Senior Vice President of Policy

Position Overview

Project on Government Oversight (POGO) has retained us to identify a professional to join a mission-driven team dedicated to strengthening democracy and ensuring government works for everyone. Through investigative research, policy advocacy, and collaboration with policymakers and communities, POGO works to expose corruption, address abuses of power, and advance reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and equity in the federal government. Be part of a team working to build a more just, effective, and accountable government that protects civil and human rights and serves the public interest.

As the Senior Vice President (SVP), you will lead POGO's policy, advocacy, and capacity-building strategy, advancing an integrated approach to influence policy outcomes across the congressional and executive branches and strengthen democratic accountability. In close partnership with the Executive Director and Executive Leadership Team, you will guide the policy agenda, provide strategic counsel on legislative and oversight developments, and foster cross-organizational collaboration to drive impact. You will also represent the POGO externally, building relationships with policymakers and partners to advance policy priorities and support government accountability and reform.

Responsibilities

• Lead POGO's overall policy and advocacy strategy, serving as a key internal and external voice on public policy and government reform
• Develop and refine policy, advocacy, and capacity-building priorities aligned with organizational goals
• Analyze legislation, regulations, and emerging trends to identify risks, opportunities, and evidence-based policy positions
• Direct policy influence strategies, including lobbying, coalition building, external partnerships, and advocacy campaigns
• Set the long-term vision and strategic plan for policy, the Congressional Oversight Initiative (COI), and advocacy work
• Oversee and expand capacity-building efforts, particularly to strengthen congressional oversight capabilities
• Provide policy analysis and strategic guidance to the Executive Director and Executive Leadership Team
• Serve as the senior political strategist, aligning political strategy with mission and values
• Manage the COI, Policy, and Advocacy teams, ensuring clear roles, coordination, and strong performance
• Oversee policy research to ensure fact-based insights inform advocacy and policy positions
• Collaborate across teams to align investigations, communications, and policy strategies for maximum impact
• Represent POGO publicly and cultivate relationships with congressional offices, coalitions, civil society partners, and key institutions
• Monitor and respond to political and policy landscape shifts to position POGO as a proactive leader
• Partner with finance and development leadership to engage major donors and foundations
• Ensure all policy and advocacy work advances justice, equity, inclusion, and systemic reform

Qualifications

• 7 years of senior leadership experience in political, legislative, government, or nonprofit settings overseeing policy or advocacy programs
• Strong ability to analyze complex policy issues and develop effective advocacy strategies
• Proven experience setting and achieving strategic priorities for large or multifaceted policy teams
• Demonstrated commitment to respect, accountability, inclusion, and collaboration
• Track record of leading policy or advocacy initiatives that achieved measurable reform
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, delegate effectively, and adapt to evolving circumstances
• Experience leading and developing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to introduce innovative approaches to complex public policy challenges with measurable impact
• Strong understanding of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizational culture and policy work
• Exceptional relationship-building and consensus-building skills with diverse stakeholders
• Deep knowledge of the legislative process, congressional oversight, and executive branch dynamics
• Proven ability to work effectively in nonpartisan, complex political environments

Compensation

• Salary: $140,000-$165,000
• All Federal and DC holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving and the entire week from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day as well as one floating holiday
• Ten vacation days prorated your first year, with vacation time increasing with tenure up to 20 days annually
• 3 personal days to take for any reason a 12 sick days annually, both prorated first year
• Health insurance premium covered at 100% for organization’s reference plan
• Dental and vision almost completely covered (employees pay $2 a month for each)
• Life, short term, long term, accidental death covered 100% by organization
• 403(b) retirement plan available with employer contribution once eligible
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cell phone/internet stipend to support work from home arrangements