Federal Policy & Partnerships Lead

YMCA of the USA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of the USA is seeking a Manager, Federal Policy and Partnerships to advance federal priorities in Washington, D.C. This role builds relationships with federal policymakers and coalitions, and supports advocacy and mobilization across the YMCA network.

Based in DC, the position collaborates with government relations staff to shape public policy, secure funding, and drive national advocacy outcomes aligned with youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher required in a relevant field.
• 5–7 years of issues management experience in a political or public affairs environment.
• Ability to manage complex tasks and multiple work streams with minimal supervision.
• Strong understanding of federal policy, legislative processes, and agency engagement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing materials, talking points, and advocacy communications.
• Experience supporting events, fly-ins, advocacy days, or stakeholder engagement programs.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and manage relationships with Congressional offices and federal agency stakeholders to advance the organization’s policy and funding goals.
• Monitor and analyze complex federal legislation and regulations, White House initiatives and agency priorities, and evaluate new opportunities and trends to inform organizational priorities and decision-making.
• Support high-impact grassroots and grasstops mobilization efforts, ensuring effective engagement to advance policy priorities and secure federal funding.
• Develop internal and external communications to translate policy and funding implications, share strategic guidance and actions, and advance the Y’s federal legislative agenda.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with coalition partners and serve on coalition working groups and committees to help drive the Y’s legislative agenda and expand the organization’s influence.
• Collaborate with Y-USA’s Practice Leaders to exchange information, align strategies, and leverage organizational expertise to advance shared policy and programmatic outcomes.
• Lead the design and execution of advocacy engagement programs that strengthen National Advocacy Days, elevate local perspectives, and deepen stakeholder participation in federal advocacy efforts.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Coalition building

Advocacy communications

Project management

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The YMCA of the USA is seeking a Manager, Federal Policy and Partnerships to advance federal priorities in Washington, D.C. This role builds relationships with federal policymakers and coalitions, and supports advocacy and mobilization across the YMCA network.

Based in DC, the position collaborates with government relations staff to shape public policy, secure funding, and drive national advocacy outcomes aligned with youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.