Director of Disability Policy

STARKLOFF DISABILITY INSTITUTE; St. Louis (MO); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Starkloff Disability Institute seeks a strategic Director of Disability Policy to lead policy and advocacy, advancing employment, inclusion, accessibility, and universal design in Missouri.

The role oversees policy strategy, research, coalitions, and public representation, collaborating with leadership and external partners to drive high-impact priorities for people with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Significant experience in disability policy, advocacy, government relations, or a related field.
• Lived experience with disability strongly valued.
• Strong research, analytical, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of professionalism and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organization's disability public policy and advocacy strategy.
• Identify legislative, regulatory, and administrative issues affecting people with disabilities.
• Develop organizational policy positions and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Lead and support the Disability Policy Coordinator and collaborate with external partners and coalitions.
• Represent the organization before legislative and administrative bodies.
• Convene and participate in coalitions advancing disability policy priorities.
• Conduct policy research and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Develop reports, presentations, articles, and other public-facing materials.

Skills

Research

Analytical thinking

Writing

Public speaking

Stakeholder relations

Policy knowledge

Disability policy knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in public policy or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Director of Disability Policy

Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $85,000 to $105,000 annually
Reports To: Chief Program Officer

About the Opportunity

Starkloff Disability Institute is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Director of Disability Policy to lead the organization's public policy and advocacy efforts. This senior leadership role will drive policy initiatives focused on employment, economic opportunity, inclusion, accessibility, and universal design, helping to remove barriers to full participation for people with disabilities while positioning Starkloff as a leading disability‑led policy voice in Missouri.

The Director will lead the development and execution of the organization's policy strategy, conduct research and analysis, build coalitions, engage policymakers, develop advocacy materials, and serve as a public representative for the organization. Working closely with leadership, community stakeholders, and external partners, this individual will advance high‑impact policy priorities that create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and execute the organization's disability public policy and advocacy strategy.
• Identify legislative, regulatory, and administrative issues affecting people with disabilities.
• Develop organizational policy positions and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Lead and support the Disability Policy Coordinator and collaborate with external partners and coalitions.

Disability Employment and Economic Opportunity

• Lead policy initiatives that increase employment and economic security for people with disabilities.
• Advance solutions to systemic barriers and work disincentives.
• Monitor and analyze state and federal policy developments.
• Elevate the experiences of disabled jobseekers and workers to inform policy priorities.

Inclusion, Accessibility, and Universal Design

• Advance policies that promote disability inclusion, accessibility, and universal design.
• Identify opportunities to influence policy related to workplaces, transportation, technology, education, and the built environment.
• Connect policy initiatives with organizational expertise in universal design.

Government Relations, Advocacy, and Coalition Leadership

• Build relationships with policymakers, government agencies, employers, disability organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Develop policy briefs, testimony, regulatory comments, and advocacy materials.
• Represent the organization before legislative and administrative bodies.
• Convene and participate in coalitions advancing disability policy priorities.

Research and Thought Leadership

• Conduct policy research and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Develop reports, presentations, articles, and other public‑facing materials.
• Serve as a spokesperson on disability public policy issues.
• Collaborate across organizational programs to align policy efforts with community needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, law, or a related field preferred.
• Significant experience in disability policy, advocacy, government relations, or a related field.
• Lived experience with disability strongly valued.
• Strong research, analytical, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of professionalism and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Knowledge and Competencies

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Strategic thinking and leadership.
• Policy expertise and analytical rigor.
• Strong communication and influence skills.
• Relationship‑building and coalition‑development experience.
• Accountability and results orientation.
• Knowledge of disability rights, workforce inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity laws and policy frameworks, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related federal and state disability rights statutes and regulations. This includes an understanding of how these laws impact employment, economic opportunity, and community participation for people with disabilities.
• Understanding of federal, state, and local agencies and systems that influence disability policy, regulation, funding, and enforcement.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position based in St. Louis, Missouri, with participation in meetings and events throughout the St. Louis region.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $85,000 to $105,000 annually. Compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Starkloff Disability Institute is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and other historically underrepresented communities. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process and employment.