Deputy Policy Director (Volunteer)

Deputy Policy Director (Volunteer)

Alliance for American Leadership

Location: Washington, DC

The Alliance for American Leadership (A4AL) is a coalition of 70,000 development professionals, students, diplomats, veterans, and engaged citizens committed to strengthening U.S. global leadership through effective civilian foreign assistance.

The Deputy Policy Director serves as a senior member of A4AL’s policy and advocacy leadership team, helping guide the organization’s legislative strategy, policy development, coalition engagement, and congressional outreach efforts. This role works closely with executive leadership to coordinate policy initiatives, support external engagement, and help lead a large, mission-driven team of interns and volunteers.

This position is ideal for someone seeking meaningful leadership experience in foreign policy, advocacy, legislative affairs, or nonprofit strategy while contributing to a rapidly growing national organization.

Core Responsibilities

Policy Strategy & Legislative Engagement

• Help develop and execute A4AL’s policy and advocacy strategy at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Support congressional engagement efforts, including legislative meetings, coalition coordination, policy briefings, and stakeholder outreach.
• Assist in drafting and refining policy materials, legislative resources, strategic memos, advocacy campaigns, and external communications.
• Ensure advocacy efforts remain aligned with organizational priorities, political realities, and long-term strategic objectives.

Leadership & Organizational Coordination

• Work closely with executive leadership to support the growth, coordination, and strategic direction of the policy team.
• Help oversee major policy initiatives and ensure effective communication across teams and projects.
• Provide guidance and support to legislative and policy team leads while empowering them to independently execute responsibilities.
• Assist in maintaining organizational continuity, institutional knowledge, and operational effectiveness across the policy function.

External Relations & Coalition Building

• Build and maintain relationships with congressional offices, advocacy organizations, think tanks, academic institutions, and coalition partners.
• Represent A4AL in meetings, briefings, conferences, and collaborative initiatives related to international development and U.S. global leadership.
• Support partnership-building efforts that expand A4AL’s visibility, credibility, and policy impact.

Team Development & Mentorship

• Help cultivate a collaborative, professional, and mission-driven culture across A4AL’s legislative and policy teams.
• Mentor interns and emerging leaders interested in foreign policy, advocacy, and public service.
• Support onboarding, training, and professional development efforts for volunteers and interns.
• Help ensure the team consistently produces thoughtful, high-quality legislative and policy work.

Qualifications

• Experience in public policy, government affairs, legislative affairs, advocacy, international development, political campaigns, or nonprofit leadership.
• Strong understanding of congressional processes and the broader U.S. policymaking environment.
• Excellent writing, communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and collaborate across large volunteer teams.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and strong professional judgment.
• Interest in U.S. foreign policy, international development, and global affairs.
• Commitment to A4AL’s mission and values.

Screening Questions

• Do you understand this is an unpaid, volunteer position?
• Do you have at least 10 hours per week to dedicate to this role?
• Are you authorized to work in the United States?

Experience & Policy Background

• Could you describe your experience working on or around Capitol Hill?
• Please describe your experience drafting legislative, policy, advocacy, or strategic communications materials.
• What exposure have you had to congressional offices, executive branch agencies, advocacy organizations, or policy coalitions?
• What relationships or professional networks, if any, would you bring to this role?

Policy Judgment & Advocacy

• The Alliance for American Leadership supports strengthening U.S. civilian foreign assistance and global engagement. What draws you to this mission?
• Imagine you are meeting with a Member of Congress who is skeptical of foreign aid spending. How would you explain the strategic value of international assistance in a persuasive and politically realistic way?
• In your view, what are the strongest national security, economic, or geopolitical arguments for maintaining robust American global engagement?

Leadership & Team Management

• You will help support and coordinate a large team of highly motivated interns and volunteers with varying levels of experience and availability. How would you maintain morale, accountability, and high-quality output across such a team?
• How would you approach mentoring junior team members while balancing organizational priorities and deadlines?
• Describe a time you helped lead or coordinate a complex team, project, or initiative under pressure.

Availability & Commitment

• Are you based in the Washington, DC area?
• We frequently work in person from the Rayburn House Office Building and George Washington University. How often, if at all, would you be able to participate in person?
• How many hours per week can you realistically dedicate to this role?
• How many months do you see yourself committing to this position?