Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 Annually

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers – to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities. 

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all. 

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking a Director of Policy & Advocacy. The Director of Policy & Advocacy will be responsible for leading the YMCA of Greater New York’s policy and advocacy strategy across City and State. The Director of Policy & Advocacy will aid in advancing the Y’s legislative and fiscal priorities, securing public funding, strengthening relationships with government stakeholders, and representing the Y as a leading voice on issues impacting youth, families, and
communities.

The Director of Policy & Advocacy will be responsible for supporting the Y’s policy agenda, supporting citywide and branch advocacy efforts and working on select projects as they arise.

Key Responsibilities: 

Policy:

• Monitor and disseminate legislative and policy updates relevant to the YMCA including pertinent city, state, and federal hearings, budget information, and advocacy alerts.
• Assist in the drafting and submission of testimony for public hearings.  Coordinate testimony by other YMCA staff and subject matter experts. 
• Co-lead and facilitate internal work groups on specific policy issue areas.
• Make periodic requests to elected officials for support letters.
• Support the discretionary budget application process as well as the State Member item request process. 

Advocacy:

• Lead select coalition activities (i.e. letter writing, email campaigns, social media campaigns) and mobilize staff, parents, and youth to participate.
• Serve in leadership roles and help shape coalition agendas.
• Develop materials that will aid in educating and mobilizing staff, parents, and youth on key policy and budget issues (i.e. Advocacy Day Briefing Packets).
• Coordinate logistics for legislative events (including advocacy days, legislative visits, and legislative breakfasts).
• Collaborate with the Communications team to customize digital and social media strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and key stakeholders.

Other responsibilities:

• Monitor and track lobbying activities. Prepare and file required lobbying reports at city and state levels.
• Support civic engagement initiatives and programming lead by the Director of Civic Engagement.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in in policy and advocacy role(s) required. 
• Excellent attention to detail, creativity and the initiative to solve or anticipate problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills: organizational, written, verbal communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to utilize various social media platforms.
• Ability to travel is required.

​Benefits:

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical benefits, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information. 
 

​How to Apply:

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application, and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.

If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through the Internal Career Site in Cornerstone.