Director, Advocacy and Public Policy

POSITION SUMMARY
Directs HFUW’s advocacy program by shaping public policy strategies, building community and government relationships, engaging internal and external key stakeholders, and raising awareness of critical issues. The role cultivates champions who support and advance HFUW’s priorities through policy and funding to drive mission impact and revenue growth.



 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POSITION
An individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below at a satisfactory level: 

• Oversee and develop the organization’s advocacy program.

• Develop and review annual and multi-year strategies for public policy initiatives.

• Serve as the primary coordinator for HFUW’s policy and advocacy capacity-building efforts, including committees, initiatives, and trainings.

• Serve as liaison to United Way Florida and United Way Worldwide on shared community issues and collaborative strategies. 

• Build and maintain effective relationships with municipal, county, state, and federal officials.

• Develop reports, newsletters, fact sheets, and other communications to inform internal and external stakeholders of HFUW’s policy priorities.

• Communicate HFUW’s policy and advocacy priorities to both internal and external stakeholders to build alignment and engagement.

• Represent HFUW on volunteer and professional committees, delivering presentations at workshops, public forums, board meetings, organizational events, and media engagements.

• Cultivate and participate in community coalitions to advance public policy issues.

• Monitor local, state, and federal legislation to assess and communicate its impact on HFUW’s mission, operations, and policy priorities.

• Conduct research and policy analysis to advance HFUW’s public policy priorities.

• Ensure adherence to all organizational policies and procedures and stay informed about updates.

• Oversee and monitor vendor contracts to ensure quality service delivery and compliance.

• Work closely with the President/ CEO, Chief Operating Officer and Community Impact Leadership to inform public policy initiatives.

• Identified as essential, requiring prompt and effective action during critical situations to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

• Maintain client and staff confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA, FIPA, PHI, PII requirements.

• Contribute to overall organizational success by performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Job requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public administration, health and human services, nonprofit administration, or related field required, or equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of degree. 

• Valid Driver License required. 

• Five years in public policy, field advocacy, community relations, nonprofit, social services, program management, or project management required. 

• Familiarity with the Central Florida community and the human services sector, preferred.

• Experience in delivering informative and persuasive public speaking and presentations.

• Strong networking skills to build and foster key relationships.

• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office required. 

• Customer service skills and experience required. 

• Ability to edit, complete, and assemble reports.

• Attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Excellent analytical skills. 

• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision required.

• Strong communication skills, both written and orally, required. 

• Strong proofreading skills required.

• Ability to utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to utilize organizational skills effectively. 

• Must have access to a private, secure, and stable internet connection.

• Must have access to a quiet, confidential workspace.

• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

Communications - Ability to communicate effectively. 

Business Ethics - Ability to work with integrity and ethics. 

Leadership - Motivate and inspire others.

Conflict Resolution - Encourage open communication to resolve difficult situations.

Strategic Thinking - Develop strategies to achieve organizational goals.

Innovation - Develop innovative approaches and ideas.

Project Management - Manage and complete projects on time and budget.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.



 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical demands include: 

• Constantly remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods.

• Constantly communicating with others to exchange information through speaking, hearing, reading, and writing.

• Constantly repeating motions and fine manipulation that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. Ability to type using a keyboard.

• Constant use of standard office equipment such as the telephone and/or headset, copier, and computer. 

• Constantly assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

• Constantly viewing information on a computer screen.

• Frequently traveling to the office or offsite location. 

• Occasional lifting and moving of items weighing up to approximately 25 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions include:

• Hybrid inside working environment. 

• Occasional working in an outdoor environment with high or low temperatures.

• Frequent early mornings, evenings, and weekend hours.

• High level of long periods of concentration.

• Frequent interactions with internal and external customers.

• Reliable transportation required.

• Frequent travel to multiple locations in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.

• Occasional travel to multiple locations within United States.

Heart of Florida United Way offers a very extensive benefits package for full-time employees that we are very proud to share with you!



 
Medical Insurance (Health, Dental, Vision) – on the 1st day and HFUW pays up to 80% of your premium.



 
Company-Paid Benefits – HFUW provides all full-time employees with the opportunity to enroll in short-term & long-term disability insurance, as well as $50,000 in life insurance, all 100% paid by HFUW.



 
401k w/ Company Contribution – not only does your 401k start on the 1st of the month following your start date, but after 1 year of employment and 1000 hours worked, you will receive 5% contribution from HFUW, regardless of your personal contribution to your plan.



 
Paid Time Off – HFUW offers an extensive amount of time off so you can focus on your personal health, family priorities, and work-life balance. Full-time employees start accruing paid time off (5 weeks your 1st year) off upon hire, with generous carry over and accruals.