Vice President of Policy Research and Advocacy

Salary Range:

$165,000.00 To $195,000.00 Annually

Position Overview:

The Vice President of Policy Research and Advocacy position is a part of CSS’s Leadership Team. This role will lead a strong team of six to eight policy analysts, spearheading progressive change to address economic, racial, and social inequality and spur upward mobility for low-income New Yorkers. Working with the President and Executive Vice President, the Vice President will develop and lead policy research initiatives and drive advocacy for policies that make New York City more equitable. Responsibilities include representing CSS in public meetings with elected officials and strategic partners, engaging with the press, providing feedback and guidance to policy staff on critical reports and research, managing policy campaigns, maintaining relationships with funders, and managing other aspects of the policy department.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manages the policy department including the departmental budget; hiring, supervising, and evaluating staff; setting departmental goals; and monitoring and reporting on accomplishments.
• Directs major research activities of the policy department, including the annual Unheard Third survey. Conceptualizes and carries out research individually while guiding and supporting the research of department staff.
• Works with the President of CSS and Executive Vice President, as well as independently with departmental staff to identify and develop the policy agenda.
• Reports to the Board of Trustees on the status of key policy initiatives.
• Applies for new grants and updates funders and program officers on current grants, in consultation with the Development Department.
• Represents CSS in public meetings with elected representatives, lobbies public officials, builds coalitions with key partners to promote CSS positions on legislative and policy issues, responds to media inquiries, and develops cohesive media strategies, in consultation with the Vice President of Governmental & Public Affairs.
• Writes reports, policy briefs, op-eds, and reviews, and edits similar written work produced by department staff. In collaboration with the Vice President of Communications and Marketing, provides guidance on policy brief design and social media distribution.
• Engages with policy and advocacy partners and coalitions across all areas of the Department’s work.

Job Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in public policy, urban planning, economics, or related field required and a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Familiar with a broad range of policy and community development issues in New York City and New York State, with knowledge of related social policy issues.
• Extensive research experience displaying strong qualitative, quantitative, and research methodology.
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills required.
• Excellent judgment; attention to detail and the ability to provide critical guidance and feedback to research staff.
• Creative problem-solver; strategic thinker; takes initiative.
• Ability to engage effectively with CSS’s constituency, policymakers, and advocates.

Salary and Benefits:

The annual salary for this position is $165,000 to $195,000. Community Service Society provides a comprehensive employee benefits package including performance-based bonus, health, dental, and vision coverage, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance, 403b retirement savings plan, defined benefit retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits plan, EAP, and more in addition to paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days.

CSS currently offers a hybrid work environment requiring onsite work at CSS’ office at least two days per week and three days per week of remote work.

Learn more here