Public Policy & Advocacy Manager

Job Description

Job Title : Public Policy & Advocacy Manager

Department : Public Policy & Advocacy

Reports to : Senior Director of Programs

FLSA Status : Exempt

Basic Function

The Public Policy and Advocacy Manager serves as the public policy and advocacy team lead, responsible for various strategic, administrative, and performance management tasks of the department.

The Public Policy and Advocacy Manager local and statewide non-partisan civic engagement and public education initiatives and identifies, develops, and implements all aspects of Paraquad's advocacy agenda.

This role supervises members of the public policy and advocacy department as well as volunteers.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership :

• With oversight from Senior Director of Programs and Paraquad's Board of Directors, as well as input from the community, determine Paraquad's policy and advocacy priorities and strategies.
• Monitor and track legislation that would impact Missourians with disabilities, educate lawmakers on the consequences of proposed legislation, present testimony at relevant legislative hearings, and engage in lobbying activities aligned with our priorities.
• Build power at the individual, group, and systems level to effectively create policy change around identified priorities.
• Lead the Public Policy Team to develop and disseminate materials on issues of concern to the disability community to support our advocacy, education, organizing and lobbying efforts.

This includes writing position papers, letters to the editor, guest columns, talking points, fact sheets, and drafting legislation, amendments, and testimony.

• Manage all activities of Public Policy and Advocacy grants including workplan development, deliverable completion and budget tracking, data compilation for midterm and final financial and programmatic reports to funders
• Work with the Senior Director of Programs, Grant Manager, and other stakeholders to develop and submit detailed advocacy and community education project proposals to previous and potential funders.
• Maintain an up-to-date awareness of the administrative, legislative, and regulatory activity and political climates pertinent to the interests of the disability community.
• Serve as Team Lead for the Public Policy and Advocacy Department; provide leadership, coaching and direction to department staff to ensure quality completion of objectives.

Collaboration :

• Work with strategic partners to develop and implement strategies for civic education and mobilization of Missourians with disabilities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key policy makers relevant to our public policy and advocacy agenda.
• Build strategic alliances to leverage opportunities for progress and strengthen defensive campaigns based on political and regulatory climate analysis.
• Actively engage and mobilize community members, staff, and board members in various initiatives.

Performance Management :

• Implement consistent and efficient procedures for goal setting and staff evaluation.
• Clearly communicate staff accountabilities, performance metrics, and evaluation criteria to public policy and advocacy staff;

provide regular feedback to staff on performance, track progress, and develop staff skills and leadership.

Provide oversight, support, and collaboration with department staff.

Miscellaneous :

• Travel within and outside the greater St. Louis area; considerable travel to Jefferson City during Missouri's legislative session (January - May) with as little as 24 hour notice
• Understanding of and commitment to the independent living philosophy.
• Document work activities and services provided according to agency policies and procedures.
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.
• Complete all mandatory trainings per fiscal year.

Skills Required :

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Demonstrated ability to multitask and balance competing priorities

Demonstrated inner and interagency collaboration

Lobbying and a demonstrated understanding of IRS guidance on 501(c)3 allowable activities

Community Organizing

A demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and growing in cultural competency

A proven history of autonomous, self-directed project management

Education

Master's degree preferred; will consider relevant work history in place of education credentials

Experience

• Experience in organizing / public campaign advancement
• Previous experience working with people with disabilities preferred
• 3 years successful supervisory experience strongly preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

Paraquad, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual's sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal law.

We are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment - fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Our employees / volunteers proudly reflect the diversity and ideas of the communities we serve. Further, Paraquad is committed to administering its personnel programs in a manner that will ensure equal treatment and opportunity for all employees / volunteers.