Director of Advocacy Strategy & Engagement (Remote-First)

YMCA of the USA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan (403b)

Technology stipend

generous paid time off

Work from anywhere in continental US

Job summary

YMCA of the USA is seeking a Director, Advocacy Strategy and Engagement to guide day-to-day grassroots advocacy within the Government Relations Department. You will shape strategy, manage outreach to engage audiences and officials, and oversee advocacy messaging and materials across channels.

The role is remote-first, based in the continental U.S., with DC-area eligibility for in-person collaboration; strong leadership and strategic execution are essential to advance policy goals for the YMCA

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher required; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 8–12 years of issues management experience in political or public affairs environment; Capitol Hill experience preferred.
• Expert functional skills, advanced knowledge and managerial ability.
• Manages multiple teams or functions; strong strategic and operational decision-making authority.
• Ability to handle highly complex tasks with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Create, implement, and evaluate an integrated mobilization plan to advance Y-USA policy priorities and grassroots engagement.
• Develop, distribute, and maintain advocacy collateral—talking points, videos, newsletters, social content—in collaboration with Marcom.
• Place communication vehicles to build momentum and test activation tools.
• Track audience engagement in real time to adapt mobilization strategies.
• Lead DC fly-in planning, materials, programming, and Capitol Hill meetings.
• Participate in national coalition meetings and contribute to coordinated advocacy plans.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Y-USA policy positions and key developments.
• Serve as liaison between Government Relations and Marcom, ensuring cross-department alignment.

Skills

Issues management

Public affairs

Strategic planning

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

YMCA of the USA is seeking a Director, Advocacy Strategy and Engagement to guide day-to-day grassroots advocacy within the Government Relations Department. You will shape strategy, manage outreach to engage audiences and officials, and oversee advocacy messaging and materials across channels.

The role is remote-first, based in the continental U.S., with DC-area eligibility for in-person collaboration; strong leadership and strategic execution are essential to advance policy goals for the YMCA