Sr. Policy Manager, IEC - Hybrid (Chicago OR Springfield, IL)

 

About the Position

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF), IEC’s 501c3 sister organization, is looking for a Sr. Policy Manager to support our state government affairs work. They will join a team of four and report to the City Government Affairs Director, working closely with our programs, communications and development teams to execute on our work. 

This permanent, full-time hybrid position will be located in Illinois at our Chicago office (preferred) or our Springfield office. Candidates must reside within Illinois. 

About You
We are seeking someone with strong project management and legislative experience to support our legislative priorities across six issue areas: conservation, agriculture, clean energy, equitable transportation, clean water, zero waste. This person should be ready to dive into established processes with a willingness and interest in adjusting and improving on those systems to create efficiency in our work. This person will work with IEC staff to educate lawmakers, develop policy, and move forward with change that creates a strong and healthy environment in Illinois. The proposed focus areas for this position are Great Lakes, Drinking Water, and Plastics. 

We strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new hire is an opportunity for us to bring a different perspective, and we are always eager to diversify our organization further. IEC/IECEF is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Responsibilities

 Education

• Draft content for educational materials for key stakeholders.
• Communicate environmental priorities through public speaking and other outreach.
• Organize and conduct events and tours with decision-makers and key stakeholders.

Coalition Building

• Administer and lead coalitions, as assigned, including setting agendas, meeting times and location, group messaging, goals, strategies, and tactics.
• Consult our affiliates to build on their expertise in certain fields.
• Coordinate with partner organizations to develop strategies and implement tactics.

Policy and Advocacy

• Build relationships with and join meetings with state stakeholders, decision-makers, and legislators.
• Build relationships with identified stakeholders through IEC power analysis to ensure environmental champions in targeted regions.
• Develop legislative priorities with coalition partners and support drafting of bills for our water and waste priorities. 
• Develop policy expertise in issue areas as assigned, including an understanding of current legislation and a comparison to laws in other locations. This may include great lakes, drinking water, and plastics.

Organizational Leadership

• Maintain contact with grantors to show IEC’s accomplishments and tasks being performed. Keep an active list of activities that will fulfill grant requirements.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts, including grant applications & foundation reporting related to IEC’s advocacy work.

Physical Requirements – Have the ability to:

• Lift and carry items up to 25 pounds.
• Operate a computer.
• Sit at a desk for extended periods.
• Stand, walk, and be on your feet outdoors for extended periods.
• Communicate and exchange information.

Qualifications

• Previous work experience in similar positions. 
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills. 
• Strong time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups and people.
• Commitment to and knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusion, and allyship work.
• Proficiency using both the Microsoft and Google software suites.
• Highly organized.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work independently.
• Interest in environmental issues and policies.
• Issue expertise in environmental issues.
• Legal background optional, but desired.

About Our Pay and Benefits

This regular, full-time hybrid position will be located in Illinois at our Chicago office (preferred) or our Springfield office. Candidates must reside within Illinois. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, life insurance, and vacation. The salary range is $65-84K, commensurate with experience. A cover letter MUST include salary requirements. Candidates with salary requirements above the listed salary range will not be considered.

How to Apply

Introduce yourself to us as a colleague in your cover letter. Show us your future here! We value great writers, so be yourself and take your time with the application. Stock cover letters won’t do. Tell us why you want this job.

Applications must be received by February 14, 2025.

To apply, please send a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to Iyana Simba, iyana@ilenviro.org. 

View original listing here!

Policy Manager, Partnership for College Completion - Hybrid (Chicago, IL)

 

At a glance

$60–70K/yr

Medical, dental, and vision coverage plus paid time off

Hybrid, based in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Work in person for part of the week, from the location

Job

Full-time

US work authorization required

The Partnership for College Completion (PCC) seeks a purpose- and evidence-driven Policy Manager with project management experience to be an instrumental part of the organization’s Data and Research Team. The ideal candidate for this role will be a self-starter with a proven ability to work across the organization to take projects from the idea phase all the way through to launch. They will have a mind for policy, able to identify and assess the costs and benefits of any potential action and help us make important strategic decisions. This individual will be driven by a passion to advance equity in Illinois higher education and to be a crucial member of a high performing team at a key moment of opportunity, growth, and change in our organizational history.

 

About PCC

PCC is a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 to champion policies and practices that increase college completion and eliminate degree completion disparities for low-income, first generation, and students of color in Illinois – particularly Black and Latinx students. PCC is the only organization in Illinois dedicated to providing leadership for a systems-level approach to support college completion and eliminate institutional inequities by race and income in higher education outcomes. Since its founding, the organization has played a central role in initiating a new, urgent conversation on higher education equity in the state.

PCC envisions a state where equitable opportunities to access and complete a college education lead to greater degree attainment, racial equity, and socioeconomic mobility for Illinoisans. With our steadfast focus on system-level reform and institutional change, PCC executes a unique three-part strategy in pursuit of its goals:

• Supporting colleges and universities directly in their institutional equity change efforts
• Advocating for effective local, state, and national policy and legislation
• Conducting and elevating data and research to increase awareness and public dialogue on present challenges and future solutions for advancing higher education equity

 

Summary Statement of Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Associate Director of Research and Policy, PCC’s Policy Manager will be a key asset in leading research projects from start to launch, utilizing research and data to decide what policies PCC should prioritize, and building relationships with key stakeholders. This individual will be a key asset in the Research and Data Team’s work, writing and helping to oversee the calendar, production, and launch of reports, organizing groups around policy topics, engaging with researchers, and speaking on issues that impact equitable college access and completion. The Partnership is located in Chicago, with the expectation that the Policy Manager will come into the office in accordance with the hybrid schedule we maintain.

 

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify and analyze research on issues and policies that can improve college access, affordability, and accountability.
• Help manage and execute the list of PCC projects and initiatives that further PCC’s impact toward its mission.
• Manage a portfolio of the department’s research projects, and collaborate with external partners in conducting research on our behalf.
• Represent the Partnership at various events and meetings and with various stakeholder groups, and help write remarks and speak at conferences, events, and to groups when relevant.
• Prepare internal and external facing legislative updates and reports, briefs, and memos.
• Help plan and coordinate policy-related meetings, events, and report launches.
• Help write legislative language, action alerts and communications.
• Help measure the impact of implemented policies, analyzing performance data and stakeholder feedback to identify areas for improvement
• Maintain relationships with a broad array of stakeholders including community-based
• Organizations, higher education leaders, elected officials, business leaders, and subject matter experts locally and nationally.
• Help analyze data and provide content for reports, fact sheets, issue briefs, legislative testimony, presentations, and other materials that can serve as a resource for policymakers, college and university leaders, fellow nonprofit and advocacy organizations, and other partners.
• Support the development and execution of other strategic initiatives of the Partnership as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Dispositions

• Strong commitment to and alignment with PCC’s mission and familiarity with the priority areas of the organization.
• Commitment to PCC Core Beliefs:
• Higher Education is a Fundamental Right for All Who Seek It – Our country will never realize the promise of equal opportunity for all without focusing on equity in higher education.
• Systems are Flawed – Our systems are getting the results that they were designed to achieve and result in large gaps in degree completion that must be closed with urgency.
• All Students Can Succeed – When given the right opportunities, tools, and supports all students can achieve.
• Solutions and Resources Exist to Address Disparities – There is ample evidence that focusing time and resources on closing equity gaps in higher education works.
• The Pursuit of Equity is a Marathon – Invest opportunities to ensure that your mental, physical, and emotional health are a priority.
• Experience managing multiple projects from start to their launch simultaneously, coordinating work from within and outside our organization.
• Research, writing, and editing skills, with the ability to tailor writing for a variety of audiences.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly discuss policies with external audiences.
• Ability to synthesize complex research findings into clear, compelling and accessible terms.
• Excellent problem solving and time management skills; must be experienced at meeting deadlines.
• Understanding of federal and/or state-level education policy, or demonstrated ability to learn.
• Ability to make, understand, and communicate charts, graphs, and relevant publications for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues internally and across partner organizations.
• Ability to engage with diverse communities and constituencies at multiple levels.
• Possess a track record of success as demonstrated by superior academic and professional achievement.
• Willingness to learn and adapt amid new and shifting priorities with a ‘can-do,’ solutions-oriented approach to problem solving.
• Development-oriented mindset; be reflective, self-aware, open and responsive to feedback, and driven to learn from setbacks.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in public policy, education, social sciences, business, economics, or related field
• Master’s degree in public policy, education, social sciences, business, economics, or a related field preferred
• 3+ years of related professional experience
• Experience contributing to complex projects requiring significant cross-functional collaboration
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and ability to create and present information clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences.
• Strong commitment to and alignment with PCC’s mission
• Understanding of barriers faced by students, particularly low-income and first generation students, and students of color in pursuit of college degrees

 

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for the Policy Manager is $60,000 – $70,000 commensurate with experience, along with a generous benefits plan that includes health/dental; 403B plan with a generous company match (up to 5%); short and long-term disability; holiday, vacation, and sick accrual; flexible, hybrid work schedule; paid parental leave; access to professional and wellness opportunities; a number of other elective and competitive benefits such as vision insurance.

Learn more/APPLY here!

Manager, Policy Change, Community Impact - Hybrid (Chicago, IL)

 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

• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM tool preferred.

Learn more/APPLY here!

Policy Manager, EdSystems - Hybrid (Chicago, IL)

 

Policy Manager

• Position type: Full-Time Employment
• Location: Chicago (Hybrid)
• Salary range: $70,000–$80,000 + Benefits

Education Systems Center (EdSystems) at Northern Illinois University (NIU) is seeking a full-time Policy Manager to support and drive a portfolio of high-impact projects relating to college and career readiness policy and practice, as well as lead EdSystems organization-wide project management efforts. Reporting to the Director of Policy, the Policy Manager will drive or support interrelated project areas across EdSystems’ portfolio, including, but not limited to:

• Policy development support for college and career pathways in alignment with the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act and related state policies and funding streams, as well as program implementation support for sector-specific pathway initiatives.
• Policy development and program implementation support to help students build bridges to postsecondary, including early college credit access and transitional instruction initiatives.
• Policy development and cross-stakeholder convening support to facilitate strengthening state- and community-level data capacity and systems and facilitating engagement with various quantitative and qualitative data resources.
• Organization-wide project management systems development and related reporting within the EdSystems team.
• Statewide committees, interagency structures, and collaborations with state agencies to drive policy across EdSystems’ priority areas, including:
  • Illinois Education and Career Success Network Policy Committee: This committee provides space for local practitioners and policy leaders to collaborate and learn from one another, elevates local practice to inform state policy, and supports local practitioners to take advantage of policy windows. The Policy Committee is composed of a range of education, workforce, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and state agency stakeholders spanning the P-20 pipeline.
  • Transitional Instruction: EdSystems leads interagency collaboration between the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Community College Board focused on the implementation of transitional instruction throughout the state.

Collectively, these projects enable the Policy Manager to play a critical supporting role in shaping the strategic vision for the growth of equitable and quality college and career readiness systems and related pathways in the State of Illinois and the other geographies where EdSystems works. Over time, the Policy Manager is expected to expand existing projects and lead new projects that strategically maintain EdSystems’ leadership position in this field.

Key Responsibilities

• Effectively manage and execute projects across EdSystems’ portfolio of statewide policy efforts.
• Conduct desk research on effective college and career readiness policies and practices, including those pertaining to governance and funding models, vocational education in correctional settings, and early college credit.
• Lead relevant meeting preparation, coordination, facilitation, and follow-up.
• Assist in developing state-level policies and strategies to enhance college and career readiness systems to drive equity.
• Remain current on national best practices and emerging research in the fields of college and career readiness, work-based learning, early college credit, transitional instruction, and postsecondary transitions, and apply that research to EdSystems’ work with an eye toward equity.
• Develop strong relationships with state agency staff to effectively coordinate EdSystems’ projects with related state policies and initiatives.
• Engage with team members to identify strategic policy priorities grounded in data gathered and lessons learned through EdSystems’ project portfolios.
• Develop project scopes and budgets for inclusion in proposals to public and private project funders.

Qualifications

Desired Competencies

• Passion for EdSystems’ mission and expanding opportunities for young people and adult learners through equitable and quality college and career preparation.
• Policy expertise in education, workforce development, or a related field, including experience with research, writing, and advocating for policy positions.
• Strong project management and analytical skills with the ability to multitask and manage multiple projects, collect and analyze information, remain execution-focused, and troubleshoot challenges as they arise.
• Competency in using tools such as Asana for managing complex projects.
• Familiarity with state government and policy context; familiarity with the State of Illinois’s systems and structures is preferred.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to large and small groups.
• Problem-solving and innovation skills to develop creative solutions to policy challenges and streamline project workflows.
• Collaboration and partnership-building skills to work effectively with external partners, stakeholders, and team members.

Education & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, education, business administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree, particularly in public policy, public administration, or project management, is preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in policy development, analysis, or advocacy, preferably in education, workforce development, or a related sector.
• 2+ years of experience driving complex projects requiring significant stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration. Project Management Professional (PMP) or other project management certifications are ideal.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and resume to LaTonya Hicks at lhicks@niu.edu. In your cover letter, please describe your experience with public policy or related field and project management.

View original posting here!

U.S. Policy Manager, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative - Remote

General Job Description:

The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative seeks a U.S. Policy Manager to manage the U.S. side of our Mayors Commission on Water Equity and support other water-equity policy efforts of the Cities Initiative, including the Great Lakes Lead Pipes Partnership. Specifically, the U.S. Policy Manager will work with the Mayors Commission on Water Equity to mobilize Great Lakes mayors to accelerate equitable lead service line replacement and advocate for funding and policies to address the waterequity needs of their respective communities. This position will also be responsible for ensuring the inclusion of marginalized and Indigenous communities in our policy initiatives.

 

The Mayors Commission on Water Equity is a mayor-led body dedicated to promoting equitable access to clean, safe, and affordable water for all residents of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. The Commission focuses on several priorities, including lead service line replacement, water affordability, water workforce development, and urban flooding, advancing them through advocacy, collaboration, and education. The Commission’s U.S. policy agenda is accessible here and here.

 

Major Responsibilities:

•       Provide day-to-day management of the U.S. side of the Mayors Commission on Water Equity by:

o   Recruiting and retaining U.S. members; o Tracking relevant legislative and policy issues at the U.S. federal, state, and local levels; o Circulating regular updates and keeping informed U.S. co-chairs and members; o Identifying advocacy, collaboration, and education opportunities for the Commission; o Organizing virtual and in-person advocacy meetings, press conferences, and other events to advance the Commission’s U.S. policy agenda, coordinating all necessary logistics and preparing U.S. members for successful engagements;

o   Crafting key messages and actionable recommendations; o Running meetings of the Commission and U.S. Advisory Team; and o Handling all administrative tasks.

•       Lead day-to-day engagement of marginalized and Indigenous communities in our policy initiatives, especially water equity.

•       Develop and maintain a deep understanding of U.S. members’ water-equity challenges through research and consultation.

•       Cultivate enduring relationships with key U.S. federal and state stakeholders and partner organizations focused on water-equity issues.

•       Support the Chief Policy Officer in managing the Great Lakes Lead Pipes Partnership by soliciting and integrating input from community-based organizations, handling all administrative tasks, and assisting on specific assignments.

•       Determine organizational policy priorities on water-equity issues in close consultation with the Mayors Commission on Water Equity, the Commission’s U.S. Advisory Team of subject matter experts, and the Board of Directors.

•       Help coordinate organizational efforts to build towards strong compliance with the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.

•       Contribute to organizational and Policy Team preparations for the Annual Conference/Annual General Meeting, Mid-Year Meeting, Board of Directors meetings, Great Lakes Day, One Water Summit, webinars, and other key events, as assigned.

•       Draft content for communication and policy products, including but not limited to the annual report card, monthly newsletter, federal priorities, member resolutions, and lead service line replacement case studies.

•       Assist with funder relations and grant management/reporting.

 

Key Qualifications and Competencies: 

•       Minimum three years’ relevant professional experience, ideally in the water-equity space.

•       Past experience working with marginalized and/or Indigenous communities is preferred.

•       Past experience managing funder relationships and grant management/reporting is desired.

•       Substantial knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and/or local policies related to lead service line replacement and other water-equity issues.

•       Superior oral and written communications and presentation skills.

•       Proven ability to analyze legislation and policies, develop key messages and actionable recommendations, and implement advocacy tactics.

•       Sound judgement and strategic decisionmaking.

•       Effective interpersonal skills and evidence of teamwork.

•       Demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize, and deliver on multiple demands under tight deadlines.

•       Eagerness to learn and grow from direct mentorship and professional-development opportunities.

•       Self-discipline to work at a virtual organization.

•       Fluency in English is required. 

 

Salary and Benefits: 

$60,000 to $70,000 annually contingent on qualifications. Benefits include a healthcare plan, a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with a two percent employer match, paid parental leave, three weeks’ paid vacation, and sick time. 

 

  

Classification: 

Full-time (40 hours/week), salaried, professional. 

 

Reporting: 

This position reports to the Chief Policy Officer and will be an integral member of the Cities Initiative’s  Policy Team. 

 

Work Location: 

This position is fully virtual, though it will require limited travel to support organizational events and  policy efforts. We welcome candidates based in the Great Lakes region or Washington, DC.

 

Application Process:

Send a cover letter, a resume, and three professional references to Travis Wheeler, Chief Policy Officer, at twheeler@glslcities.org. The subject line should read “U.S. Policy Manager – First and Last Name of  Applicant.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.