UNITED WAY OF NEW YORK CITY

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) is a nonprofit mobilizing communities to break down barriers and build opportunities that improve the lives of low-income New Yorkers for the benefit of all. Part of the United Way Worldwide system, one of the world's most recognized charitable brands, we envision caring communities in which all individuals and families have access to quality education and the opportunity to lead healthy and financially secure lives. We strive to model our values in all our relationships, both internal and external: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance.

Advocacy Associate

NEW YORK, NY
Hybrid or Remote: Hybrid*
Supervisor: Vice President, Advocacy

JOB DESCRIPTION

The advocacy unit at UWNYC works to advance the organization’s mission through policy and systems change efforts, building on insights from UWNYC programmatic activities in education, food, small business and workforce development, health, and criminal justice by advancing a public policy agenda aimed at closing opportunity gaps and enabling economic mobility. This is done through a focus on structural change conditions, including influencing policies, practices, and resources flows. The Weil Legal Innovator will work closely with the Vice President of Advocacy and the Senior Manager of Advocacy as well as collaborate with UWNYC’s program leaders to integrate and elevate advocacy opportunities across UWNYC’s programmatic areas. The Weil Legal Innovator will also support the development of advocacy agendas, department action plans, research reports, policy briefs, and draft testimony. The position will also support planning policy convenings and participate in coalitions to provide opportunities for the UWNYC network to engage with policy issues.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Position requires a bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy or other related field;
• Writing, research and applied subject matter expertise in one or more of the following: birth – 12 improved education outcomes, economic stability and mobility, health, hunger, criminal justice, small business, workforce development and similar expertise in US-based public policy;
• Understanding of public policy framework at the New York City level, as well as legislative and community decision-making processes;
• Excellent coalition building and interpersonal communication, networking, and social skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work within a community setting with diverse stakeholders, including community groups, elected and non-elected policy makers, and volunteers is preferred;
• Experience organizing or working with cross sector partners (government, nonprofit and business) to engage networks in advocacy and community impact is preferred;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent project management and Microsoft Office Suite skills;
• Key competencies: policy research, data management, partnership development, coalition building, communication.

REMOTE WORK DETAILS

Expected to join as part of the advocacy team’s arrangements for in office work, which is currently 6 days a month in the office (Tues-Thurs every other week). Otherwise will be remote with the expectation of joining some additional in person activities or events as needed.