasionally to Washington DC and Albany is required.
• A passion for and commitment to mission-based work and social change, especially around youth with a foster care background.

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children’s Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children’s Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children’s Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays

403(b) retirement savings plan with employer contributions (where eligible)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and other pre-tax benefit options

Employer-paid life and disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional development and training opportunities

Tuition assistance and educational support (where eligible)

Opportunities for career growth within a mission-driven organization

Employee wellness programs and work-life support initiatives