Policy Coordinator

Job Title: Policy Coordinator

Position Supervisor: Assistant Director of Policy

FLSA: Exempt

Location: Arlington, VA/Hybrid

Position Timeline: Permanent

APHSA is recruiting new talent! We’re seeking a detail-oriented Policy Coordinator who is eager to gain hands-on experience in federal policy and its implementation at the state and local levels. This role provides a unique opportunity to support policy development, research, and member engagement while advancing customer-centered improvements in delivering public benefits.

APHSA represents state and local health and human services agencies nationwide. Together with our members, we work to strengthen access to food, health care, employment, child care, community support, and other key building blocks of well-being.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative team environment, is comfortable working across multiple projects, and brings curiosity, compassion, and a can-do spirit. You’ll interact with thought leaders, policy experts, and partners to help advance APHSA’s influence strategies and elevate the voices of our members.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented Policy Coordinator to join our Policy Team. In this role, you will gain hands-on experience in federal policy and its state and local implementation while providing administrative, research, and organizational assistance to the Policy Team and members. You’ll support work across key human services areas, including nutrition, economic support, child care, child welfare, and employment services, helping advance APHSA’s influence strategies and systemic change efforts as part of a dynamic, innovative policy team.

Your direct supervisor and coach will be an Assistant Director. Your support will be the entire APHSA organization because we work best when we all work together!

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• No

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support policy meetings, webinars, and work groups through preparation, note-taking, facilitation, and follow-up.
• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, draft briefs, summaries, and other written materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Research policy issues and develop knowledge products such as memos, surveys, and public briefs under senior staff guidance.
• Provide project management support by coordinating work plans, timelines, grant activities, and meeting logistics.
• Maintain key administrative systems, including member lists, calendars, and shared digital files, while standardizing practices across policy areas.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to distribute policy updates and ensure website content remains accurate and current.
• Assist with conferences and events by supporting content development, speaker preparation, and member participation logistics.
• Contribute to member engagement and partnership development by facilitating peer learning platforms and fostering connections among national, state, and local partners.
• Perform additional duties assigned by Policy Team leadership.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Public Health, Sociology, Human Services, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field required
• Up to 2 years of experience in Human Services

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other standard productivity tools.
• Skilled in active listening, with the ability to distill feedback from partners and read between the lines to identify insights and action items
• Ability to apply knowledge and experience to relevant human services programs, practices, and policies
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20%.
• Core competencies include project coordination, collaboration, facilitation, time management, writing, problem solving, adaptability, teamwork, attention to detail, and communication

At APHSA, we value and support the health, well-being, and future of our staff. Our benefit package is based on improving employee morale, which fosters a work environment where staff feel they can thrive and feel accomplished. Aside from basic benefits such as employer coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance, we also offer additional employee benefits and perks like these:

• 3% contribution to 401k or ROTH Plan
• Hybrid work environment
• Additional discretionary holidays included with 11 paid holidays
• 20 vacation days
• 15 sick/wellness days
• Disability insurance
• Life Insurance
• FSA (health, dependent, commuter)
• Optional employee-paid benefits (legal, pet insurance, critical illness, accident)

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to work in an independent manner from a remote location

This employer participates in E-Verify for employment verification.

The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is a bipartisan national membership association representing state and local health and human services agencies and the subject matter experts that help execute their mission to improve outcomes for people nationwide. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and recognize that building well-being starts with creating a space where our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic, unique selves to work.

Building on our long-standing relationships with health and human services leaders, we focus on generating pragmatic solutions that advance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.