Director, Global Policy & Advocacy

ReliefWeb; New York (NY); Remote; USD 56,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization focused on ending homelessness is seeking a Director of Global Policy & Advocacy. This role involves strategy development, relationship building, and managing operations to advocate for comprehensive policies. The position requires strong communication skills and a commitment to inclusivity. The successful candidate will work closely with UN agencies and other partners to implement effective advocacy strategies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years work experience in a professional environment.
• Four years managing advocacy and external partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with UN and multilateral institutions.
• Monitor annual program budget and participate in fundraising.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Organizational Skills

Cultural Competency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Google Suite

Video Conferencing Software

Job description

USA

Director, Global Policy & Advocacy

Organization

• Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness
  
  

Posted 16 May 2025 Closing date 12 Jun 2025

This position is remote, based out of New York metropolitan area. Traveling to New York City - 1-3 times per week is required.

The Highlights

IGH advocates for an inclusive global definition of homelessness, standardized global measurement, and comprehensive policies and programs to effectively address homelessness. The Global Policy and Advocacy Director is primarily responsible for the strategy development, relationship building, coalition management, and day-to-day operations of this IGH program area. The Global Policy and Advocacy Director will manage the activities outlined within IGH’s Memorandum of Understanding with the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

The Global Policy and Advocacy Director must be based within commuting distance of New York City, with the ability to take frequent in-person meetings at UNHQ and Permanent Missions. The Global Policy and Advocacy Director will work closely with all members of the IGH professional staff, IGH Advisory Committee, and external partners.

Founded in 2014, the George and Tanya Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness (IGH) is an initiative of DePaul University, based in Chicago, USA. IGH is the only organization with a singular focus on ending street homelessness around the world by bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice.

What You'll Do

Strategy Implementation and Partnership Development

• Serve as the primary liaison to and member of the UN NGO Working Group to End Homelessness (WGEH).
• Serve as the primary liaison to UN-Habitat, ensuring close coordination of the implementation and activities of our joint MOU.
• Develop relationships with national statistics offices and international statistical working groups, such as the UN Statistical Commission.
• Establish and grow relationships with Member State delegations to the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
• Grow IGH's participation in relevant advocacy coalitions and working groups, serving as primary liaison to advocacy-related external partnerships appropriate and supported in their local advocacy efforts.
• Partner closely with the Vanguard Program Director to ensure that Vanguard communities are highlighted in global forums as appropriate and supported in their local advocacy efforts.
• Develop and disseminate advocacy resources and materials for IGH's knowledge sharing efforts.
  
  

Strategy Development, Planning and Administration

• Partner with the Executive Director and IGH Advisory Committee to expand the vision and strategy for deepening IGH's global partnerships and continuing our track record of achieving critical policy wins and raising awareness of homelessness within the UN ecosystem and other multilateral institutions.
• Provide regular program reports and flag key strategic questions for the IGH Advisory Committee.
• Monitor an annual program budget.
• Participate actively in fundraising for the program, including contributing written content for grant applications and donor reports.
  
  

Organizational Duties

• Participate as a full member of the IGH professional team, participating in strategic and annual planning, attending weekly staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with the Executive Director, and actively contributing to a positive team culture.
• Serve as thought partner to the Executive Director, proactively identifying areas where IGH's policy and advocacy products, services, and approach can be strengthened.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for IGH, representing the organization effectively in working groups, speaking opportunities, and forums.
• Ensure that all contacts and key conversations are accurately and consistently entered in IGH's central database.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

What You'll Need

• A minimum of seven years previous work experience in a professional environment
• A minimum of four years previous work experience managing advocacy, external partnerships and relationships, and/or communications
• Bachelor’s Degree or international equivalent preferred
• Second language preferred
• Lived experience of homelessness preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft suite; Google suite, including Gmail and Google Doc; and video conferencing software
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and projects in a fast paced, dynamic environment and a willingness to shift easily between various responsibilities
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from multiple cultures, contexts, and faiths
• Demonstrated ability to self-manage, working independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgement and ownership of decisions
• Demonstrated ability to receive and relay criticism constructively; commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Excellent level of attention to detail and organizational skills
• Willingness to embrace and actively support IGH’s person-centered values, including our commitment to an Asset Based Community Development approach and to ending homelessness through an anti-racist lens
• This position requires extensive international travel according to public health guidelines, and occasional nights and weekends.
  
  

The anticipated hiring range for this position is: $56,222.00 to $85,000.00 per year.

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

How to apply

For consideration, please submit an application using the link below and include a resume and cover letter.

https://ekze.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/1740/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share%5C

Job details

Country

• United States of America
  
  

City New York metropolitan area Source

• Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness
  
  

Type

• Job
  
  

Career category

• Advocacy/Communications
  
  

Years of experience

• 5-9 years
  
  

Theme

• Protection and Human Rights
  
  

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