Director of Policy

The National Association of Regional Councils seeks a proactive and experienced professional to serve as the organization's Policy Director. Qualified candidates will have outstanding writing and research skills with close attention to detail, strong communications ability, sound political judgment, and experience with relevant issues and federal policy making. Candidates ideally have experience working in Congress, an Executive branch department or agency, or in a government relations role on behalf of an association, interest group, or company. Expertise and experience in one or more of economic development, workforce, housing, transportation, emergency management and preparedness, and clean water and other environmental policy issues is preferred.

About the National Association of Regional Councils

The National Association of Regional Councils is a non-profit membership association based in Washington, DC. NARC represents regional and metropolitan planning organizations across the nation, providing policy, program, and technical support across a wide array of issue areas. After nearly 60 years in operation, NARC has a solid base from which to launch a new era of growth and opportunity for the organization. We seek an experienced professional and self-starter to support existing staff and contribute to the growth and direction of the organization.

Job Summary

The Policy Director will play a critical role in advancing NARC's mission by leading the organization's policy and advocacy efforts. This position will build and execute strategies to influence legislation, regulation, and public policy debates at federal level. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate and experienced professional to make a significant impact on the policy and regulatory landscape for regional organizations across the nation. NARC covers a wide policy landscape, including transportation, economic development, workforce, housing, emergency management and preparedness, and clean water and other environmental issues.

Responsibilities

Advocacy and Coalition Building

• Develop and implement an annual policy agenda and advocacy plans that advance the organization's goals.
• Identify and engage NARC member organizations with programs in priority policy areas to develop strategic policy approaches and advance the organization's policy goals.
• Coordinate between internal staff and outside contracted advocates to ensure seamless grassroots outreach, lobbying, research, and coalition building.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials and administrative representatives and their staff to educate them about our policy priorities.
• Represent the organization in coalitions, working groups, and other collaborative efforts.

Policy Analysis and Development

• Conduct rigorous research and analysis on relevant policy issues.
• Develop strategies, in coordination with relevant NARC policy committees, to advance the policy goals of the organization on Capitol Hill and across the Administration.
• Monitor pending and final legislation and regulations, provide relevant analysis, and make recommendations to the Executive Director.
• Develop strategies to advance the policy goals of the organization on Capitol Hill and across the Administration.
• Oversee the creation of advocacy materials such as reports, white papers, one-pagers, fact sheets, testimony, and letters.

Communications & Outreach

• Represent NARC at hearings, meetings, and other public advocacy forums.
• Communicate regularly with NARC members about the organization’s advocacy and policy work.
• Contribute regularly to NARC’s two weekly newsletters.
• Develop and disseminate compelling communications materials to educate and engage stakeholders on key policy issues.

Organizational Support

• Oversee and staff NARC’s policy committees, including developing committee work plans, policy directives, and coordinating with each committee’s co-chairs.
• Report regularly to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Executive Directors Council on policy progress, issues, and recommendations.
• Manage NARC staff and interns related to policy and advocacy work.
• Stay up to date on relevant policy issues, emerging trends, and best practices by attending conferences and trainings.
• Respond to member requests for information or insight regarding policy issues.
• Lead the relevant policy elements of NARC’s three conferences each year.
• Contribute to the overall effectiveness and impact of the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree in public policy, political science or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of policy, advocacy, lobbying and/or campaign experience with a proven track record of success.
• Strong working knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Demonstrated policy expertise in more than one of the following areas: transportation, economic development, workforce, housing, emergency management and preparedness, and clean water and other environmental policies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and research and analytical ability.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work well under deadlines.
• Ability to exhibit significant attention to detail and produce high quality deliverables.
• Passion for our mission and experience advocating for a variety of public policy issues and the flexibility to learn about new issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and experience with constituent databases.
• Ability to travel regularly to NARC conferences and to present at NARC-member events.
• Knowledge of and experience with regional organizations a plus.
• Knowledge of local policy a plus.