Policy and Advocacy Associate

About the Organization:

UJA-Federation of New York is the largest local philanthropy in the world. For more than 100 years, we’ve brought New Yorkers together to solve some of the most pressing problems facing our community. Thanks to our network of hundreds of non-profits, we can leverage our expertise across any number of areas — including health and human services, arts and culture, and education — to care for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, respond to crises close to home and far away, and shape our Jewish future. Our reach extends from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year.

UJA’s Government and External Relations Department (GR) works to raise the public profile of UJA and engage in advocacy activities that strengthen UJA’s network of nonprofit partners and strengthen the Jewish community. The department tracks and acts on legislative and budgetary processes at the federal, state and local levels of government, as well as funding opportunities and policy decisions that impact UJA’s network. The department builds relationships with elected officials, government agency leaders and policy influencers. The team also collaborates with faith-based and policy-aligned coalitions, including other leaders in the human services nonprofit sector.

Position Summary:

The Policy and Advocacy Associate plays a critical role in supporting the development and execution of the UJA’s advocacy and policy priorities. This involves researching and analyzing policy issues, drafting materials, engaging with stakeholders, and advocating for UJA’s positions on relevant legislation and policies.

This person supports the efforts and special projects for the Government & External Relations department at UJA-Federation. They are proactive, task- and detail-oriented, able to manage significant responsibility, and multi-task in a fast-paced work environment. They are also responsible for on-going and evolving projects as needed, including advocacy-related support work, research, events, and missions.

Responsibilities:

• Executes events and programming
• Help develop policy initiatives, engage and organize stakeholders, and advocate for UJA’s policy priorities
• Help foster UJA’s relationships with elected officials and relevant staff
• Draft and delivery testimony for public hearings
• Ability to collaborate/support collaboration across UJA departments and network of nonprofit partners
• Participate in coalition meetings and engage with external partners
• Provide support for advocacy actions and events
• Support the development of all policy and lobbying strategies, incorporating best practices in anticipation of fast-paced changes in the political, electoral, and public policy environment
• Prepare, review, and edit research memos, briefs, reports, projects, and presentations in a variety of formats to engage lay leaders and stakeholders
• Other duties as assigned

Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Previous experience in government or government adjacent work
• Familiarity with New York State and City Government
• Demonstrated research skills
• Knowledge of relevant public policy areas
• Proven ability to manage complex projects
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of divisions across an organization
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and allocate resources
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to manage multiple high-level tasks and prioritize workflow
• Ability to manage professional and lay resources
• Expertise in data analysis, and problem solving
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Clear understanding of the role of government relations in a large organization
• Ability to interface with executive level management

Salary Information

The salary range for this role is $68,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications listed above.

Reporting Line:

This role reports to the Manager, Public Policy and Government Relations and is a hybrid position, with a set three days/week in office.

Great Perks. Because We Appreciate Great Employees.

TIME OFF

We offer a generous number of vacation days and have the Jewish holidays off as well. Fridays our offices close early (October to March at 3:00 pm and April to September at 4:00 pm). All so you can relax and recharge.

HYBRID MODEL

We’re operating on a hybrid work model: three set days in the office and two days remote. So enjoy the best of both worlds — the comforts of home and the energy of the office.

HEALTH CARE

UJA provides a top-tier medical and dental plan, along with a flexible spending account. We also offer life insurance. And for a small cost you can take part in on-site yoga and exercise classes at our Manhattan office. Wellness matters to us.

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT

UJA employees can enroll in a pension plan and tax deferred annuity.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Classes, workshops, and compelling speakers will keep you at the top of your game.

COMMUNITY

We come together as a staff to commemorate holidays (from Rosh Hashanah to MLK Day), volunteer at nonprofits, and celebrate our accomplishments together. (Our chocolate chip cookies are legendary!)