Who: Heartland Alliance - Research and Policy Division.
Heartland Alliance informs public policy decisions and advances solutions to improve opportunities and quality of life for people experiencing inequity, living in poverty, and facing danger. Heartland Alliance’s Research & Policy Division engages in research on social issues and solutions, policy and systems change, and field building nationwide. The division is home to the Social IMPACT Research Center , Heartland Alliance’s Policy & Advocacy team Heartland Alliance’s National Initiatives on Economic Opportunity.
What: The Director of Policy provides overall direction for the Policy & Advocacy (P&A) team and engages actively in social policy initiatives aligned with Heartland Alliance’s mission and vision. We specifically focus on issues related to poverty, employment and economic security, justice, safety, health care, human services, immigration, financial equity and housing/homelessness. At the state and local level, the team works to draft and advance legislative and administrative solutions across our areas of focus; produces information to inform decision-makers and advance our campaigns; and builds strategic alliances and coalitions to lift up an amplified voice to create systemic change. The team also weighs in strategically on national and local issues to advance the needs of Heartland Alliance programs and participants. Director responsibilities include assessing the landscape for new opportunities, positioning, and partnerships as well as monitoring emerging issues, trends, and innovations. The Director is part of the Research & Policy leadership team. The Director’s management responsibilities include oversight of the P&A team; creating and managing department budget; serving as fundraising lead; and managing reporting to internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Director is responsible for positioning the department within internal leadership bodies and external settings including serving as a media spokesperson. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives, within the framework outlined below.
Specific responsibilities include: