Director of Policy & Advocacy (Association Office YMCA)

​Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 Annually

The YMCA of Greater New York Association Office is seeking a Director of Policy & Advocacy who will be responsible for leading the YMCA of Greater New York’s policy and advocacy strategy at the City and State levels. They will help advance the Y’s legislative and fiscal priorities, secure public funding, strengthen relationships with government stakeholders, and represent the Y as a leading voice on issues affecting youth, families, and communities. The Director of Policy & Advocacy will be responsible for supporting the Y’s policy agenda, citywide and branch advocacy efforts, and work on select projects as they arise.

Benefits:
The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical benefits, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information. ​

​How to Apply:
If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.

• Bachelor’s Degree and two (2) years of relevant experience required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in policy and advocacy role(s) required. 
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, creativity, and the initiative to solve or anticipate problems.
• Experience working with youth and families on advocacy-related issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to utilize various social media platforms.
• Ability to travel as required.

Policy:

• Monitor and disseminate legislative and policy updates relevant to the YMCA, including pertinent city, state, and federal hearings, budget information, and advocacy alerts.
• Draft and submit testimony for public hearings.  Coordinate testimony with other YMCA staff and subject matter experts.
• Co-lead and facilitate internal work groups on specific policy issue areas.
• Make periodic requests to elected officials for support letters.
• Support the discretionary budget application process as well as the State Member item request process. 

Advocacy:

• Lead select coalition activities (i.e., letter writing, email campaigns, social media campaigns, etc.) and mobilize staff, parents/guardians, and youth to participate.
• Serve in leadership roles and help shape coalition agendas.
• Develop materials that will aid in educating and mobilizing staff, parents/guardians, and youth on key policy and budget issues (i.e., Advocacy One Pagers).
• Coordinate logistics for legislative events, including advocacy days, legislative visits, and legislative breakfasts.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to customize digital and social media strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and key stakeholders

Other Responsibilities:

• Monitor and track lobbying activities. Prepare and file required lobbying reports at the city and state levels.
• Support civic engagement initiatives and programming led by the Director of Civic Engagement.