Policy Engagement Coordinator

Voices for Children in Nebraska; Omaha (NE); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid holidays and vacation

Hybrid work structure

Parking/mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Voices for Children in Nebraska seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven advocate to engage youth across the state in policy work. You’ll elevate youth voices, plan camps and trainings, and liaise between policy staff and communications to share updates.

The role centers on outreach to youth and families, building trusted partnerships, and expanding impact beyond Omaha and Lincoln. Ideal candidates are extroverted, highly organized, with a commitment to centering youth perspectives.

Qualifications

• Must be a people person extroverted and able to engage positively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to centering youth voice and meaningful community engagement.
• Outstanding organizational skills with strong attention to detail and deadlines.
• Preferred: experience with policy advocacy, especially Nebraska Legislature.
• Preferred: bilingual English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with policy and engagement staff to elevate youth voices in policy development.
• Lead Nebraska Youth Justice Policy Fellowship and other youth advocacy cohorts.
• Plan and execute policy and advocacy events and youth summits.
• Coordinate with the Youth Advisory Council and state policy agenda.
• Support outreach to youth, families, and impacted individuals for policymaking.

Skills

People skills

Youth engagement

Organizational skills

Policy advocacy experience

Bilingual EN/ES

Job description

Job Summary:

Voices for Children in Nebraska is looking for a dynamic, positive, and relationship-driven individual to support our efforts to engage young people and communities across the state in our policy advocacy work.

The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated goal-setter who is optimistic about the potential for policy change and the power of youth voice. They will enjoy working alongside youth advocates, empowering young voices in the advocacy process. Strong interpersonal skills, relationship-building, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections will be key to success in this role.

Reports to: Policy Director

Organization Overview:

VFC has been a leader in data-informed and engagement-driven systemic change on key children’s issues in Nebraska for almost 40 years. Our mission is to advocate for equitable opportunity for kids in our state through research, policy, and community engagement. Our vision is a Nebraska with strong communities where every child has all they need to lead a healthy, secure, and fulfilling life. Our primary areas of focus include youth justice, child welfare, economic stability, and health care access.

Role Overview:

• Youth & Community Policy Advocacy Program: Work with policy and engagement staff to identify and create opportunities to elevate youth voices and others with lived experience of our child-serving systems in the policy development, advocacy, and decision-making process. This includes, with training:
  • Leading our Nebraska Youth Justice Policy Fellowship and other identified youth advocacy cohorts, talking walls, listening sessions, and trainings.
  • Planning, coordinating, and executing our annual Spring Break Policy & Advocacy Camp and supporting other youth summits or youth lobby days we may be involved with.
  • Collaborating with our Youth and Family Engagement Coordinator to support the connection between our Omaha-based Youth Advisory Council and our state policy agenda.
  • Providing outreach and direct support for youth, families, and other impacted individuals to participate in state policymaking.
  • During Legislative Session, liaising between Policy Directors and communications staff to provide regular, accessible policy updates for social media, website, and newsletters.
• Community Partnership Development: Help us to sustain strong, collaborative relationships with organizations and stakeholders across Nebraska, especially outside of the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas, including nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and advocacy groups. This includes:
  • Representing VFC at community meetings and events, coalition meetings, and conferences to enhance organizational visibility and strengthen community trust.
  • Supporting grassroots mobilization efforts such as town halls, listening sessions, community education events, and representing VFC in ballot initiative campaigns and issue-specific policy coalitions.

Desired Skills & Abilities

• Must be a “people person” who is extroverted and able to engage positively with a variety of stakeholders, especially young people, including in times of stress
• Commitment to centering youth voice and engaging meaningfully in community
• Outstanding organizational skills, high attention to detail, and experience balancing multiple projects and deadlines
• Preferred: Some experience with policy advocacy, particularly with the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature
• Preferred: Bilingual English and Spanish

Physical & Other Requirements

• Driver’s license in good standing and reliable transportation
• Must be a Nebraska resident, located in or near the Omaha or Lincoln metro area (in-state travel required)
• Willingness and ability to pass background check for working with youth and complete child safety training
• Ability to lift and carry items up to 20 pounds
• Flexibility to work some evening and weekend hours as needed at meetings, community events, and legislative or other policy opportunities.

Salary & Benefits

• Starting salary: $60,000
• Health, dental, and vision insurance offered. VFC pays 100% of individual health insurance premiums for employees on our insurance plan, plus 25% of any dependent child premiums. Alternatively, a monthly employer contribution to HSA or DCFSA, up to $600/month as allowed by IRS contribution limits.
• 401(k) with employer match up to 2% beginning 6 months following employment
• Group life insurance and optional additional insurance offerings
• Access to employee assistance program
• 12 paid federal holidays, 2 paid floating holidays, as well as generous vacation, sick, and child sick leave starting from date of employment
• Longevity sabbatical at 5 years
• Paid parental leave and bring your baby to work policy
• Flexible workweek and hybrid remote/in-office structure
• Paid parking for in-office days and mileage reimbursement for work travel outside home city

Voices for Children in Nebraska is an equal opportunity employer.