Director, Equity Policy & Advocacy

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

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