Chief Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns Officer (E2)

Job Details

Save the Children

For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children — the right to a healthy start in life, access to education, and a safe environment free from harm. The organization works in some of the world’s hardest‑to‑reach places, operating in more than 100 countries, including the U.S. No matter your role, joining Save the Children means creating positive, irreversible change for children and the future we all share.

The Role

The Chief Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns Officer (Chief PAC Officer) is a senior executive leader responsible for shaping and advancing Save the Children US’s government relations, policy, advocacy, and political strategy to drive transformational outcomes for children in the U.S. and globally.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief PAC Officer serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and a trusted strategic advisor, guiding how the organization influences public policy, mobilizes stakeholders, and positions itself as a leading voice for children.

This leader provides enterprise-wide leadership across federal and state government engagement, global policy alignment, advocacy campaigns, and strategic oversight of Save the Children Action Network (SCAN), the organization’s 501(c)(4) advocacy affiliate. The role ensures that advocacy, policy, and political strategies are integrated, data-driven, and aligned with organizational priorities.

The Chief PAC Officer oversees significant financial resources and leads a large, multidisciplinary team spanning policy, lobbying, grassroots mobilization, communications, and campaign execution. Success requires exceptional strategic acumen, political insight, and the ability to align complex internal and external ecosystems to deliver lasting policy change.

Location

Remote — Must be able to commute to the Washington, DC office on average twice per month.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

*Not inclusive of all responsibilities; may be subject to change.

Strategic Leadership & Policy Agenda

• Define and lead a comprehensive, multi-year government relations and advocacy strategy aligned with Save the Children’s mission, U.S. priorities, and global policy agenda.
• Establish and drive federal, state, and international policy priorities, influencing legislation, appropriations, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ensure alignment of advocacy strategies across Save the Children US, Save the Children International, and SCAN.
• Provide strategic counsel to the CEO, Board(s), and executive leadership on political, policy, and reputational risks and opportunities.
• Leverage data, evidence, and field insights to shape policy positions and advocacy strategies that deliver measurable impact for children.

Government Relations & External Influence

• Build and maintain high-level relationships with U.S. federal and state policymakers, Administration officials, and key international institutions (e.g., UN, World Bank).
• Serve as a primary external spokesperson and thought leader on policy issues affecting children.
• Lead coalition engagement with NGOs, think tanks, advocacy organizations, and cross-sector partners.
• Shape and execute strategies to influence appropriations, authorizing legislation, and public policy debates.

Advocacy, Campaigns & SCAN Leadership

• Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for Save the Children Action Network (SCAN).
• Drive innovative, integrated advocacy campaigns that mobilize grassroots supporters and influence decision-makers.
• Ensure effective integration of lobbying, political engagement, communications, and public mobilization strategies.
• Guide SCAN’s evolution into a high-impact advocacy and political platform.
• Oversee compliance with all laws governing lobbying, political activity, and nonprofit/c4 coordination.

Organizational Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, develop, and inspire a large, multidisciplinary team across government relations, policy, advocacy, and campaigns.
• Establish clear goals, roles, and accountability frameworks aligned with enterprise strategy.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and high performance.
• Align organizational structure, talent, and capabilities to evolving advocacy priorities.
• Champion leadership development, succession planning, and workforce planning.

Financial Stewardship & Resource Development

• Oversee significant departmental and SCAN budgets with strong financial management and transparency.
• Bring and expand a network of high-level donors, philanthropic partners, and funding relationships.
• Partner with development teams to secure and diversify funding streams.
• Align advocacy priorities with fundraising strategies to maximize impact.
• Ensure efficient allocation of resources to drive measurable advocacy outcomes.
• Oversee c4 board relations and reporting in partnership with Legal and Finance.

Cross-Agency Integration & Governance

• Partner across divisions (Programs, Impact & Evidence, Marketing & Growth, Legal, Finance) to align advocacy strategies with organizational priorities.
• Ensure advocacy is grounded in research, evidence, and programmatic experience.
• Support governance and board engagement for Save the Children US and SCAN.
• Lead strategic planning processes for Government and Advocacy.
• Establish common principles, frameworks, and operating models for advocacy across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, plus at least 15 years of relevant experience in government relations, public policy, advocacy, political strategy, or related fields.
• Deep expertise in U.S. federal and state government processes.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful advocacy and policy strategies.
• Experience leading large, complex, multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience overseeing significant budgets and aligning resources to strategic priorities.
• Strong political acumen and ability to build bipartisan relationships.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Experience within nonprofit, international development, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
• Professional proficiency in MS Office and in spoken/written English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MPA, MBA, JD, or related field).

Compensation

Target salary range for U.S.-based candidates: $302,000 – $330,000 base salary.

Actual salary may vary based on experience, internal equity, sector, and geographic location. Candidates outside the U.S. will follow local salary scales.

About Us

Save the Children is committed to building an inclusive team and offers a range of benefits, including:

• Flexible schedules, generous PTO, 11 paid holidays + 2 floating holidays, hybrid work options.
• Competitive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid caregiver, parental/adoption, critical child illness, and fertility benefits.
• Annual merit increases and incentives.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year).
• 15 safety and wellness days annually (prorated for mid-year hires).
• Mental health support through Calm and company-hosted events.
• Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling and referrals.
• Learning & development opportunities and mentorships.

Save the Children is committed to child safeguarding and ensuring safe working conditions for all employees. Training, support, and risk‑reduction resources are provided.

If you require disability assistance during the application or recruitment process, please contact: [email protected].

Learn more here