Director, Federal Public Policy

United Way Worldwide (UWW) – Director, Federal Public Policy

United Way Worldwide (UWW) seeks an experienced public policy professional to join the Public Policy team as the Director, Federal Public Policy to support federal advocacy efforts, enhance the local United Way network policy participation and engagement, help foster strong and lasting relationships with federal decision makers, and work collaboratively on key initiatives that strengthen UWW’s advocacy impact and elevate the organizational brand.

We are looking for a talented, driven, and experienced government relations and/or federal policy professional to support our growing Public Policy team. The successful Director, Federal Public Policy will be invested in the core pillars of UWW’s mission as well as in supporting the success of its network of local United Ways in achieving the organization’s myriad federal policy goals. The successful candidate will work across United Way’s impact pillars that guide the organization’s policy priorities: Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.

The Director, Federal Public Policy will have the ability to develop savvy political and coalition strategies by identifying and gathering credible federal policy-related information and data to support advocacy efforts across the executive branch and legislative branches of government. They must also have experience simplifying complex public policies and government communications for the purpose of educating and informing diverse audiences with various levels of expertise. An ideal candidate would flourish in a fast-paced environment and possess the ability to manage multiple projects while working cross-functionally on multiple workgroups, in teams, and independently.

Key Responsibilities/ Essential Duties

Policy Development and Support

• Identify and analyze federal policy issues that impact United Way’s mission and priorities.
• Conduct research and compile data to support policy positions.
• Develop advocacy messages for external communications and coordinate advocacy pushes, campaigns, and mobilizations.
• Articulate policy positions in briefing papers, consultation responses, and policy meetings.

Congressional and Executive Branch Engagement

• Collaborate with Public Policy team members to build/enhance relationships with legislative staff and federal agency staff and leadership to support United Way’s public policy agenda.
• Lead and manage Quarterly Congressional briefings to increase awareness of United Way.
• Represent United Way at legislative events and coalition meetings.
• Effectively communicate United Way’s policy priorities to policymakers and stakeholders.

Network Engagement

• Support United Way network advocacy events to advance United Way’s federal policy agenda, including UWW’s annual Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day, the organization’s signature federal policy event.
• Engage United Way Network members, affinity groups, volunteers, and community partners to advocate for policy priorities.
• Develop and implement campaigns to educate and mobilize support for legislative action.
• Create Network tools to support mobilization efforts.
• Draft content for UWW’s public policy-related newsletters and presentations.
• Draft policy proposals, legislative language, and testimony for Congressional hearings.

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Collaborate with other non-profit organizations and coalitions to advance shared policy goals.
• Foster relationships with relevant federal agencies to advocate for policy implementation.

Organizational/Department Efforts

• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders such as legal, communications, and the Public Policy team on public policy matters to help guide development of products, services, and policies.
• Other duties, as assigned by the UWW Senior Director of Policy.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree – equivalent experience also considered.
• At least 5 years’ experience on Capitol Hill working in federal government relations or within a federal government agency, ideally doing Congressional affairs, or other advocacy and policy experience.
• Demonstrates strong strategic thinking skills to formulate and execute long-term legislative and grassroots plans to achieve priorities and policy objectives.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Some travel may be required.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job. You should be able to work on-site in the Alexandria, VA location; relocation assistance is not offered.

Salary Statement

The budgeted lifespan salary range for this position is currently $120,000 – 130,000 per year. Salary is determined by several factors, including the applicant’s knowledge, skills, experience, position, equity, and market.

Competencies

Accountability/Results Orientation

• Is accountable for the work results and performance to budget of an assigned team.
• Assists in identifying work quality standards and training team members and accepts responsibility for the team’s achieved outcomes.
• Behaves ethically and honestly in all activities done on behalf of UWW and the movement.

Decision-Making/Risk-Taking

• Evaluates available information and recommends a course of action.
• Uses judgment appropriately in decision-making.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Shares pertinent information and keeps team members informed.
• Adapts quickly to changing conditions or performance expectations.

Relationship Management

• Embodies and promotes UWW’s values and guiding principles.
• Works effectively with United Way staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to achieve strategic direction.

Communications

• Expresses ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner.
• Actively listens to others to understand their perspectives.

Innovation/Creativity

• Promotes a climate that values and rewards innovation and creativity.
• Maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends that affect United Ways, UWW, and/or the non-profit sector.

About United Way Worldwide

United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.

United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws.

The EEO is the Law poster is available here. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail [email protected] and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

We are a charter member of Employers of National Service and encourage AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.

United Way Worldwide is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits, including:

• Health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability.
• Employee assistance program.
• 403(b) plan.
• Tuition assistance.
• Paid time off, family sick leave, and medical appointment leave.
• Parental/adoption leave.
• Free parking and onsite gym.
• Monthly volunteering opportunities, and more.

United Way Worldwide’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement of Principle

We take the broadest possible view of diversity.

We value the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are.

We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

We believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems.

We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work.

We commit to using these practices for our business and our communities.

Join us in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion for every person in every community.

Learn more here