Public Policy Director

United Way of Pennsylvania Public Policy Director 

Reports to: UWP President

United Way of Pennsylvania works to support all of our member local United Ways across PA to be a leader and partner in building financially resilient families and thriving communities across the Commonwealth. We envision an inclusive, impactful and collaborative network of United Ways working with business, community, faith and government leaders across PA to advance equitable access to health, education and financial stability for all Pennsylvanians. UWP is most well-known for its leadership on the statewide ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) project, to educate and advocate for households who are working but not yet earning enough to afford their basic needs. PA 211 is another key initiative of the United Way network in Pennsylvania, providing support to Pennsylvanians in need of connections to services 24/7/365 through one point of contact. 

The Public Policy Director is chiefly responsible for directing strategies to implement the Pennsylvania United Way network’s public policy agenda. This includes funding and state government partnership development with the PA 211 statewide network, and advocating for a variety of policies that support the economic mobility of Pennsylvania households. The successful candidate has strong, bi-partisan relationships and acute understanding of the legislative process and how to influence policymaking in the state capital. The role requires a high degree of comfort with working on multiple policy issues and the ability to persuasively communicate with data and stories of impact. 

Goals: 

1. Increase visibility of United Way of Pennsylvania in state and federal policy advocacy. 

2. Increase participation by UWP members in state and federal policy advocacy 

3. Lead bipartisan strategies to advance United Way’s legislative priorities. 

4. Equip UWP members with timely and accurate information about how legislation, regulation or other government action will impact United Way community impact, resource development and/or nonprofit partners. 

5. Establish UWP and PA United Ways as national leaders in increasing awareness and engaging partners and donors to help ALICE move along a path to financial stability. 

Responsibilities: 

Direct UWP’s resources to enhance United Way’s advocacy effectiveness in Pennsylvania by assuring timely action on opportunities to advance UWP priorities

Exercise independent judgement to determine strategies to execute the UWP public policy agenda 

Develop relationships and advocate to increase partnerships between state government and PA 211 

Assure that UWP members are engaged in public policy advocacy, and the public policy committee is well-informed to help guide the priority advocacy agenda of United Way by providing timely updates, action requests, and briefing opportunities with administrative agencies and other thought leaders in state policy, among other strategies 

Serve as leader of the United Way of Pennsylvania ALICE project, including strategies to support local United Ways to understand and utilize the data as conveners and collaborators at the local level, and act as primary liaison with the national research hub 

Develop and implement public policy partnerships for members of ALICE Council of Partners 

Draft legislation, amendments, and policy white papers supported by data to advance United Way’s public policy priorities 

Review and analyze legislation to keep an up-to-date tracking list of bills and positions for coordination across the internal team and with our local United Way network. 

Conduct research in support of policy development to address emerging priorities of the United Way network. 

Responsible for directing coordination of messages related to UWP’s public policy agenda across all external communications platforms, including web site, newsletters, and social media 

Along with UWP’s President and Policy and External Affairs Manager, serve as primary face of UWP in relationships with legislative staff and state agency staff to support United Way’s health, income, and education policy agenda, as well as statewide partnerships for PA 211. 

Staff the UWP Public Policy Committee 

Design and implement strategies to support United Way Worldwide public policy priorities 

Develop advocacy grant proposals for United Way Worldwide and manage UWW advocacy grants on issues which correspond to the policy interests of the PA network 

Serve as spokesperson for UWP when the President is not available 

Supervise the Policy and External Affairs Manager for UWP 

Serve on Management Team for UWP and PA 211 

Other duties assigned by the UWP President 

Qualification Requirements: 

Bachelor’s Degree - public policy, political science preferred 

Five years of prior experience working in government relations, state/federal government or other advocacy and policy experience 

Strong oral and written communication 

Supervisory experience 

Some overnight travel is required 

This position is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

Work location: 
United Way of Pennsylvania offices will be located in Harrisburg, PA. The position must maintain a regular in-office presence in Harrisburg during and outside of session times. Hybrid work is available around the legislative schedule. 
 

Compensation and Benefits: United Way of Pennsylvania offers a competitive benefits package, including health care, vision, dental insurance, paid time off, and a 403(b)-employer match. This position operates in a hybrid work environment, combining office days with remote work. The salary range for this position is dependent on experience and qualifications, but a good estimate is $85,000 to $95,000 for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Please submit a salary requirement in your cover letter. 

To Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter to info@uwp.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with the application period concluding no later than February 28, 2025.