Director, Advocacy Strategy and Engagement – National Office

Director, Advocacy Strategy and Engagement – National Office
Organization: YMCA of the USA
Location: Washington, DC
Date Posted: 09/02/2026

# We are The Y, an association that values and is made stronger by its diverse people.

# Job Description
The Director, Advocacy Strategy and Engagement will oversee the day‑to‑day grassroots advocacy and mobilization functions of the Government Relations Department (the Department) at Y‑USA. Contribute to the development and execution of strategy and plans for coordinated outreach to engage target audiences and elected officials. Manage the creation and deployment of advocacy messaging, collateral materials, and digital resources to support advancement of policy goals and interests of the YMCA national resource office.

YMCA of the USA (Y‑USA) embraces a remote‑first working environment which means most employees work remotely from a home office within the continental United States.

This position is DC‑based and applicants must live within the Virginia, Maryland or Washington, D.C. area.

We offer a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, defined benefit plan (retirement savings), defined contribution plan (403(b) plan), life and disability insurances, technology stipend, and generous paid time off, all in a work‑from‑anywhere in the continental U.S. workplace.

Salary: $140,000.00 – $185,000.00

# Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher required in a relevant field. Advanced degree strongly preferred.
8–12 years of issues management experience in a political or public affairs environment; Capitol Hill experience preferred.
Expert functional skills, advanced industry knowledge and experience, advanced managerial skills.
Manages multiple teams or functions.
Strategic and operational decision‑making authority.
Highly complex tasks and managerial tasks.
Minimal supervision.

# Essential Functions
Create, implement, and evaluate an integrated strategic mobilization plan for the Department to advance the policy priorities of Y‑USA and increase grassroots engagement across the network.

Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all advocacy collateral including, but not limited to, talking points, videos, newsletters, and social media content, in alignment with the Y‑USA Marketing and Communications (Marcom) team.

Put communications vehicles in place to create momentum and awareness as well as to test the effectiveness of activation tools and resources.

Track and measure audience engagement in real time to advance or adjust mobilization campaign strategy.

Contribute heavily to the planning and execution of the organization’s annual DC fly‑in, including development of advocacy materials, programming, strategic targeting, and participation in meetings on Capitol Hill.

Participate in national coalition partner meetings and contribute to collective advocacy plans that include Y‑USA.

Maintain strong working knowledge of Y‑USA policy positions and track key developments.

Serve as liaison between the Government Relations and Marcom teams, and ensure alignment with other Y‑USA departments, as necessary.

Apply here

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