Policy Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Assistant Director, Policy

Position Supervisor: Varies

FLSA: Exempt

Location: Arlington, VA / Hybrid

Position Timeline: Permanent

APHSA is recruiting new talent! We’re seeking an experienced Assistant Director of Policy with expertise in economic mobility programs, including SNAP, TANF, workforce initiatives, Medicaid, housing, energy, child support, and aging and disability services. This leadership role offers the opportunity to lead a team of Associates in shaping policy priorities, guiding research and analysis, pursuing philanthropic partnerships, and supporting member engagement while advancing systemic improvements in delivering public benefits.

APHSA represents state and local health and human services agencies nationwide. Together with our members, we work to strengthen access to food, health care, employment, childcare, community support, and other key building blocks of well-being.

We’re looking for a collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, is skilled at managing projects and Coaching/supervising staff, and brings strategic insight and innovation to complex policy challenges. You’ll engage directly with members, individuals with lived experience, thought leaders, and partners to help advance APHSA’s influence strategies and elevate the voices of human services agencies across the nation.

Position Summary:

The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is seeking an Assistant Director of Policy with expertise in economic mobility programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other food and nutrition programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and workforce initiatives, as well as additional expertise in housing, Medicaid, energy, child support, and aging and/or disability services. This role works closely with APHSA leadership to advance policy priorities through research and analysis, philanthropic strategy, and member engagement in these critical areas. The Assistant Director will manage projects, coach and support staff, and collaborate with senior leaders, members, and external partners to strengthen the delivery of human services. They will contribute to APHSA’s strategies, support alignment across policy areas, and represent the association in meetings, briefings, and national forums. We are seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking leader with strong policy expertise and a passion for improving pathways to economic mobility nationwide.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Yes

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyze federal appropriations, regulations, legislation, and policy developments impacting health and human services.
• Represent APHSA members’ interests with Congress, the federal administration, and national coalitions; build and maintain strong partnerships to expand policy influence.
• Provide subject matter expertise in economic mobility, nutrition assistance, and workforce development programs, including SNAP, TANF, housing, energy assistance, child support, aging and disability services, and Medicaid.
• Manage policy-related grants and contracts, ensuring alignment with APHSA’s strategic priorities and compliance with funder requirements, budget management, and high-quality deliverables.
• Engage with state and local human services leaders, agency executives, and federal policymakers to identify challenges, advance solutions, and strengthen economic security programs.
• Supervise and coach policy team members while supporting the advancement of APHSA’s policy priorities.
• Develop and nurture relationships with philanthropic partners to pursue opportunities that align with member priorities.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support consistency, efficiency, and clarity in policy development, member engagement, and advocacy efforts.
• Support the planning and coordination of key internal and external meetings while facilitating data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact.
• Lead policy content development and support APHSA’s engagement at conferences, national convenings, and other external events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Work, Legal Studies or related field
• 5-7 years of experience in Human Services
• 3 years of supervisory experiences

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of public human services and economic mobility programs, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, workforce development, and/or related federal policy issues.
• Proven ability to conduct and apply research to inform decision-making, evaluate complex issues, and communicate findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of government budgeting, appropriations, policymaking processes, and bipartisan policy development.
• Proven ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff while supporting organizational strategy and departmental objectives.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic plans and goals while engaging stakeholders, building consensus, and supporting collaborative decision-making.
• Experience using measurement, evaluation, and data-informed decision-making to assess impact and support organizational goals.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to develop policy briefs, conduct policy research and analysis, communicate complex issues to audiences, and facilitate virtual and in-person meetings
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the following core competencies: coaching and staff development, performance management, project management, strategic planning, problem solving, facilitation, written and verbal communication, relationship management, cross-functional leadership, budget management, grant management, data management and reporting, and data-informed decision-making.
• Ability to travel (up to 20%)

At APHSA, we value and support the health, well-being, and future of our staff. Our benefit package is designed to improve employee morale, fostering a work environment where staff feel they can thrive and be accomplished. APHSA offers health, dental, and vision insurance. We also offer additional employee benefits and perks like these:

• 3% contribution to 401k or ROTH Plan
• Hybrid work environment
• Additional discretionary holidays are included with 11 paid holidays
• 20 vacation days
• 15 sick/wellness days
• Disability insurance
• Life Insurance
• FSA (health, dependent, commuter)
• Optional employee-paid benefits (legal, pet insurance, critical illness, accident, STD/LTD)

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to work in an independent manner from a remote location

This employer participates in E-Verify for employment verification.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is a bipartisan national membership association representing state and local health and human services agencies and the subject matter experts that help execute their mission to improve outcomes for people nationwide. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and recognize that building well-being starts with creating a space where our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic, unique selves to work.

Building on our long-standing relationships with health and human services leaders, we focus on generating pragmatic solutions that advance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.