Director, Advocacy & Policy

Position: Director, Advocacy and Policy  

Reports to: Associate Vice President, Advocacy and Policy

Department: Advocacy and Government Relations

Organization Summary:

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) works with a coalition of trusted partners to unite community power with citywide possibility. Together, we meet today’s most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow — striving for health, opportunity, and prosperity for every New Yorker in every neighborhood. Part of the United Way Worldwide system, one of the world’s most recognized charitable brands, we believe that New Yorkers deserve to thrive where they live and envision a future where all New Yorkers have the resources they need to live long, healthy lives in flourishing and resilient neighborhoods. We strive to model our values in all our relationships, both internal and external: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance.

UWNYC’s Advocacy and Government Relations work is grounded in a place-based approach, collaborating with community organizations, government partners, and policymakers to advance policies and public investments informed by local knowledge, community priorities, and the lived experiences of New Yorkers.

Position Overview: 

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Advocacy and Policy, the Director, Advocacy and Policy manages the implementation of assigned policy, advocacy, research, and government relations initiatives. Working under the AVP’s strategic direction, the Director conducts policy analysis, develops recommendations for review, coordinates advocacy activities, and maintains relationships with government officials, coalitions, and community partners.

The Director translates research and community insights into policy materials and actionable recommendations that support UWNYC’s approved legislative and budget priorities. The role collaborates across departments, manages project work plans, and represents UWNYC in designated meetings and forums to advance equitable outcomes for New Yorkers.

Primary Responsibilities:

Policy and Government Relations

• Implement assigned city, state, and federal policy and advocacy initiatives in alignment with priorities established by the AVP and organizational leadership.
• Monitor legislation, budgets, and regulations; assess potential implications for UWNYC’s programs and the communities it serves.
• Develop policy recommendations and draft organizational positions for review and approval.
• Maintain working relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and coalition partners.
• Coordinate legislative meetings, lobby days, and related advocacy activities, including preparation, logistics, and follow-up.
• Represent UWNYC in designated meetings and communicate approved organizational positions.

Research and Policy Development

• Conduct policy research and legislative analysis related to UWNYC’s advocacy priorities.
• Draft policy briefs, testimony, reports, memos, talking points, and advocacy materials for review.
• Incorporate community perspectives, program insights, and relevant data into policy recommendations.
• Collaborate with program and data colleagues to assess policy impacts and track progress toward advocacy objectives.
• Prepare timely summaries of policy developments and emerging issues for the AVP and internal stakeholders.

Advocacy and Coalition Building

• Manage the day-to-day implementation of assigned advocacy campaigns and coalition activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and community partners.
• Coordinate partner participation around shared, approved policy priorities.
• Organize advocacy events, training, stakeholder meetings, and public forums.
• Track campaign activities, partner engagement, and outcomes; recommend adjustments to improve effectiveness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Team Management

• Collaborate with Community Impact teams and other internal departments to connect advocacy activities with program priorities and community needs.
• Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop accurate, accessible messaging that reflects approved policy positions.
• Contribute policy content to grant proposals, funder reports, external communications, and executive briefings.
• Manage assigned work plans, timelines, and deliverables; provide progress updates and elevate issues requiring AVP guidance or approval.
• Supervise assigned staff and interns, as applicable, including setting expectations, reviewing work, and supporting professional development.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned to meet business and operational needs.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, or a related field preferred.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations, or legislative affairs.
• Working knowledge of New York City and New York State legislative and budget processes, with familiarity with federal policy processes.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze legislation, budgets, and policy issues and communicate their implications clearly.
• Strong research, writing, presentation, and project management skills.
• Experience coordinating advocacy initiatives, participating in coalitions, and maintaining external partnerships.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate across departments.
• Experience supervising staff or coordinating the work of project teams preferred.
• Commitment to equity and advocacy informed by community priorities and lived experiences.

Key Competencies:

• Policy Implementation and Legislative Analysis
• Government Relations
• Research and Policy Writing
• Coalition and Partnership Building
• Advocacy Communications
• Project and Team Management
• Collaboration and Community Engagement

Salary Range:

• Director Salary Range
  • The final determination of salary, within this range, will depend on the candidate’s education, skills and experience required for the position.

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Additional Requirements:

• UWNYC presently operates on a hybrid/in-person work schedule.

United Way of NYC Core Competencies for All Staff

• Mission Focused: Catalyze others’ commitment to the mission to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This drives their performance and professional motivations.
• Relationship-Oriented: Understands that people come before processes and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
• Collaborator: Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.
• Results Driven: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good: creating, resourcing, scaling and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
• Brand Steward: Steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.

United Way of New York City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer