Manager Legislative and Public Policy

Description

Position Summary:

The YWCA Hartford Region is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as the Manager, Legislative and Public Policy. This pivotal role will lead our efforts in developing public awareness strategies, engaging in policy initiatives, and leading the 50/50 Campaign and other events, all aimed at advancing the mission of YWCA Hartford Region.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Support and Outreach

• Be an active participant in public forums, coalitions, and committees focused on impact and policy issues that directly and indirectly impact those that we serve;
• Researches, identifies, and champions for legislative and long-term changes that advance the resources, objectives, and well-being of those that we serve, with a particular focus that aligns with YWCA Hartford Region’s mission and vision;
• Plans and executes strategies that will advance the goals of The Center and the organization as a whole;
• Responsible for assisting with the implementation of departmental initiatives, including but not limited to, Advocacy Academy;Community Matters;Until Justice Just Is; and 50/50 Campaign and other events assigned by direct supervisor;

People-First Leadership and Relationship Building

• Fosters an atmosphere of collaboration, innovation, and a mission-driven mindset by seeking resources, forums, and partnerships that aim to deliver unlimited opportunities to un-limit opportunities;
• Forms and leads coalitions to support legislative initiatives;
• Prioritizes and actively remains up-to-date on key initiatives and organizational goals, and assesses progress outcomes against metrics, surveys, reports, and feedback captured;
• Develops and sustains relationships with municipal leaders and other stakeholders. serves as the key liaison to ensure goals are being met;
• Serves as a key liaison and leads the efforts of the 50/50 Campaign and events;
• Collaborates with and supports the Sr. Director, Community and Engagement and Advocacy with long-term and short-term goals, implementation, and communication efforts;
• Collaborates with external and internal stakeholders (i.e., program directors and department team members) to ensure departmental initiatives are successfully implemented;

Planning and Performance:

• Develops a strategic plan for the 50/50 Campaign; creates a roadmap and actionable steps that align with YWCA Hartford Region’s mission and goals;
• Leads the development and implementation of comprehensive advocacy strategies aligned with the YWCA Hartford Region’s mission and goals;
• Remains up-to-date and monitors local, state, and federal policy developments relevant to the mission and vision of YWCA Hartford Region;
• Builds strategic relationships with policymakers, government agencies, and organizations to influence policy outcomes; and
• 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;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively engage diverse audiences;
• Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in raising public awareness, policy analysis, or a related field required.
• Nonprofit or public awareness organization preferred;
• Strong understanding of public awareness, legislative processes, and government relations at local, state, and federal levels highly desirable;
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing public awareness campaigns that achieve the measurable impact required.

License:

Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to and from events required.

Schedule:

The Manager, Legislative and Public Policy is an exempt position. Operation hours of YWCA Hartford Region are Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm. The work schedule and hours will be defined by the Department Head or direct supervisor. Due to the nature of the work, some weekend and evening hours may be required.

Key Competencies:

• Seeks to cultivate and develop professional working relationships with key stakeholders, i.e., staff, volunteers, interns, board members, etc.;
• Demonstrated skill in understanding others;
• Engages in (or commits to) personal and professional development;
• Demonstrates a willingness to examine one’s assumptions and attitudes;
• Maintains productive work relationships while considering multiple perspectives;
• Demonstrates awareness of one’s and others’ life experiences and their relevance in the workplace;
• Experience resolving conflicts effectively; and
• Promotes a respectful work environment in which concerns are addressed effectively.

Skills:

• Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate complex political environments, respond to evolving priorities, and seize opportunities for advancing advocacy goals;
• Advocacy Leadership: Proven experience in leading advocacy campaigns, engaging stakeholders, and mobilizing local support for policy change initiatives;
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, including public speaking, media relations, and crafting persuasive advocacy materials;
• Civic Engagement: Ability to engage and empower others through education, grassroots organizing, and advocacy training programs;
• Cultural Competency: Sensitivity to issues of race, gender, and intersectionality, with an understanding of how systemic inequities impact marginalized communities;
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in using data and metrics to assess the impact of advocacy efforts and inform strategic decisions;
• Emotional Intelligence: Recognizes and values different ideas of others; Empathetically and respectfully accepts these differences and works cooperatively and sincerely to optimize the contributions of all individuals;
• Ethical Leadership: Commitment to ethical standards, integrity, and transparency in advocacy work, aligning with the values and mission of the YWCA Hartford Region;
• Innovative Problem Solving: Creative approach to identifying challenges, developing solutions, and driving systemic change through policy advocacy;
• Mission-driven: Understands programs and services offered by YWCA Hartford Region;
• Policy Analysis: Ability to analyze legislation and policy proposals, identify implications for marginalized communities, and develop informed advocacy strategies;
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, and local leaders;
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop long-term advocacy plans aligned with organizational goals, and adapt strategies in response to emerging issues and political landscape;
• Team Management: Experience in leading and motivating volunteers while fostering collaboration to achieve advocacy objectives.