National Urban League Washington Bureau – Washington D.C.

Legislative Directors (Financial & Housing and Education & Health)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The National Urban League Washington Bureau (NULWB) seeks two strategic and proactive Legislative Directors (LD) to engage key legislators, policy makers, and advocacy organizations in advancing federal and state policies as they relate to the National Urban League’s overarching agenda. LDs will focus on either Financial & Housing Policy or Education & Health Policy.

Amidst the varied and saturating voices of advocacy organizations working on general economic and social justice policy change, NULWB advances the profile of the NUL by serving as a pre-eminent voice on economic justice for African-Americans, emphasizing policies that align with NUL’s I Am Empowered movement. These policies will create and prepare people for good jobs and meaningful careers, support the ability of individuals and communities to build wealth, and address barriers to economic advancement including racial discrimination, the cradle to prison pipeline, unequal access to an excellent education, and the ability to live a healthy lifestyle.

In 2013, NULWB will seek to elevate Empowerment Goals in several sectors including Jobs, Education, Housing and Health. This will occur through a multi-pronged strategy that recognizes the realities of the current political climate; identifies and exploits political/legislative/regulatory opportunity; and leverages the whole of NUL’s resources to advance the policy agenda. The Jobs Rebuild America Campaign – an effort to expand access to job training, STEM education, entrepreneurship support, and career placement – is strengthened by NULWB, which is charged with advocacy in support of such policies as the Urban Jobs Act and Project Ready STEM Act. Legislative Directors occupy critical leadership roles in promoting these and similar efforts.

Reporting into the Senior Vice President & Executive Director of NULWB, Legislative Directors have primary responsibility for advancing the policy of the National Urban League within a specific portfolio – either Financial & Housing Policy or Education & Health Policy. The LD accomplishes this through strategic lobbying of Capitol Hill and the Executive Branch; staffing respective Affiliate Task Forces; providing guidance to and serving as a liaison with NUL programming teams; advising the SVP and CEO on relevant policy matters; and working with the SVP to identify, nurture and maintain funder relationships. Additionally, the LD over Financial & Housing will specifically partner with the Senior Director for Workforce Policy to advance the workforce portfolio; while the LD over Education & Health Policy will oversee the Manager, Education and Health Policy. 

Leading candidates will be familiar with the legislative process and federal, state, and local public policy issues, preferably those affecting urban communities and underserved populations. Specifically s/he will be current with political and legislative developments reflective of the Urban League’s portfolio (Jobs, Housing, Health, and Education) and can recommend strategies, tactics, and co-sponsorships on bills and positions. S/he will possess a reliable network of Hill contacts; strong public speaking skills and ability to convey NUL positions with diplomacy, timeliness, and accuracy; and will work in partnership with staff of other organizations on initiatives of benefit to the National Urban League’s policy agenda.

The ideal candidate will possess strong personal initiative, a collaborative work style, and an ability to produce within a fast-paced environment. NULWB is a culture defined by producing results, not completing tasks. Rather than needing to be micromanaged, the ideal candidate will be proactive, optimistic, and energetic with a passion for progress and a penchant for problem solving. Excellent writing and editing skills are required as well as exceptional detail orientation and accuracy of research and analysis; adeptness in managing to multiple rigorous deadlines; and aptitude in writing for a policy and press audience. Candidates will hold a master’s degree in public policy, social work, or related field or J.D. preferred, but not required.

View the description at our website http://nonprofitprofessionals.com/current_searches.htm
Contact our associate Adele Mezher at Adele@nonprofitprofessionals.com

National Urban League is an Equal Opportunity Employer, EOE M/F.