Director, Public Policy

New York, NY, United States

$150,000 - $160,000 /year

Position Summary:

The Director of Public Policy leads the development, coordination, and implementation of Children’s Aid’s (CA) public policy and legislative agenda and advocacy strategy at the local, state, and national levels. This role vets and promotes community and public sector support for programs and services ensuring the needs of the children, youth, and families served by CA are represented. Through research, coalition engagement, and mobilization, the Director of Public Policy leads legislative and budget advocacy at all levels of government and cultivates spaces for innovation, learning, and knowledge sharing.

The Director will build and maintain strong strategic partnerships with federal, state, and city legislators, government agencies, coalitions, and community-based organizations that advance the agency’s mission and grow the agency’s influence. The Director of Public Policy oversees the Fostering Youth Success Alliance , a statewide alliance promoting the needs of youth with a foster care background that is housed within the office of public policy. The Director of Public Policy reports to the Chief of Staff, works closely with and advises the Children’s Aid CEO, Executive Team, senior leadership, and a variety of stakeholders, as well as leads a team of Policy professionals.

Drive External Policy Strategy

Lead the development and implementation of Children’s Aid’s policy and legislative agenda and government relations strategy at all levels of government.

Forge and maintain relationships with key government and elected officials and their staff.

Manages and directs external lobbyists (city and state).

Represent Children’s Aid publicly on policy and advocacy matters (including, but not limited to, coalitions, partner organization coordination, public testimony, and press events).

Lead the coordination of the agency’s response on government-level task forces and working groups.

Create and implement digital advocacy campaign plans to advance the policy agenda and engage and grow the advocates’ list; work collaboratively with the Marketing and Communications Team to develop strategies and implement tactics; coordinate campaigns with other program areas and activities.

Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team on the development of policy-related op-eds, letters to the editor, and other press materials.

Collaborate with the Development team on various funding opportunities (e.g., City Council discretionary funding, etc.) inclusive of vetting to disqualify and qualify opportunities, submitting applications, and reporting on the progress of funded programs.

Coordinate Internal Policy and Advocacy Work

Lead the information gathering/sharing and position vetting on policy matters to ensure agency-wide policy coordination and integration, including coordinating diverse member and staff input.

Culls and synthesizes policy-related developments across the political landscape and makes multi-dimensional recommendations to staff.

Track and educate senior leaders and all levels of staff on the changing community, political, and budgetary landscape

Lead internal coordination for city and state discretionary requests and federal earmarks.

Provide ongoing coaching, education, and support to senior leadership on policy developments in the issue areas of education, health, family support, child welfare, and youth development.

Lead the development of policy and position papers including testimony for relevant hearings, public speaking engagements, and other relevant policy and advocacy efforts.

Ensure the organization’s compliance with City and State lobbying requirements.

Community Engagement

In partnership with senior leaders, lead the development and execution of community engagement strategies.

Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with government leaders, non-profits, community organizations, and other prospective partners to effectively carry out the government relations strategy.

Coordinate participation in community-level events with elected officials and government agencies.

Manage multiple site-based Advisory groups.

Connect Children’s Aid sites and programs to elected officials and involve them in Children’s Aid advocacy efforts and events.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision

Supervise the members of the Public Policy Team.

Ensure the quality and effectiveness of the Public Policy Team’s responsibilities.

Leverage the strengths and skills of the Public Policy Team to maximize impact.

Monitor employee productivity and provide constructive feedback and coaching.

Conduct performance reviews and set goals consistent with the department and the Agency.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Public Policy, Education, Public Health, or a related area.

At least six years of experience in government, public policy, or related work.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking.

Understanding of state, local, and national legislative and budget processes.

Strong knowledge of Children’s Aid Society issues and commitment to Children’s Aid’s strategic plan.

Strong interpersonal skills, ability to network, and easily adaptable to changing contexts.

Strategic and creative thinker.

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr