Department: Director, Policy Development and Analysis

Reports to: Public Policy

Job Purpose: The Senior Director, Policy Development and Analysis, in close consultation with the Vice President, Public Policy and President/CEO, directs the conception, development, analysis and advancement of national policy initiatives, including legislative and regulatory, that impact the ability of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to pursue their charitable missions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify trends in, or challenges facing, the nonprofit and philanthropic sector and proactively generate policy proposals to address those issues.
• With the Vice President, Public Policy and President/CEO identify policy priorities and set agendas for policy discussion by the Independent Sector (IS) Board of Directors and Public Policy Committee and other appropriate meeting vehicles. Prepare in-depth background papers and analyses of these issues for Board and Policy Committee members prior to those meetings, and subsequently participate in those conversations. 
• Guide Independent Sector’s response to outside policy proposals by thoroughly analyzing the impact of proposed legislation and regulations on nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, their donors, and the communities they serve. 
• Develop and maintain strong contacts with key experts from think tanks, law firms, academics,  and others with expertise in issue areas of importance to IS and its member organizations.
• Identify appropriate experts on relevant financial, legal and advocacy issues and convene and lead them in the examination of IS-generated and outside policy proposals, as well as critical issues facing the nonprofit and philanthropic community. Consult with outside counsel as required.
• Develop and maintain strong contacts with key federal agency officials (including the Congressional Research Service, Congressional Budget Office, Office of Management and Budget, Treasury Department, IRS, Federal Election Commission, and others) responsible for oversight and regulation of the charitable sector, or who are actively engaged in developing, implementing or informing policies that affect the charitable sector.
• Prepare written materials, including one-page fact sheets, in-depth research papers, Congressional testimony, etc. on timely issues of concern to the nonprofit and philanthropic community to support advocacy, education and lobbying efforts by IS and its members.
• Conduct or commission research needed to support IS policy positions and/or to develop legislative and regulatory proposals designed to enhance the ability of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to pursue their charitable missions. 
• Represent IS in meetings and conferences of other organizations on issues relevant to Independent Sector’s public policy work.
• Some travel required.
• Other duties as may be assigned.
  

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience working on policy issues related to the nonprofit sector. Deep knowledge and understanding of the issues facing the charitable and philanthropic sector is required.
• Superior research, analytical and strategic thinking skills required. 
• Knowledge of federal budget laws and processes, regulatory processes, advocacy and tax policy issues and regulations applicable to nonprofit organizations and foundations required. 
• Ability to analyze, quantify and effectively communicate the impact of legislative and regulatory proposals required.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communications skills required. Must be able to communicate the substance of IS policy positions orally and in writing to member organizations and other relevant parties.
• Experience in a nonprofit, membership association, public policy or related organization working effectively with board members, and member organizations preferred.
• Advanced degree in law, public policy, political science, nonprofit and business finance, or related field preferred.
• Experience preparing materials for use by policymakers, in Congress and the executive branch, preferred.
• Strong network of colleagues who can provide additional support and knowledge to inform Independent Sector’s policy analysis and work.
• Proactive and able to work easily in fast-paced environment in which ongoing commitments are managed along with breaking events.
• Flexible collaborative team player with a passion for public policy and the political process. Able to work independently and take initiative.
  

Note: This position necessitates that the candidate have the flexibility to work with Congress and the Administration at key times during deliberation on matters of importance to Independent Sector. This may include on occasion evening and weekend hours.  

Independent Sector is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace

To Apply:
Submit cover letter, resume, salary history, and writing sample:
Human Resources - [IS Position Title]
Independent Sector
1602 L St. NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20036
resumes@independentsector.org
Fax: 202-467-6101

No phone calls, please.