Disability Policy & Advocacy Leader

Socket.dev; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Starkloff Disability Institute in St. Louis, Missouri seeks a strategic Director of Disability Policy to lead public policy and advocacy, driving policy initiatives on employment, inclusion, accessibility, and universal design.

This senior role partners with leadership and coalitions to advance priority issues for people with disabilities. The Director will shape strategy, conduct policy research, and act as a public representative while managing external partners and the Disability Policy

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 good judgment.

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.
• Lead policy initiatives that increase employment and economic security for people with disabilities.
• Monitor and analyze state and federal policy developments.
• Elevate the experiences of disabled jobseekers and workers to inform policy priorities.
• Advance policies that promote disability inclusion, accessibility, and universal design.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Policy leadership

Research

Public speaking

Writing

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree in public policy, law, or related field preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Starkloff Disability Institute in St. Louis, Missouri seeks a strategic Director of Disability Policy to lead public policy and advocacy, driving policy initiatives on employment, inclusion, accessibility, and universal design.

This senior role partners with leadership and coalitions to advance priority issues for people with disabilities. The Director will shape strategy, conduct policy research, and act as a public representative while managing external partners and the Disability Policy