Senior Director of Policy and Research

Alabama Arise seeks a Senior Director of Policy and Research to advance our work for dignity, equity and justice for Alabamians who are marginalized by poverty.

Who we are

Alabama Arise is a statewide nonprofit, member-led organization advancing public policies to improve the lives of Alabamians who are marginalized by poverty. Our membership includes faith-based, community, nonprofit and civic groups, grassroots leaders and individuals from across Alabama. We also recognize the decisive role that racism plays in creating barriers to political participation and economic equality and have an organizational commitment to advance racial equity and inclusion both internally and externally.

Through Arise, groups and individuals join together to promote public policies to improve the lives of Alabamians who are marginalized by poverty. Each year, Arise organizers engage directly impacted communities in community listening sessions, and our members propose legislative priorities for our proactive legislative agenda. The Arise policy team is key to advancing the priorities identified by our membership and base. By uniting policy analysis, advocacy and organizing, Arise provides a structure in which Alabamians can engage in public debates to promote the common good.

Position overview

Our ideal candidate will be an experienced manager and public policy advocate. They have a proven ability to lead teams of advocates or analysts to produce timely, credible and accessible policy analysis. They advocate for more equitable policy solutions with attention to the role of class, race, age, ability and immigration status in access to power and opportunity, and they are experienced in finding ways for people most impacted by policies to weigh in on their analysis. They are committed to getting results in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing input or quality, and they have the resilience to navigate setbacks with an eye toward new opportunities.

The Senior Director of Policy and Research ensures that Arise’s policy analysis, advocacy and legislative engagement have the greatest possible impact. This requires being knowledgeable about the political and advocacy landscape in each of our policy areas while coaching and training staff to be responsive and strategic in their work. As the leader of Arise’s policy team, they supervise the Legislative Director, policy analysts and policy advocates in producing research and analysis to influence policymakers. The Senior Director of Policy and Research supervises a team of analysts, advocates, fellows and interns, serving as a resource and supporting professional development. As a member of Arise’s leadership team, they are also a key strategic leader, working with the Organizing and Advocacy team and Advancement and Operations teams to reach our organizational goals and support Arise’s member-driven policy agenda.

Arise’s policy team has a strong focus on advocacy goals rooted in the lived experiences of our constituents, solid analysis and a sound commitment to our core mission, vision and values. The team includes advocates and analysts working on state tax and budget equity, health equity, hunger relief, criminal justice reform, inclusive democracy and worker power. The ideal candidate will be able to balance these issue priorities and push forward a robust advocacy and research agenda.

Key responsibilities:

1. Manage and direct Alabama Arise policy analysts and advocates

Structure, lead and coach policy team activities to produce outstanding analysis, advocacy and public education materials.

Oversee the design and implementation of Arise policy analysis, issue education materials and research.

Track the progress of issue campaigns and policy research products and move projects to completion.

Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide array of allies and partners in the advocacy sector, policy officials and staff, and the media to further Arise’s organizational goals, while supporting your team to do the same.

Serve as a public spokesperson for Alabama Arise policy priorities with press and media outlets, while supporting your team to do the same.

Identify best practices and emerging strategies in the field and lead their integration at Arise.

1. Guide Arise’s legislative and administrative advocacy strategies

Take an active role in planning, securing and participating in collaboration between Arise and a diverse range of coalition partners to ensure successful policy outcomes through effective legislative engagement, advocacy, lobbying, organizing and grassroots support.

Build trusted working relationships with Alabama legislators and decision-makers from across the political spectrum.

Represent Arise by delivering, facilitating and supporting the team in crafting effective testimony in support of policy and legislative priorities.

Guide and manage the legislative engagement of Arise policy staff, including submission of timely lobbyist registration and reporting forms.

1. Serve as a key member of the Arise leadership team

Provide day-to-day leadership and management consistent with Arise’s mission and values.

Assist with setting a positive, professional, respectful, energetic and constructive organizational culture.

Collaborate with development staff and key funders to secure funding support for Arise’s policy and advocacy goals.

Lead the policy team in proactive goal setting, planning and staff evaluations.

Attend and provide support at meetings of the Arise board, Arise membership and Arise’s Legislative Committee.

Keys to success:

Adopt a “problem solver” approach to organizational challenges.

Be open and available to solve problems with colleagues across responsibility areas.

Provide clear, timely feedback to managed staff on performance.

Respond to inquiries from partners, stakeholders, media and funders in a timely manner.

Additional information

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Policy Analyst, State Policy Fellow, Hunger Policy Advocate, Health Policy Advocate, Worker Policy Advocate, Legislative Director

TRAVEL: Occasional travel within and out of state may be requested.

LOCATION : Hybrid; Based in Montgomery office but can work from home as needed; must live within 100 miles of Montgomery office.

SALARY and BENEFITS: $100,000 - $110,000. Arise also provides generous benefits, including comprehensive healthcare, dental and vision coverage; generous vacation leave and a 10% retirement plan contribution with no match requirement.

TO APPLY: Send cover letter, resume, three references and two writing or work samples to View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject line “Senior Director of Policy and Research” by Monday, July 13. No phone calls or other email inquiries, please.

Alabama Arise is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.