Policy Operations Associate

About FPWA

FPWA is a leading anti-poverty, social policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening human services organizations and faith institutions, and advancing economic opportunity and justice for New Yorkers with low incomes.

Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the structural and systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity.

Position Overview

The Policy Operations Associate supports FPWA’s Policy, Advocacy, and Research (PAR) team by pairing strong communication skills with dependable operational and workflow coordination. The role helps ensure the PAR team’s daily operations run smoothly, deadlines are met, and our team’s work moves from idea to execution in alignment with FPWA’s mission, vision, and theory of change.

Working closely with PAR leadership, the Policy Operations Associate provides coordination support for meetings, coalition work, and compliance and administrative processes; conducts policy and advocacy research; tracks legislation, regulations, and key deadlines; and drafts internal and external written products.

Essential Functions

Departmental Operations & Workflow Coordination (30%)

• Support PAR department operations by maintaining project trackers, deadline calendars, and shared documentation to strengthen coordination and follow-through.
• Help manage the PAR leadership calendar workflow by aligning meetings and related preparation with legislative deadlines and team workplans.
• Coordinate cross-departmental tasks with Communications, Development, Finance, and HR/Operations teams to keep PAR priorities moving.
• Support onboarding logistics for new PAR staff and interns by maintaining checklists, scheduling training, and organizing core reference materials.

Compliance, Administrative & Budget Support (20%)

• Monitor and manage FPWA’s lobbying compliance at City and State levels, including the production of mandatory lobbying reports.
• Assist with budget tracking and administrative processes in coordination with Finance, including processing invoices, maintaining files, and tracking expenditures.
• Provide logistical support for meetings and events, including scheduling, agendas, materials, and travel coordination as needed.

Policy Research, Analysis & Policy Products (30%)

• Conduct policy and advocacy research and compile quantitative and qualitative information from public datasets, government documents, and policy reports.
• Monitor proposed and enacted legislation and regulations at the city, state, and federal levels; maintain trackers and flag emerging issues and deadlines.
• Draft and support production of policy products such as memos, briefs, testimony, talking points, sign-on letters, and summaries for internal and external audiences.
• Translate complex policy concepts (e.g., legislative language, budget statements, and demographic data) into clear, accessible written content.

Advocacy, Coalition & External Engagement Support (20%)

• Support advocacy and coalition engagement by preparing meeting materials, drafting follow-up notes, and tracking next steps and commitments.
• Help maintain relationships and coordination with external partners, member organizations, and stakeholders by managing outreach lists and timely communications.
• Represent FPWA as needed in coalition meetings and take accurate notes, producing succinct recaps and action-item lists.
• Support relationship cultivation efforts by preparing briefings for meetings with elected officials and government staff.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, social work, public administration, urban planning, political science, law, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in policy research, advocacy support, government/nonprofit policy work, or a related role.
• Strong research and writing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely for different audiences.
• Demonstrated organizational and project-management skills, including comfort maintaining trackers, timelines, and multi-step processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools (Teams/SharePoint/OneDrive).
• Commitment to racial, economic, and social justice and an understanding of the communities FPWA serves.
• High professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and ability to collaborate across teams and with external partners.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Salary range for this role is $71,000 – $76,000, commensurate with experience.
• Excellent Benefit Package including medical, dental, vision, life, 403(b) with match, and more.
• Ample Vacation Time: Four weeks of paid vacation accumulated during the year, plus 12 company holidays.
• Professional Development: Resources committed to bolster professional and personal growth.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

As part of building a culture where employees can do their best work, FPWA currently employs a hybrid model. Employees are currently in-office twice per week with all staff in office on Wednesdays. Senior leadership is in-office three times per week. We observe a company-wide remote day on Fridays.

Work performed by this role is expected to happen in or near New York, NY given FPWA's work policies and practices.

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

HOW TO APPLY: PLEASE SUBMIT A RESUME and COVER LETTER via BambooHR.

No phone calls or other inquiries, please.

FPWA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

FPWA is committed to employing people who reflect the diversity of our member agencies and the communities and people they serve. Candidates who have firsthand experience of the social welfare and/or justice system are encouraged to apply. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

• Excellent Benefit Package including medical, dental, vision, life, 403(b) with match, and more.
• Ample Vacation Time: Four weeks of paid vacation accumulated during the year, plus 12 company holidays.
• Professional Development: Resources committed to bolster professional and personal growth.