Director, Advocacy and Policy

Description

 

We are seeking a dynamic, skilled, and engaging Director, Advocacy and Policy to join our team! If you are passionate about advocating for legislative and systemic changes and community partnership, this is the opportunity for you! We need someone who can lead our strategic efforts to drive engagement, champion our mission, and amplify our collective voice. Your ability to inspire, advocate, and connect with diverse groups will be key to creating meaningful impact.  Join us in shaping a community that thrives on empowerment, innovation, and shared success! APPLY TODAY!

This pivotal role will lead our efforts in developing advocacy strategies, engaging in policy initiatives, and coordinating our Advocacy Academy, all aimed at advancing our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Advocacy

Advocate and Outreach

• Represents the YWCA Hartford Region in public forums, coalitions, and committees focused on advocacy and policy issues;
• Advocates for legislative and systemic changes that advance the rights and well-being of marginalized communities, with a particular focus on women and people of color;
• Ensures alignment of advocacy efforts with organizational goals and priorities, and assess effectiveness through data-driven metrics.

Leadership and Thought partner

• Provides strategic direction and leadership to the advocacy committee, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and impact;
• Supports Sr. Director, Community Engagement and Advocacy and provide direction to those who have been given transformational responsibilities to progress, plan, and learn the implementation of Advocacy work. 

Strategies and Initiatives:

• Leads the development and implementation of comprehensive advocacy strategies aligned with the YWCA Hartford Region’s mission and goals;
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders, including program directors and community partners, to integrate advocacy efforts across all organizational initiatives;
• Monitors local, state, and federal policy developments relevant to the YWCA’s mission areas, particularly issues related to racial justice, gender equity, and social justice;
• Builds and maintain relationships with policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy organizations to influence policy outcomes;
• Conducts detail research on past policies and bills;
• Researches and identifies data, facts, and testimonies to support proposed bills;
• Provides effective communication and translates data results to the team, community, and Sr. Director, Community Engagement and Advocacy;
• Other duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, social work, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred;
• Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and fostering a collaborative work environment.
  

Experience  

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in advocacy, policy analysis, or community organizing, required, preferably within a nonprofit or advocacy organization;
• Strong understanding of legislative processes and government relations at local, state, and federal levels highly desirable;
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing advocacy campaigns that achieve measurable impact required.
• Proven experiencing in researching past and current policies required;
• Ability to effectively communicate and translate data results to key stakeholders and leaders required;
• Ability to foster excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to effectively engage diverse audiences;
• Knowledge in researching data, facts, and testimonies to support proposed bills highly desirable but not required.

  

Skills: 

• Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate complex political environments, respond to evolving priorities, and seize opportunities for advancing advocacy goals. Passion for social justice, equity, and the mission of the YWCA; 
• Advocacy Leadership: Proven experience in leading advocacy campaigns, engaging stakeholders, and mobilizing community support for policy change initiatives;
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, including public speaking, media relations, and crafting persuasive advocacy materials;
• Community Engagement: Ability to engage and empower community members through education, gras