Position Summary: UJA is seeking a Policy and Advocacy Advisor to focus on older adult programming and funding opportunities. This individual will report to the Manager of Public Policy and Government Relations and work in partnership with the Director of Government and External Relations and the Vice President for Government Relations on policy, budget, and legislative issues, as well as advocacy efforts related to older adult programming and funding opportunities.The Policy and Advocacy Advisor will be responsible for leading UJA's policy and advocacy agenda and engagement on issues and programs affecting older adults. The Policy and Advocacy Advisor will be a subject-matter expert in aging services, including understanding issues impacting UJA's nonprofit partners operating older adult centers, Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), home delivered meals programs, intergenerational programs, and other services supporting adults aging in their communities-as well as UJA's larger advocacy agenda. The Policy and Advocacy Advisor will also collaborate across relevant UJA divisions to further shared goals, activities, or other opportunities in support of UJA and its network of nonprofit partners.The Policy and Advocacy Advisor must also be prepared to take on additional issues of importance relevant to UJA, UJA's network of nonprofit partners, and the New York Jewish Community.Major Responsibilities:
- Build relationships with UJA network agencies to understand community needs within the portfolio area and facilitate opportunities for information exchange, peer support, and advocacy, including launching and managing an Older Adults Issues Group.
- Build and maintain relationships with relevant government officials (elected, appointed, and staff)
- Advocate to New York City and State's elected and appointed officials and their staff for funding and policies that support the portfolio issues. Such as planning and participating in meetings, writing, and delivering testimony at public hearings, organizing rallies, collecting and sharing provider data and stories, responding to concept papers in advance of procurements, and more.
- Analyze and track community needs and policy trends over time.
- Craft timely policy briefs, analysis, and other materials that advance UJA's advocacy goals.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with colleague organizations and participate in relevant coalitions; and
- Support and contribute to the overall advocacy agenda and goals of the Government and External Relations Department (such supporting Lobby Days and other events or special projects).
- Provide UJA partner agencies with appropriate technical assistance in designated policy area
- Represent UJA at public events
- Generate research papers, memos, and presentations
- Collaborate with other UJA divisions and other external partners
Skills/Experience:
- Bachelor's degree and 3+ years professional experience working in or with New York City or State government, community relations, advocacy, policy development, or related area
- Previous knowledge of the older adult social services landscape in New York and/or a demonstrated commitment and interest in advocating on behalf of older adults
- Strong writing, communication, research, and time-management skills, including the ability to take initiative, prioritize duties, pay attention to detail, and work independently.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects and prioritize workflow
- Ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders
- Experience in research and data analysis
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills
- Ability to consistently make good decisions through a combination of analysis, experience, and judgment.
Salary Information:The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $80,000 annually; commensurate with experience and qualifications listed above.