Senior Director of Policy

UTEC; Lowell (MA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 weeks of vacation

Health insurance

Paid sabbatical after 3 years

401(k) retirement plan with match

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Lowell, MA, is seeking a Senior Director of Policy to guide policy advocacy and budget strategy. This role involves shaping the statewide and national agenda, developing campaigns to impact young adults affected by incarceration. Candidates should have a strong commitment to equity and a bachelor's degree, with at least five years of experience in related fields. The position offers a salary range of $95,000 to $110,000 plus a robust benefits package including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in advocacy, policy, or related fields.
• Strong passion for elevating youth voice and advancing justice.

Responsibilities

• Lead UTEC’s local, state, and federal policy initiatives.
• Create opportunities for young adult leadership.
• Build relationships with government officials.
• Supervise the Policy Manager.

Skills

Commitment to UTEC’s mission, values, and culture

Equity and inclusion

Campaign management

Strategic thinking

Written and verbal communication

Project management

Supervisory skills

Flexibility

Sense of humor

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Title: Senior Director of Policy

Reports to: CEO

Type: Full-Time

Salary: $95,000-$110,000

Location: Lowell, MA (Hybrid)

Position Summary

UTEC seeks a committed, innovative, and values-driven leader to guide and elevate our policy, advocacy, and budget strategy at the local, state, and federal levels. This position plays a critical role in advancing meaningful, systemic change for young adults most impacted by incarceration, poverty, and disconnection.

Building on several years of increasingly strong policy and advocacy accomplishments, the Senior Director of Policy will shape UTEC’s statewide and national agenda, develop bold yet winnable campaigns, and cultivate deep partnerships that center racial, social, and economic justice.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role leads the development and execution of UTEC’s policy and budget work; builds and maintains key governmental, coalition, and media relationships; and ensures that youth voice, through UTEC, is authentically integrated throughout all policy efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and manage UTEC’s local, state, and federal policy and budget platform
• Research, identify, and advance winnable administrative, legislative, and budget campaigns
• Track and analyze key legislation and national policy trends
• Develop persuasive policy statements, briefs, and proposals aligned with racial, social, and economic justice

Youth Voice, Community Organizing & Coalition Building

• Create and support authentic opportunities for young adult leadership in shaping and advancing campaigns
• Ensure policy initiatives align with lived experiences of young adults most impacted by the criminal justice system
• Manage and expand coalitions
• Collaborate with Organizing Manager and related teams to support aligned mobilization

Government

• Build and maintain relationships with elected, administrative, and appointed officials
• Lead legislative briefings; prepare testimony, talking points, and action alerts
• Represent UTEC at statewide meetings, convenings, and national conferences

Leadership & Internal Collaboration

• Supervise and support the Policy Manager
• Convene weekly meetings with regular stakeholders for organizing and advocacy alignment
• Lead UTEC’s federal legislative efforts

Required Skills & Competencies

• Deep commitment to UTEC’s mission, values, and culture
• Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice
• Campaign management experience a plus; MA political familiarity a plus
• Strategic and relational thinker with strong facilitation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Exceptional project‐management skills, reliability, and follow‑through
• Strong supervisory and team leadership skills
• Flexibility and comfort navigating ambiguity
• Humility, willingness to acknowledge mistakes, and a sense of humor

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred
• At least five years of experience in advocacy, policy, legislative, or related fields
• Strong passion for elevating youth voice and advancing justice for young adults
• Experience in campaign management a plus

Compensation

$95,000-$110,000 plus benefits. UTEC offers a competitive benefits package that starts with 3 weeks of vacation plus a week off between the Christmas and New Year holidays, 12 holidays, 10 sick days, 2 personal days, and 3 bereavement days, as well as health, dental, and vision insurance starting day one. We also offer life insurance, first‑time homeowners down payment assistance, cost‑of‑living increases, a paid sabbatical after three years, and a 401(k) retirement plan with up to $2,000 savings match.

UTEC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, UTEC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.