Department: Public Policy

Reports to: Vice President, Public Policy

Job Purpose:  Lead Independent Sector’s special three year initiative to advance the advocacy capacity of nonprofits and foundations by reducing barriers to advocacy and lobbying.  Working closely with the IS’s Public Policy team, the Director, Advancing Advocacy Initiative will work to identify barriers, fashion solutions, build the case for change, work closely with coalition partners, and undertake a strategic effort to foster that change. 

• Identify and document the legal and regulatory barriers to advocacy and lobbying, as well as options for change and the expected effects. Develop talking points that can be used for conversations with various target audiences
• Develop range of changes that might be made to improve lobbying capacity of nonprofits and foundations
• Assess the degree of support for and resistance to the initiative and develop strategies to advance the positives and mitigate the negatives.
• Build a coalition of sector leaders and grass-roots organizations from a broad ideological spectrum who are willing to participate in a careful campaign to change advocacy and lobbying rules, if environmental conditions are supportive.
• Assess and document the political landscape for change, including key supporters and opponents in Congress, and the Administration.
• Develop and execute a strategy to neutralize opposition to change in advocacy/lobbying rules and build bipartisan support for the changes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working with other members of the IS public policy and government relations team, as well as other IS staff, as appropriate:
• Create schedules, ensure adherence to grant budget guidelines, and supporting meetings of experts and IS members including preparation of agendas, meeting logistics, and preparation of reports and minutes.
• Undertake relevant research to ascertain climate of opinion on the Hill and in the Administration on attitudes towards the sector and its lobbying activities.
• Undertake relevant research to ascertain climate of opinion within the charitable and philanthropic sector regarding rules changes to better facilitate our advocacy and lobbying capacity. Build broad support for this initiative in the community and identify key partners.
• Create and manage one or more advisory groups to help advance this work and build support for its goals. One such group may include key experts on laws related to nonprofit lobbying.
• Work in collaboration with others as needed to undertake focus groups and/or other research to assess public attitudes towards the sector and its advocacy activities.
• Develop a strategy to build a bipartisan coalition of supporters in Congress and in the administration for this initiative.
• Develop a strategy for achieving regulatory and legislative changes consistent with the goals of the initiative.
• Coordinate work of legislative staff on relevant aspects of this initiative, working closely with the Vice President, Public Policy.
• Regularly report progress to the Vice President, Public Policy and recommend strategies to enhance the work of the initiative, as appropriate.
• Working closely with the Chief Development Officer and the Resource Development team secure additional funding for the initiative to meet budget targets.
• Ensure that the initiative operates within approved budgets and prepare reports on the initiative for IS management and funders. Communicate with funders as outlined in the grant document and agreements.
• Some travel required.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• 8-10 years experience in government relations, some senior level experience in the nonprofit sector preferred
• Advanced degree required in public policy, public administration, law or other relevant area of study.
• Advocacy campaign management experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector and demonstrated experience managing projects from inception to delivery.  
• In depth understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process preferred.
• Exceptional writing and communications skills.
• Demonstrated research skills and experience leveraging a variety of sources for information gathering, including reports, online databases, interviews, and convenings.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize and translate complex information.
• Demonstrated skill in identifying and building relationships with key partners (Boards, Committees, organizational allies, etc.) and demonstrated success in formulating persuasive and effective arguments.
• Knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic sector and public policy issues that affect the sector at large desired.
• Must be a flexible collaborative team player with a passion for public policy and the political process. 
• Excellent track record working collaboratively with peers both in and outside the organization.
• Proficient in web-based research and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook).