Director of Policy

Note: We will begin reviewing applicants for this opportunity in early January.

About the Organization:

New Moms strengthens families by partnering with young moms as they progress toward housing stability, economic mobility, and family well-being. New Moms is a nonprofit organization with an $8 million budget and a staff of over 60. At New Moms, young moms, 24 and under, take powerful first steps toward economic mobility and family well-being. Our 2-Generation approach puts families experiencing poverty in control of their goals and unleashes their potential. New Moms’ headquarters is located on the west side of Chicago in the Austin neighborhood. Our East Garfield Park location includes all Workforce Development programming as well as our social enterprise, Bright Endeavors, which provides paid transitional jobs for young moms. We also have an office in Oak Park serving the near western suburbs.

Our Commitment to Equity:

New Moms prioritizes racial equity as a strategic and organizational imperative. Strong candidates will be committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values into their work goals and will be evaluated on their impact.

About the Job:

At this key stage of organizational growth, New Moms first Director of Policy will serve as an internal leader of projects and initiatives connected to advancing New Moms mission, as well as an external representative of the organization to elected officials and partners, as the organization develops and executes its first policy agenda.

The Director of Policy identifies and pursues impactful advocacy opportunities and directs effective local, state, and federal legislative strategies. This position provides strategic guidance, consultation, and leadership on a comprehensive range of policy issues related to achieving New Mom’s mission.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Policy will work collaboratively across the organization to advance New Moms mission and strategic plan in relevant policy opportunities.

The Director of Policy will have a demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity, substantial public policy or legislative experience, and experience working with local and national advocacy partner organizations

The Director of Policy will champion all New Moms values  including our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, in both strategic planning and performance. This position is located at New Moms headquarters in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. Starting Salary: $77,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Policy & Advocacy Leadership (90%)

• Build and oversee New Moms policy agenda and policy theory of change to fulfill outcomes and priorities outlined in the strategic plan. Provide guidance on public policy advocacy, legislative engagement, and lobbying efforts aligned with organizational priorities
• Collaborate with external partners, coalitions, and membership organizations to achieve goals connected to New Moms mission. Serve as New Moms representative externally with these groups
• Cultivate relationships with partners and key elected and appointed officials, policymakers, and related governmental bodies and leaders. Advocate for the organization’s position through meetings with lawmakers, position papers, public testimony, grassroots efforts, and other effective advocacy methods
• Develop respectful and productive relationships and coordinate advocacy efforts with impacted population and partners. Engage and mobilize New Moms’ Parent Advisory Council on key issues and priorities when we can lift participants’ voices
• Help guide research and analysis on policy issues with external partners to inform policy positions and trends
• Prepare, review and edit presentations, advocacy materials, opinion editorials, press statements, website updates, talking points, and reports
• Provide reliable, timely analysis and strategic advice on key initiatives and legislative actions to the President & CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Board, and other staff. Coordinate participation of the President & CEO and other key stakeholders to advance policy agenda

Organizational Leadership (10%)

• Regularly participates in agency and program staff meetings, as well as professional group seminars or conferences to enhance professional knowledge and job skills
• Upholds the New Moms model, which is grounded in racial equity
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related area such as political science, policy, legal studies, or similar required; Master’s preferred
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience working in lobbying or policy advocacy for social justice, racial justice, or within a similar type organization required
• Experience communicating with lawmakers and government officials, bill tracking, and development of testimony and advocacy communications required. Experience working with Medicaid is a plus.
• Strong ability to build relationships and effectively work with a wide range of people in complex and sensitive political environments
• Proficient understanding of policymaking and government offices and processes, current politics, and political environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to create and present information clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences
• Valid driver’s license, with safe driving record and valid insurance. Daily access to a reliable car required
• Ability to travel, including occasional trips to the State Capitol during the legislative session and occasional overnight trips to conferences and meetings

COVID-19 Notice:

• New Moms employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption through the Director of HR.
• This is an on-site position with a primary office at our Austin location. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule which could include up to 3 days per week of remote work if requested. All staff are required to be in the office on Tuesdays, which is our company Core Day.

New Moms’ Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; matching on retirement savings up to 3%; 15 paid holidays; and generous paid time off. We also offer several unique benefits to New Moms: discounts on Bright Endeavors products, free optional spiritual direction services, and half days on Fridays in the summer. Our Flexible Work Options policy allows for staff to work some hours remotely once training is complete. For licensed employees, you will receive over 20 free CEU's during onboarding and an additional 1.5 free CEU's/month throughout employment. We promote professional development and provide time for you to attend other external trainings opportunities as well.