Director, Advocacy and Policy

United Way of New York City; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) seeks a Director, Advocacy and Policy to lead the day-to-day implementation of policy, advocacy, research, and government relations initiatives. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Advocacy and Policy, this role will monitor legislative and budget developments, conduct policy research, draft materials, and coordinate campaigns and coalition activities.

The Director will build relationships with government officials, nonprofits, community partners, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in public policy, public administration, political science, or related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations, or legislative affairs.
• Working knowledge of New York City and New York State legislative and budget processes, with familiarity with federal policy processes.
• Ability to analyze legislation, budgets, and policy issues and communicate their implications clearly.
• Strong research, writing, presentation, and project management skills.
• Experience coordinating advocacy initiatives, participating in coalitions, and maintaining external partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Implement assigned city, state, and federal policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Monitor legislation, budgets, and regulations and assess their impact on UWNYC and the communities it serves.
• Conduct policy research and draft briefs, reports, testimony, talking points, and recommendations for review.
• Maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and coalition partners.
• Coordinate advocacy campaigns, legislative meetings, lobby days, stakeholder events, and public forums.
• Collaborate with internal teams to incorporate community perspectives, program insights, and data into policy recommendations and communications.
• Manage project plans, timelines, deliverables, and campaign outcomes; provide updates and elevate issues as needed.
• Supervise assigned staff and interns, as applicable, and support their professional development.

Skills

Policy research

Advocacy coordination

Government relations

Writing

Project management

Collaboration across departments

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree in public policy or related field

Job description

At United Way of New York City (UWNYC), our Advocacy and Policy team plays a vital role in advancing our mission by shaping policy priorities, strengthening community partnerships, and advocating for equitable outcomes for New Yorkers. Through research, collaboration, and government engagement, we work to advance policies that support opportunity and prosperity across New York City.

We're seeking a Director, Advocacy and Policy to manage the implementation of assigned policy, advocacy, research, and government relations initiatives. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Advocacy and Policy, this role will conduct policy research and legislative analysis, develop recommendations, coordinate advocacy campaigns, and maintain relationships with government officials, coalitions, and community partners. The Director will collaborate across departments to translate research, data, and community insights into actionable recommendations that support UWNYC’s approved legislative and budget priorities.

If you're a policy and advocacy professional with strong research and writing skills, experience coordinating government relations initiatives, and a commitment to advancing equity through community-informed policy, we encourage you to apply.

• Now Hiring: Director, Advocacy and Policy
• New York City | Hybrid

About the Role

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) seeks a Director, Advocacy and Policy to manage the day-to-day implementation of assigned policy, advocacy, research, and government relations initiatives. Working under the strategic direction of the Associate Vice President, Advocacy and Policy, this position monitors legislative and budget developments, conducts policy research, drafts policy materials and recommendations for review, and coordinates advocacy campaigns and coalition activities.

The Director will build and maintain relationships with government officials, nonprofit organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders while collaborating with internal teams to connect policy priorities with program needs and community perspectives. This role also manages project work plans, tracks advocacy outcomes, and represents UWNYC in designated meetings and forums to help advance equitable outcomes for New Yorkers.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement assigned city, state, and federal policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Monitor legislation, budgets, and regulations and assess their impact on UWNYC and the communities it serves.
• Conduct policy research and draft briefs, reports, testimony, talking points, and recommendations for review.
• Maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and coalition partners.
• Coordinate advocacy campaigns, legislative meetings, lobby days, stakeholder events, and public forums.
• Collaborate with internal teams to incorporate community perspectives, program insights, and data into policy recommendations and communications.
• Manage project plans, timelines, deliverables, and campaign outcomes; provide updates and elevate issues as needed.
• Supervise assigned staff and interns, as applicable, and support their professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, or a related field preferred.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations, or legislative affairs.
• Working knowledge of New York City and New York State legislative and budget processes, with familiarity with federal policy processes.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze legislation, budgets, and policy issues and communicate their implications clearly.
• Strong research, writing, presentation, and project management skills.
• Experience coordinating advocacy initiatives, participating in coalitions, and maintaining external partnerships.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Experience supervising staff or coordinating project teams preferred.
• Commitment to equity and advocacy informed by community priorities and lived experiences.

At UWNYC, we unite community power with citywide possibility—advancing opportunity and prosperity in every neighborhood.