Hybrid Associate Vice President, Advocacy and Policy at United Way of New York City

Department: Advocacy and Government Relations
 

Organization Summary

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) works with a coalition of trusted partners to unite community power with citywide possibility. Together, we meet today’s most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow — striving for health, opportunity, and prosperity for every New Yorker in every neighborhood. Part of the United Way Worldwide system, one of the world’s most recognized charitable brands, we believe that New Yorkers deserve to thrive where they live and envision a future where all New Yorkers have the resources they need to live long, healthy lives in flourishing and resilient neighborhoods. We strive to model our values in all our relationships, both internal and external: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Vice President, Advocacy and Government Relations, the Associate Vice President of Advocacy and Policy (AVP) plays a pivotal role in supporting and advancing UWNYC’s policy /systems change agenda and advocacy efforts. Reporting to the Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations, the AVP leads the implementation of advocacy strategies, coalition-building, and stakeholder engagement efforts in support of key issue areas, including education equity, food security, health access, and economic mobility.

This role requires a results-driven policy professional with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex political landscapes, engage diverse coalitions, and drive equitable policy solutions. The AVP will manage a small team of advocacy and policy professionals and serve as a cross-departmental connector within the organization and across partner networks.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Policy Leadership

• Support the Vice President in the co-creation and execution of UWNYC’s advocacy agenda, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic goals, community priorities, and racial equity mission.
• Develop and oversee policy campaigns and initiatives in collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Monitor local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory developments affecting UWNYC’s core areas of impact and advise on responsive strategies.

 Team and Program Management

• Lead and supervise a team of policy staff, ensuring effective execution of initiatives and strong professional development.
• Define clear roles and expectations, set performance goals, and conduct regular evaluations and coaching.
• Manage departmental work plans and contribute to budget oversight in partnership with the VP.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coalition Building

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, government agencies, coalitions, nonprofit partners, and community-based organizations.
• Represent UWNYC in key policy and advocacy coalitions at the city and state levels.
• Lead the planning and execution of public forums, briefings, and awareness campaigns.

 Internal Collaboration

• Partner with peers across the Community Impact, Resource Development, and Marketing & Communications teams to align advocacy efforts with programmatic, fundraising, and branding priorities.
• Serve as a thought leader and internal advisor on how policy impacts the communities we serve and the programs we implement.

 Content Development and Communications

• Oversee the development of advocacy-related materials, including policy briefs, fact sheets, blog posts, op-eds, and public testimony.
• Work with the Communications team to shape messaging that educates, mobilizes, and inspires stakeholders to support UWNYC’s policy agenda.

 Evaluation and Learning

• Support the design of evaluation tools to assess the effectiveness of advocacy campaigns and overall policy impact.
• Document key lessons learned and translate them into improved strategies and practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, Social Work, or a related field—or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relations, preferably within nonprofit, philanthropic, or public sector settings.
• Proven ability to lead issue-based advocacy campaigns and policy initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of NYC and NYS government and policy environments.
• Experience managing and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Budget management and program development experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and persuasive writing.
• Deep commitment to racial equity, anti-oppression practices, and inclusive policymaking.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working directly with communities most impacted by poverty and structural inequality.
• Existing relationships with NYC and NYS government officials and agencies.
• Familiarity with issues related to UWNYC’s core focus areas (education, food security, health equity, justice, etc.).

Key Competencies

• Equity, Learning & Network Mindset: Embraces equity as foundational and leverages networks for impact.
• Strategic Thinking: Applies logic, insight, and forward-thinking to decision-making.
• Collaborative Leadership: Creates a culture of trust, mutual respect, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Talent Development: Inspires and develops individuals to grow and achieve.
• Community-Centered: Ensures that community voices guide advocacy and decision-making.
• Innovative and Mission-Driven: Champions new approaches aligned with UWNYC’s mission and values.

 Hiring Salary Range:  $115,000 - $120,000

• The final determination of salary, within this range, will depend on the candidate’s education, skills and experience required for the particular position.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful Completion of a Background Check  
• UWNYC is presently on a Hybrid/In-Person work schedule.

United Way of NYC Core Competencies for All Staff

• Mission Focused: Catalyze others’ commitment to the mission to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities.  This drives their performance and professional motivations.
• Relationship-Oriented: Understands that people come before processes and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
• Collaborator: Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement.
• Results Driven: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good: creating, resourcing, scaling and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
• Brand Steward: Steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.

How to apply:

Please apply on our United Way of New York City career page. 

1. No phone calls or faxes accepted. No phone calls or faxes accepted. 

United Way of New York City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer