Director of Advocacy & Policy
About the role
The Director of Advocacy & Policy is a seasoned and highly respected public policy leader who shapes and drives WCC’s advocacy, policy and government relations strategy. The director leads the development and execution of WCC’s policy agenda across our core issue pillars—economic justice, health & reproductive justice, civic engagement, safety, education, and environmental justice.
The Director builds high-impact relationships with coalition partners and government stakeholders, advances WCC’s advocacy priorities, and represents the organization publicly as a trusted thought leader. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Programs & Partnerships, the Director plays a key role in driving systems change for women across NYC.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a policy and advocacy strategy grounded in community needs.
- Build and strengthen relationships with city, state, and national coalitions, elected officials, and policy partners.
- Identify key priorities and spearhead WCC’s advocacy efforts, including attending lobby days, engaging with coalitions, and advancing WCC’s legislative and budget priorities.
- Representing WCC on policy campaigns, coalitions, committees, and at key events and conferences.
- Drive policy development and analysis on city, state and federal issues impacting women and gender expansive individuals, seeing ahead of the curve to anticipate impact.
- Lead the development of policy briefs, testimony, and advocacy materials, and represent or prepare WCC staff for legislative testimonies related to the organization’s priority issues and policy areas.
- Host roundtables with community leaders to surface priorities and co-create policy solutions.
- Serve as a public voice for WCC through speaking engagements, op-eds, press conferences, and social media.
- Shape content and curate speakers for the annual State of Women in NYC conference and quarterly issue-focused symposiums.
- Collaborate with the Senior Vice President of Programs & Partnerships to connect WCC”s leadership cohort participants with campaigns, coalitions, and organizers aligned with their interests.
- Serve as a guest expert in WCC’s civic leadership cohorts, provide coaching to participants, and consult on cohort content as needed.
Qualifications
- 8+ years in policy, advocacy, government affairs, or related experience.
- Strong understanding of the NYC and New York State policy landscape.
- Excellent writing and communication, and skills.
- Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships across sectors and communities.
- Deep commitment to racial, gender, and economic justice.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong policy instincts.
- Skilled relationship-builder and collaborator.
- Exceptional writer and communicator.
- Equity-driven and community-centered.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Confident public speaker and thought leader.
Compensation & Work Environment
- Salary range: $100,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience
- Location: New York City (Hybrid)
- Hybrid NYC role (2–3 days/week in office)
- Comprehensive benefits, 401(k), PTO, professional development
- Start Date: March 16 (ideal)
Application Process
To apply, please email your cover letter (describing your commitment to the mission and your experience guiding communication and development strategies for nonprofit organizations) and resume to Attn: Director of Advocacy & Policy at [email protected].
No calls please. You will only be contacted if we are interested in pursuing your candidacy. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
About
Women Creating Change (WCC), formerly known as the Women’s City Club of New York, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan activist organization dedicated to advancing women’s rights and shaping the future of New York City.
Founded in 1915, WCC works to advance gender and racial equality by equipping women of color, women experiencing financial hardship, and gender-expansive individuals, with the knowledge, tools, and resources to advocate for the issues that matter most to them. WCC collaborates with partners, policymakers, and advocacy groups to drive real change in economic opportunity, education, healthcare, safety, reproductive justice, and environmental justice.
WCC connects women with key stakeholders to learn, act, and engage. We empower women to lead change, shape policy, and strengthen communities, redesigning systems for a more equitable New York City. At WCC, we believe every woman has the power to make a difference. Visit wccny.org.
Equal Opportunity Employer
WCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We highly encourage women, non-binary individuals, Black, Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, Latinx, low-income, and LGBTQ+ people to apply! Please find our values statement here.