Director, State Policy & Advocacy

Position Summary:

(Eligible for Hybrid/ 3 days in office - Alexandria, VA)

As United Way Worldwide (UWW) seeks to more deeply support the United Way Network’s policy engagements at the state and local levels across the U.S., the UWW Policy team seeks to hire a Director of State Policy and Advocacy that will support the coordination of the network’s policy and advocacy efforts at the state and local levels to bolster United Way’s impact across the pillars of advancing healthy communities, youth opportunity, economic mobility and community resiliency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POSITION

The Director of State Policy and Advocacy will work with the Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy to support tactical trainings for United Way leaders across the country; coordinate across United Way state associations and local United Ways on their advocacy initiatives; develop how-to guides and resources; support capacity building efforts such as policy-based Communities of Practice on specific policy topics; provide support for elected official engagement; participate in virtual conferences and fly-ins for local United Way staff and board members; and manage external partnerships with coalitions and advocacy organizations. Additionally, the Director will manage state policy team operations and internal resource infrastructure, while identifying and operationalizing best practices and learnings from peer organizations. They will accomplish these endeavors by focusing on:

·      Supporting the implementation of the vision for United Way Worldwide’s support of state policy engagement, including equipping state and local United Ways to pursue policy change aligned with United Way Worldwide’s Policy Priorities, consisting of: state-specific advocacy campaigns, strategic relationship building with elected officials, engagement on state-specific legislation, coalition mobilization, communities of practice, public events, and more.

·      Leading the creation of team tools to best manage and operationalize policy tools (Fiscal Note, Voter Voice, and more) for use by local United Ways in their policy and advocacy efforts.

·      Establishing strong systems and two-way communications channels to equip and educate local United Ways to effectively engage in advocacy on issues impacting their communities.

·      Organizing, supporting, participating in, and conducting policy trainings, webinars, and conferences to build the capacity of the United Way U.S. network, including:

o  State Capitol Hill Days and local policy Days of Action

o  Trainings for local United Ways

o  the United Way Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day (in Washington, DC)

·      Cultivating relationships with national and local advocacy partners – including other national nonprofits, state policy coalitions, bodies of state and local elected officials, and more – to identify best practices and find synergies and alignment with UWW policy and advocacy priorities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum requirements include:

·      Bachelor’s degree.

·      At least five years of advanced-level experience in a similar role.

·      Familiarity with the United Way network and federal policy landscape is strongly preferred. 

·      The role also requires: advanced public policy knowledge, skills and abilities; excellent verbal and written communication skills; an ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, build relationships, and work collaboratively; and excellent project management and Microsoft Office Suite skills.

·      Some travel may be required.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job. You should be able to work on-site in the Alexandria, VA location; relocation assistance is not offered. 

SALARY STATEMENT

The budgeted lifespan salary range for this position is currently $130,000 to $145,000 per year. Salary is determined by several factors including applicant’s knowledge, skills, experience, position, equity, and market.

COMPETENCIES

An individual must be able to demonstrate the following competencies at a satisfactory level:

Accountability/Results Orientation - Is accountable for the work results and performance to budget of an assigned team. Participates in the articulation of and communicates work goals and objectives, as well as expected work results. Assists in identifying work quality standards and training team members and accepts responsibility for the team's achieved outcomes. Protects the United Way brand, promoting its relevance and statue to the extent possible. Behaves ethically and honestly in all activities done on behalf of UWW and the movement. Demonstrates a commitment to UWW’s values, including diversity and inclusiveness.

Decision-Making/Risk-Taking - Evaluates available information and recommends a course of action. Contributes own assessment of risks and implications of decisions in team decision-making efforts. Develops and proposes effective alternative solutions. Uses judgment appropriately in decision-making. Knows when to shift decision-making upwards.

Teamwork Collaboration - Shares pertinent information and keeps team members informed on a regular basis. Ensures that processes, systems and resources are available and direct them properly to enable the team to efficiently accomplish its goals and objectives. Able to adapt quickly to changing conditions or performance expectations. Able to focus on assignments during periods of change and/or uncertainty.

Relationship Management - Embodies and promotes UWW's values and guiding principles. Promotes a "win-win" philosophy in dealing with others. Serves as a role model in dealing with others to accomplish organization goals and objectives. Works effectively with United Way staff, volunteers and other stakeholders to achieve strategic direction. Able to manage and sustain key relationships to benefit the United Way movement and/or UWW. Formulates and communicates in an ethical and politically sensitive manner.

Communications - Expresses ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner. Is persuasive and influences others. Actively listens to others to understand their perspectives. Seeks input and feedback on individual, team and departmental performance and environment. Supports openness.

Innovation/Creativity - Shares a deep commitment to the UW vision. Develops a "connected" vision for the Group. Has a plan to meet Group vision and contribute to overall success. Promotes a climate that values and rewards innovation and creativity. Acknowledges and champions the efforts of others to "think outside the box.” Maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends that affect United Ways, UWW and/or the non-profit sector. Demonstrates ability to analyze information and translate into specific, effective action/solutions.

ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE

United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.

United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws.

The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail recruitment@uww.unitedway.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

We are a charter member of Employers of National Service and encourage AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.

United Way Worldwide is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including: health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability, employee assistance program, 403(b) plan, tuition assistance, paid time off, family sick leave, medical appointment leave, parental/adoption leave, dress for your day, free parking, onsite gym, monthly volunteering opportunities, and more.

UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE

We take the broadest possible view of diversity. 

We value the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are.

We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

We believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems.

We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work.

We commit to using these practices for our business and our communities.

Join us in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion for every person in every community.

LIVE UNITED.