Title: Research & Policy Fellow - (CONTRACTUAL)
Type: full-time
Location: Chicago
Woodstock Institute
Woodstock Institute is a leading nonprofit research and policy organization that works to create a safe and equitable financial system, especially for lower-income people and communities of color. Woodstock partners with community and philanthropic groups, financial institutions, and policymakers to effect change at national, state, and local levels. As a leading consumer advocacy organization, Woodstock builds bridges between key policymakers and affected consumers in low- and moderate-income areas and communities of color.
The Position
The Director of Policy and Advocacy (“Director”) reports to the President and Chief Executive Officer and leads Woodstock’s policy advocacy and government relations work at the local, state, and national levels. The Director supervises the Advocacy Associate and collaborates with the Director of Applied Research in helping to set the organization’s research agenda and develops and disseminates the organization’s policy positions. Recognizing that successful advocacy can depend on effective communication, the Director assists with the development and implementation of communications plans. Travel to Springfield, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. is necessary. The amount of travel depends on several factors – two of these being the extent to which Woodstock’s policy priorities are “at play” and the extent to which “boots-on-the-ground” are available.
The Director leads Woodstock’s state and national coalition work, builds and manages relationships with colleague organizations, and assists with fundraising. This is a full-time position located in Chicago with a competitive salary, professional development, and generous benefits including an employer-sponsored matched retirement program.
A major element of the role is writing, and thus, exemplary writing skills are essential. Past directors have drafted research reports, OpEds, letters to the editor, speeches, articles, testimony, and fact sheets. The Director is expected to uphold Woodstock’s reputation for work product of the highest quality.
Other essential qualities for the role include strong interpersonal communication skills, solid writing, and excellent project management skills. Also needed are the ability to translate complex ideas and to thrive as part of a small team.