Policy Analyst

HSC seeks a Policy Analyst support HSC’s public policy and campaign efforts on system changes to improve the human services delivery system and increase the visibility of the sector. This position acts as a liaison between government and nonprofits to strengthen the partnership between our sectors while holding government accountable for key systems improvements. A key responsibility of the position is research of the City, State, and Federal policy impacts on the nonprofit sector and assist in City and State campaign initiatives on behalf of our members.

To that end, the position will include the following duties:

• Researching and analyzing proposed legislation and policies at the City, State, and/or federal level.
• Research and data collection for policy priorities and work with members to gather relevant information for media and public messaging.
• Cultivating relationships with key elected officials.
• Creating campaign materials, including themes, one-pagers, media messaging, and advocacy actions.
• Drafting and presenting testimony on legislative and policy proposals before legislative and other government bodies.
• Representing HSC in key coalitions and coordinated advocacy campaigns.
• Serving as a liaison between nonprofit providers, umbrella organizations, and government agencies to ensure information is consistent and shared effectively.

Working with the HSC team on member communications, policy related grant proposals, and fund development.

Key Skills

• Experience in policy development and/or research and data collection.
• Experience in working in coalitions in coalitions and effective partnerships.
• Experience in government relations and administrative policies with an understanding of local politics and its impact on shaping policy.
• An understanding of City and State budget processes and procurement mechanisms.
• Demonstrated ability to execute policy projects, including the creation of research pieces, advocacy materials, and the analysis of data.
• Strong writing, research, and speaking skills and the ability to synthesize topics for a broader audience.

Qualifications

• A graduate or professional degree in public policy, public administration, politics, law, or related field and at least two years’ experience. Work experience can substitute for an advanced degree.
• Previous experience in public policy, government, advocacy, organizing, or social services.
• Knowledge of policy issues in New York's human services field as well as an understanding of city, state, or federal government and legislative processes is preferred.
• Experience with press/media relations and developing communications strategies is a plus.
• Existing relationships with City or State legislators and/or government officials is a plus.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependability and attention to detail.

Equal Opportunity

HSC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

About HSC

The Human Services Council of New York, Inc. (HSC) fosters a diverse network of human service organizations. HSC’s mission is to strengthen New York’s nonprofit human services sector, ensuring New Yorkers from all walks of life, across diverse neighborhoods, cultures, and generations reach their full potential. Together, we discuss ideas and take collective action on issues that impact the entire sector and those they serve. Through advocacy and collaboration, we support member organizations and their leaders in addressing their concerns of public policy, economic trends, and the regulatory environment. The human services workforce encapsulates 200,000+ providers in subsectors including: housing access, childcare, elder care, shelters, food pantries, mental health counseling, and disaster response. As the voice of the human services community, we highlight the struggles of those we serve, and amplify the need for a strong, well invested sector.

To that end, HSC:

• sets the human services sector’s short-term and long-term agenda on critical provider and client issues, organizing executive directors of federations and umbrella agencies, service providers, and other relevant organizations to speak with common purpose;
• develops and implements sector-wide initiatives and advocacy strategies;
• promotes the sector’s partnership with government; and
• acts as the organized voice for the sector, building broad recognition and support for providers and clients from government, the business community, funders, and the public.