Director, Advocacy and Engagement

Who We Are

Independent Sector (IS) is the national membership organization that connects, strengthens, and advocates for nonprofits and philanthropies. Our vision is for a charitable sector that is healthy, trusted, and equitable and helps all people in the United States thrive. We unite nonprofits and philanthropies to strengthen the charitable sector, identifying structural challenges and mobilizing around policy and practice solutions. Independent Sector aims for a sector where charitable organizations are financially robust; powered by a thriving workforce that reflects the communities they serve; trusted, well-governed, and effective; and informed and active advocates.

Driven by the deep recognition of our impact, our organization is growing to meet the need for our work. At IS, we are seeking passionate individuals with a deep understanding of the social sector and a commitment to strengthening nonprofit institutions that, in turn, strengthen our nation. We deeply value and welcome those who bring their whole selves to our work. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our team and our sector. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact, drive transformative change, and lead with purpose and passion, we invite you to join us in advancing this critical mission.

Summary

The Director of Public Policy, Advocacy, and Engagement is responsible for leading the development, execution, and evaluation of strategies that mobilize the sector and IS members in support of Independent Sector’s core federal legislative priorities, as outlined by the Director of Public Policy and Government Relations. Leveraging internal and external research and insights from stakeholder engagement, the Director identifies the tools and resources most needed by sector advocates to advance their work. The incumbent collaborates with the Vice President of Programs to shape and deliver these resources into well-delivered and impactful products/programs. Additionally, the Director partners with the Directors of Research, Government Relations, and Membership to identify, design, and execute strategies and programs that engage the IS membership in the policy (and related work) of Independent Sector.

Essential Job Functions

Directs and develops the organization’s public policy mobilization agenda as guided by the board, Public Policy Committee, President & CEO, and/or Chief Strategy Officer.

Works in constant and close coordination with the Director of Public Policy/Government Relations to determine where and how the IS membership and other stakeholders can best be mobilized to advance IS’ core public policy priorities.

Ensures IS mobilization strategies are aligned with established advocacy best practices for nonprofit organizations.

Works in close coordination with the VP of Communications/team and direct report(s) to ensure IS advocacy and mobilization campaigns are communicated with clear, actionable language and effectively pushed across multiple communications channels.

Leads/manages existing member/stakeholder coalitions and informational engagements (Nonprofit Infrastructure Coalition, DC Advocates Breakfast, Monthly Policy Updates, and other coalitions), working in close coordination with the Director of Public Policy/Government Relations and team.

Informed by the work of the IS Director of Research/team and working with direct report(s), oversees development and testing of recommendations for how to improve the practice of policy advocacy and nonpartisan civic engagement in charitable organizations. Works in partnership with the VP of Programs and Director of Membership to develop such recommendations into tools and trainings (and other such products) that meet the needs of members.

As directed by the Chief Strategy Officer and other members of the Senior Leadership team, and working with direct report(s), designs, executes, and evaluates other opportunities to engage, educate, and grow the core advocacy community (members and non-members of IS) and, as appropriate, uses such engagements to build the IS membership base.

As directed by the Chief Strategy Officer, leads and oversees the development of “special” programs and projects that deeply engage IS stakeholders in policy-adjacent areas (i.e., updates to the 33 Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice).

Writes and edits content for IS website, newsletters, and policy calls to action.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Interviews, hires, and oversees training of direct report(s).

Oversees the daily workflow of direct report(s).

Provides constructive and timely performance feedback.

Motivates, disciplines, and directs.

Provides direct supervision to a team of one to three staff members as assigned.

Experience and Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy or related discipline, and 8 years of experience in policy advocacy, political campaign mobilization, membership associations/member engagement and mobilization, or relevant work in the federal government or related fields.

Advanced degree in related fields preferred, but not required.

A minimum of at least two years of supervisory experience required.

Qualifications

Knowledge of the nonprofit sector, including scope, role, history, needs, legal framework, and critical issues.

Deep experience in community organizing and advocacy/mobilization strategies to advance policy priorities. Experience in mobilizing within membership organizations and focused on federal policymakers highly desired.

Experience in crafting messaging strategies, products and content that effectively mobilize advocates and ease in aligning those strategies and products with colleagues across organizations (communications, membership, etc).

Strong program management and budgeting skills.

Experienced manager with proven skills in setting clear goals for organizational function and staff, motivating and developing staff, and providing clear staff feedback and evaluation.

Ability to manage up and down within organizational settings.

Ability to work independently and within a team setting, with great attention to detail and time sensitivities.

A strong commitment to delivering member value.

Ability to communicate information and ideas verbally and in writing so others will understand, for a wide variety of audiences.

Outstanding ability to build, manage, and maintain relationships with partners, members, and allies.

Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups.

Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining quality work and meeting deadlines.

Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of products, association systems (AMS), and legislative tracking and advocacy management software.

Work Environment

The work environment is a typical office environment. The noise level is usually quiet. Up to 20% travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods

Communicating with others to exchange information

Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefit Offerings

Medical Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care)

403(b) Retirement Plan with Generous Matching Program

Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

SmartBenefits Program

Unlimited PTO

Family and Medical Leave

December Holiday Closure

Summer Fridays

Monthly Wellness Days

10 Holidays

Hybrid Work Schedule with 2 days remote

Professional Development Funds

Regular ongoing social activities – on and off site

The selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check.

Learn more here