Director of Public Policy & Advocacy

Title: Director of Public Policy & Advocacy

Department: Executive Office

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Other: Fulltime, Exempt, Eligible for Benefits

 Position Summary:

This position of Director, Public Policy and Advocacy is responsible for assisting the CEO in achieving Valley of the Sun United Way’s (VSUW) public policy mission.

 

Summary of Responsibilities:

·         Inform and provide strategic guidance to senior leadership about relevant policy developments and opportunities.

·         Position VSUW with policymakers as a credible, trusted, nonpartisan source of information.

·         Represent VSUW directly with federal, state and local policymakers, as directed by President & CEO.

·         Inform and coordinate policy activities of organization staff.

·         Directly lobby federal, state and local elected officials and staff on public policy issues important to VSUW as needed.  Lobbying activities may include testifying at public hearings, meeting one-on-one and developing official correspondence.

·         Direct and guide the lobbying activities of the organization through the development of background materials, interaction with elected officials and key constituencies, and communication with other lobbying organizations and individuals.

·         Manage the annual development of the Public Policy Agenda.

·         Lead the development and strategic deployment of public policy programs and resources.

·         Assist organization members with questions regarding current Public Policy issues.

·         Manage all Public Policy Program budgets.

·         Monitor business related issues and proposals at all levels.

·         Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials/staff, business leaders, lobbyists, and business/community organizations.

·         Participate in internal committees and groups.

·         Support the execution of the Balanced Scorecard in helping to advance organization-wide goals and priorities.

·         Develop and support Board-level Public Policy Committee.

·         Work closely with Marketing & Communications and Community Impact Departments on advocacy strategies for each Community Objective.

·         Directs strategies and tactics to influence the wider business community’s public policy agenda in ways that advance VSUW’s mission. 

·         Other duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements:

·         Extensive experience and demonstrated success working with policymakers, preferably at senior legislative or executive level.

·         Demonstrated understanding of national policy issues and current trends and in state and federal policy matters affecting health and human services.  

·         Must possess multi-tasking, organizational, strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.

·         Earned reputation for nonpartisanship or for working “both sides of the aisle.”

·         Demonstrated experience developing relationships with and outreach to national and local media.

·         Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.

·         Communicates in a strong, positive and effective manner both verbally and non-verbally.

·         Excellent presentation, public speaking and facilitation skills.

·         Capacity to be a “tough-minded optimist,” always acting to solve problems with energy and a positive attitude.

·         Strong project management expertise.

·         Experience in managing budgets, contracts and consultants.

·         Demonstrates a high level of personal accountability

·         Protects confidential information and shares expertise with others.

·         Ability to  effectively work with and manage external coalitions as well as organization volunteers serving on key internal committees.

 

Technical Skills:

·         Ability to write and articulate public policy positions.

·         Demonstrated skill in strategic use of social media.

·         Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

·         Ability to research and locate information from the internet.

·         Ability to learn and use new software and systems as required.

·         Ability to draft legislation and amendments.

 

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

·         Bachelors’ degree essential (ex. Political Science, Business, Journalism/Mass  Communications); advanced degree in related field (law, business or public policy) preferred.

·         7+ years experience in public affairs and / or government relations in Arizona and/or federal level of government

o   Background in public affairs functioning, legislative advising, industry association
or as an external advisor helpful.

o   Equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the knowledge and abilities to do the job.

·         Non-profit knowledge and experience a plus, but not required.

·         Valid Arizona driver’s license, proof of auto insurance coverage, daily access to personal vehicle.

 

Reporting to this position: None.

 

Physical demands and work environment:

·         Work is performed primarily in an office setting and while performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, and demonstrate manual dexterity. 

·         During specific times of the year, the employee is required to visit a variety of settings across the community.  Additional mobility is required during this activity. 

·         Occasionally may be required to lift moderately heavy objects (up to 25 pounds) during the course of the workday.  

Resume and Cover Letter Submission:

Submit your resume to staffing@vsuw.org.  Please attach your information as an MS Word document, PDF file or plain text document. Please no phone inquiries.  Please submit your information no later than August 15, 2011.  VSUW is E.O.E.