By bringing people and organizations together to solve our region's most pressing issues, United Way of Greater St. Louis is making our community a better place to live, work, and thrive. It's more than a day job - it's a mission! Come work with us!
We offer a hybrid work environment and a comprehensive benefits package including 12 days of vacation earned over the first 12 months of employment, sick pay, 10 company holidays, 5 1/2 Flexible/personal holidays, 3 volunteer days, parental leave, health, dental, vision and life insurance for you and your family, short term disability, long term disability, and a 403(b) with an organization- match and 3 year vesting schedule.
The Director of Public Policy will provide staff support for the United Way of Greater St. Louis' public policy engagement efforts at the federal, state and local levels for causes that impact our five (5) impact areas:
- basic needs
- jobs and financial mobility
- childhood and youth success
- health and wellbeing
- community stability and crisis response
The Director provides leadership within the organization and in the broader community, and liaises with United Way Worldwide and statewide United Way colleagues, to facilitate public policy advocacy for awareness and education in support of United Way of Greater St. Louis's priorities. The person in this role works with and leverages their colleagues in jointly executing against the board approved public policy strategy. They also engage and leverage the volunteers in building public and political will for United Way and its policy agenda.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement effective outreach strategies for bringing United Way's work to the attention of local and state government bodies, and elected and appointed local, state, and federal officials, as well as corporate and community stakeholders, including direct contact, electronic communications, and other activities.
- Research and identify legislators and government programs and bodies that align with United Way's programs, services, and initiatives.
- Design and implement strategies to increase awareness of United Way programs, services, and initiatives that align with the interests and goals of legislators and governmental bodies.
- Keep informed of emerging developments in United Way of Greater St. Louis's impact areas and track developing trends that affect the United Way of Greater St. Louis's ability to carry out its mission for the core organization and its member agency and network partners
- Responsible for building relationships with local and state entities and officials in Missouri to better position United Way for contracts, grants, and to act as collaborative partner to achieve mutual outcomes.
- Stay current on federal, Missouri and Illinois legislation, state budget.
- Identify, research, monitor key local and/or regional public policy issues.
- Track and analyze legislation, regulations, other policy proposals, and hearings, announcements, and other government actions specific to Missouri and relevant to United Way and share summary information with core management team on a timely basis.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key MO and IL Congressional members and staff; work in conjunction with United Way Worldwide to advocate and work with them on relevant and emerging issues.
- Act as United Way of Greater St. Louis liaison with select state agencies, funders and community partners.
- Maintain database on elected and appointed public officials, legislation, political demographics and policy matters.
- Author or facilitate the development of policy reports, issue papers, analysis and outreach materials.
- Responsible for supporting the Public Affairs Committee.
- Implement public policy goals established by Leadership, Public Affairs Committee and Board of Directors.
- Lead, staff and work with the Public Affairs Committee to develop an annual public policy agenda for United Way of Greater St. Louis, as well as, execute on quarterly meetings and reports to the Committee and to the United Way Board of Directors.
- Serve as primary liaison for select United Way of Greater St. Louis partner agencies and organizations.
- Support grant writing and other resource development activities.
- Work collaboratively with Marketing and Communications Division to articulate United Way of Greater St. Louis policy work to the general public, donors, volunteers and other key constituencies.
- Participate in and coordinate with statewide/national efforts with United Way Worldwide and other United Ways in Missouri and Illinois.
- Contributes to the overall success of the United Way by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree required. Relevant master's degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years' experience in public policy, human services, program development, or related areas;
- A track record of working in ways that contribute effectively to an organization's ability to achieve its goals;
- Demonstrated ability to work within a community setting with diverse populations, including community groups, elected and non-elected policy makers, businesspersons, professional staff and volunteers;
- Content knowledge and experience in one or more of the respective areas of United Way of Greater St. Louis focus: basic needs, jobs and financial mobility, childhood and youth success, health and wellbeing, and community stability and crisis response;
- Strong knowledge of the communities within United Way of Greater St. Louis's service area with the ability to connect with key community leaders and earn the respect in the community-at-large;
- Excellent analytical ability, assessment skills and problem-solving skills;
- Strong communication skills including group facilitation, presentation, listening, verbal and writing skills;
- Strong public speaking skills with ability to articulate complex issues, research and solutions to agencies, stakeholders, interested donors, the media and other interested parties;
- Ability to build consensus, collaborate with and convene multiple partners in efforts that produce specific deliverables and demonstrable outcomes;
- Experience and proven ability to influence others including colleagues, management and volunteers, to take action;
- Team builder who can also work as a member of a team in a collaborative environment;
- Ability to meet aggressive deadlines and handle multiple priorities;
- Understanding of federal and state laws and regulations governing the ability of public charities to lobby, advocate or educate elected and appointed public officials