Position Summary:
The Program Manager, Policy Change reports to the Director, Policy Change and is a key member of the Trust’s Policy Team. The Team is responsible for developing and implementing the policy and advocacy agenda that aligns with the strategic priorities and organizational interest of the Trust, including policies related to donor advised funds and other charitable funds. The agenda will include a range of social and economic policies at the city, county, state and federal level that advance the Trust’s goals to build household and community wealth and address critical needs. The Policy Change team is responsible for building and cultivating relationships with public and elected officials and managing the Trust’s lobbying activity.
The Manager provides support in the areas of public policy research and analysis, project management, and government engagement. The Manager will be a key contributor to the development of the Trust’s knowledge base and policy expertise, to the formation of the policy agenda, and to managing relationships with external stakeholders. In addition, the Manager will ensure and facilitate internal collaboration and close communication with peers across the organization including the Community Impact, Strategic Communications, Learning and Impact, and Philanthropic Services teams.
Position Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the development and execution of the Trust’s policy agenda
Work with Director to research and identify policy opportunities, recommend Trust policy positions, develop communication tools, and execute policy action plans
Compose issue-focused background memos to inform decision-making.
Write talking points, position statements and background memos;
Help plan convenings and connect grant recipients and other partners working together on the Trust’s strategic goals and policy priorities.
Conducts landscape scans and builds awareness of grant recipient and partner policy efforts and priorities as it relates to the Trust’s policy agenda and strategic goals.
Writes for policy maker and decisionmaker audiences and to compel partners and the general public through calls to action.
Supports the policy team and Trust leadership in developing and cultivating relationships between public and elected officials at the city, county, state and federal levels by gathering and summarizing key background in preparation for meetings.
Collaborates with CI colleagues and Strategic Communications to draft issue briefs, one-pagers, leave behinds, testimony, comment letters, talking points and calls to action on Trust policy priorities.
Works with CI colleagues to conduct policy analysis and make recommendations for policy strategy and action
Plan and execute policy-related convenings, including advisory groups or panels to generate ideas and inform the Trust’s policy position and strategy
Builds relationships with community organizing entities and leaders, policy advocates, civic actors and donors to advance the Trust’s policy strategy
Represents the Trust at coalition meetings, as requested.
Support engagement and education of Trust leadership, donors, and stakeholders on priority policy issues
Experience and Skills
Position Qualifications:
- A master's degree in public policy, public affairs, or public administration or is preferred
Five to seven years of experience working as a legislative assistant or advisor; policy manager or communications staff for an elected official or government agency;
Experience working in government in a legislative or executive office at the city, county or state level is strongly preferred
Understanding of budgeting process for city, county, state, or federal government
Some experience with the state of Illinois’ legislative and budget process is preferred
Expertise and experience working in one or more of the following policy areas is required: economic mobility, housing/homeownership, community economic development, workforce or higher education
Familiarity with the network of local, state, and national actors, agencies, and organizations focusing on social and economic policies
Ability to foster effective collaboration among diverse groups with a demonstrated commitment to racial, social and economic diversity, and inclusion
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong project management, relationship management, and collaboration skills, required
Technical skills in Microsoft Office 360 (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Access, One Note), required