Public Policy Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Application Process

Candidates will be asked to complete a short writing and proofreading exercise as part of the interview process.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter as part of the application. The cover letter should be no longer than one page and should address the following:

1. Why are you interested in this Public Policy Associate role at United Way of Greater Cleveland?
2. Describe a professional experience where you had to manage detailed work, prepare written materials, or coordinate multiple tasks or deadlines. What was your role and what was the outcome?
   

Purpose of Position:

The Public Policy Associate supports United Way of Greater Cleveland’s public policy and advocacy efforts related to the social safety net and economic opportunity in Northeast Ohio. Reporting to the Senior Director of Public Policy, the position is responsible for carrying out policy research, monitoring and tracking legislative developments, preparing written analysis and briefing materials, and supporting coordination with internal teams and external partners. The role focuses on ensuring that policy initiatives are well-documented, organized, and executed effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Policy Research and Issue Tracking

Working under the direction of the Senior Director of Public Policy, the Associate executes research and tracks issues related to United Way’s policy priorities including, but not limited to, SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, publicly funded childcare, affordable housing, benefit cliffs, and other social determinants of work. Responsibilities include:

• Conduct local, statewide, and national research and summarize legislation, regulations, and policy proposals for internal and external use.
• Monitor policy initiatives and funding opportunities affecting the social safety net and economic mobility programs. Proactively alert the Senior Director to any major developments or changes, including recommended next steps when appropriate.
• Synthesize complex policy information into clear, concise summaries tailored to internal and external audiences.
• As the Associate demonstrates strong execution, reliability, and judgment, the role may expand to include increased ownership of specific policy priority areas, including leading research, shaping analysis, and contributing to strategic recommendations.

Event and Meeting Preparation

The Public Policy Associate supports the preparation and coordination of United Way’s external facing policy work and events. Responsibilities include:

• Manage, coordinate, and execute planning and logistics for policy events, advocacy days, legislative briefings, community conversations, and public policy forums.
• Draft and prepare outreach emails, invitations, policy-related communications, briefing materials, and background documents for meetings with policymakers, coalition partners, and community stakeholders.
• Draft meeting summaries and minutes, document key takeaways, track action items, and ensure timely follow-up on commitments made during meetings.
• Maintain internal tracking systems for policy initiatives and events, deliverables, and ongoing projects.
• Ensure written materials are clear, accurate, and ready for internal and external use.
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously while ensuring tasks are completed fully and accurately.

Stakeholder Engagement

Under the direction of the Senior Director, the Public Policy Associate supports and coordinates engagement with legislators, government agencies, and community partners. Responsibilities include:

• Prepare and execute materials, scheduling, and logistics for meetings with legislators, government officials, and coalition partners.
• Attend and participate in coalition meetings, policy forums, and advocacy events.
• Provide presentations to community stakeholders on United Way priorities and initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, economics, social work, or a related field.
• 4–6 years of professional, post-graduate work experience in public policy, government, nonprofit advocacy, social work, research, or related work.
• Demonstrated understanding of social safety net and economic mobility policies, with preference for candidates who have worked directly on programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, housing, or workforce systems.
• Experience supporting stakeholder meetings, public policy events, or coalition work.
• Experience working in a professional environment with clear expectations, deadlines, and supervisory guidance.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and well-organized written materials for externally facing audiences.
• Strong organizational, execution, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and tight deadlines, and ensure timely responses to internal and external inquiries.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA)

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
• Ability to manage and track multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in an execution-focused role, contributing to team and organizational goals.
• Demonstrated judgment in external communications, recognizing that engagement with stakeholders represents the organization and requires coordination and alignment.
• Ability to proactively communicate progress, ask questions, and seek guidance to ensure alignment and successful completion of assignments.
• Strong personal accountability, with a demonstrated ability to take ownership of assignments, follow through on commitments, and reliably meet deadlines.
• Interest in expanding understanding of policy development, legislative processes, and developing deeper subject-matter expertise and taking on increased responsibility over time.

Work Environment/Physical Demands (if any):

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential job functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

This position requires regular attendance at in-person policy meetings, coalition gatherings, and public events throughout Northeast Ohio.

Travel within the state and periodic out-of-state travel (e.g., Washington, D.C.) is required (less than 10% travel). Candidates must have access to reliable personal transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, and be willing and able to drive long distances (e.g., 2+ hours to Columbus approximately 2–3 times per year).

UWGC is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, advanced education, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. The EEO Law poster is available here.