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Director Of Policy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

XYPN

Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs

$100K - $142K/yr

As XYPN's Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, you'll translate that expertise into meaningful advocacy and regulatory influence. You'll work closely with our Managing Director of Compliance ...

Terradot

Head of Policy

The Head of Policy is the person who makes that happen. This is not a communications or government ... direct relationships with key regulatory counterparts, and have initiated at least one formal ...

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Director Of Policy information

What is the difference between Director Of Policy vs Policy Analyst?

AspectDirector Of PolicyPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Public Policy, Political Science, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in similar fields; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, policy development, team managementResearch, analysis, report writing, stakeholder communication
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, corporationsThink tanks, government offices, advocacy groups

The main difference is that the Director Of Policy oversees policy development and manages teams, while a Policy Analyst focuses on researching, analyzing, and providing insights on policies. The Director has more strategic responsibilities and leadership duties, whereas the Policy Analyst is more involved in data collection and report creation.

How does a Director of Policy typically collaborate with other departments to develop and implement effective policies?

A Director of Policy works closely with a range of internal teams, such as legal, communications, government relations, and operations, to ensure that policies are both practical and aligned with organizational goals. This role often involves facilitating cross-departmental meetings, gathering input from key stakeholders, and translating complex regulatory or legislative requirements into actionable strategies. Effective collaboration is essential for anticipating potential challenges, securing buy-in, and ensuring smooth implementation across the organization. Regular communication and strong relationship-building skills are vital for success in this collaborative environment.

What does a Director of Policy do?

A Director of Policy is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing an organization's policy strategies. They analyze current and proposed policies, advise leadership on their potential impact, and coordinate advocacy or lobbying efforts. Directors of Policy often work closely with government agencies, stakeholders, and the public to ensure that the organization's goals and interests are effectively represented. They may also manage teams, draft policy documents, and monitor legislative developments relevant to their field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Policy, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Policy, you need expertise in policy analysis, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the relevant regulatory or legislative landscape, typically supported by an advanced degree in public policy, law, or a related field. Familiarity with policy research tools, legislative tracking systems, and data analytics platforms is important, as are certifications such as Certified Public Policy Analyst (CPPA) when applicable. Strong leadership, persuasive communication, and relationship-building skills help drive consensus and effectively advocate for organizational priorities. These skills are essential for shaping impactful policies, influencing stakeholders, and guiding organizations through complex policy environments.
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Infographic showing various Director Of Policy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Director of Policy & Advocacy

Director of Policy & Advocacy

Woodstock Institute

Chicago, IL

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Woodstock Institute
Woodstock Institute is a leading nonprofit research and policy organization that works to create a safe and equitable financial system, especially for lower-income people and communities of color. Woodstock partners with community and philanthropic groups, financial institutions, and policymakers to effect change at national, state, and local levels. As a leading consumer advocacy organization, Woodstock builds bridges between key policymakers and affected consumers in low- and moderate-income areas and communities of color. 

The Position:
The Director of Policy and Advocacy (“Director”) reports to the President and Chief Executive Officer and leads Woodstock’s policy advocacy and government relations work at the local, state, and national levels. The Director supervises the Advocacy Associate and collaborates with the Director of Applied Research in helping to set the organization’s research agenda and develops and disseminates the organization’s policy positions. Recognizing that successful advocacy can depend on effective communication, the Director assists with the development and implementation of communications plans. Travel to Springfield, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. is necessary. The amount of travel depends on several factors – two of these being the extent to which Woodstock’s policy priorities are “at play” and the extent to which “boots-on-the-ground” are available.
The Director leads Woodstock’s state and national coalition work, builds and manages relationships with colleague organizations, and assists with fundraising. This is a full-time position located in Chicago with a competitive salary, professional development, and generous benefits including an employer-sponsored matched retirement program. 
A major element of the role is writing, and thus, exemplary writing skills are essential. Past directors have drafted research reports, OpEds, letters to the editor, speeches, articles, testimony, and fact sheets. The Director is expected to uphold Woodstock’s reputation for work product of the highest quality. 
Other essential qualities for the role include strong interpersonal communication skills, solid writing, and excellent project management skills. Also needed are the ability to translate complex ideas and to thrive as part of a small team.  

Key Organizational Relationships:
  • Reports to the President & CEO
  •  Close collaborative working relationship with the President & CEO, Director of Applied Research, and Director of Development and Communications
  •  Supervises Advocacy Associate and manages any contract lobbyists.
  •  Build and maintain good relationships with coalition partners, legislators, regulators and journalists.
  •  Presents to the Woodstock Institute Board of Directors on a quarterly basis and manages the Board’s Policy Committee 
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Lead policy/advocacy initiatives at the local, state, and national levels, including trips to Springfield, IL, and Washington, D.C.
  •  Coordinate, facilitate and participate in lobbying meetings with local, state, and federal elected officials
  •  Participate in regulatory rulemaking process, including drafting and submitting comment letters
  •  Draft fact sheets and policy briefs, analyze policy proposals, and track local, state, and federal legislation relevant to Woodstock’s priorities
  •  Conduct or assist research team with data analysis; develop policy recommendations for research reports
  •  Build and strengthen relationships with community organizations, coalition partners, and policymakers
  •  Write blogs, newsletter articles, and press releases; assist with media relations and conduct interviews with media; contribute to Woodstock’s social media presence
  •  Assist with developing and maintaining relationships with funders and donors
  •  Work with board and staff to implement the organization’s strategic plan
  •  Build, organize and convene coalitions to advance the policy agenda
  •  Represent Woodstock Institute in partner organizations’ coalitions
  •  Directs planning, publicizing, presenting at, and/or logistics for policy-related events and briefings
  •  Conduct presentations at meetings and conferences
Other:
  • Event fundraising; help increase turnout and ensure a successful event
  •  On a limited basis, write and submit grant proposals and reports
  •  Especially when the Illinois General Assembly is in Session, the Director will attend work-related events outside regular work hours in evenings and on some 
Qualification / Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, economics, or related field, and at least five years’ experience in policy advocacy, government relations, and state or national coalitions, including drafting comments on proposed rules and legislation and providing testimony and public presentations. Master’s degree or law degree preferred.
  •  Familiarity with financial justice issues, such as high-cost lending and consumer protection; access to safe and affordable personal and small business credit and basic accounts; student loan debt and access to quality higher education; barriers to jobs and worker economic security; fair and affordable housing and home ownership; the Community Reinvestment Act; the Dodd-Frank Act; retirement savings, child savings accounts, and other avenues for asset building; and closing the wealth gap for marginalized populations.
  •  Ability to work effectively and independently under the pressure of multiple tight deadlines and budgetary constraints
  •  Collaborative mindset and creativity to leverage new opportunities and moments of uncertainty to achieve progress
  •  Excellent written and spoken English language communications skills, very detail-oriented
  •  Strong commitment to economic and social justice issues, as evidenced by previous professional and/or personal work
  •  Ambitious, self-motivated, and able to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced, “campaign-like” environment
Preferred:
  • Foreign language skills, Spanish ability a plus but not required.
Salary:
  • $100,000 to $150,000 salary depending on experience and qualifications
  •  5 weeks paid vacation; 403b retirement; health insurance (medical, dental and vision)

How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to bhill@woodstockinst.org. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until a candidate is hired.
Woodstock Institute is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds and protected classes to apply.