Vice President, Policy & Strategic Initiatives

WE ARE

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is the nation’s preeminent think tank committed to achieving economic equity for women and eliminating structural and institutional barriers to women’s full participation in the workforce and society. 

IWPR’s mission is to build knowledge and evidence to support policies that help grow women’s economic power and influence in society, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic security and well-being of girls, women, and families. We generate the ideas that build power and economic equity for all women. 

Statement on Racial Equity and Intersectionality 

At IWPR, we believe social and economic mobility in the United States is determined and influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference. In working to achieve economic equity and to better understand the experiences of all women in the workforce and in society, we use both racial equity and intersectional frameworks in our research and analysis to help generate strategies and solutions that are grounded in the economic realities of women and families. We also prioritize building an inclusive and welcoming work environment that values the diverse perspectives and experiences of all staff. 

Statement on Inclusivity and non-discrimination 

IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support difference, diversity, and inclusion in our hiring and employment practices. We do not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, marital or veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. 

POSITION OVERVIEW:  

IWPR seeks an experienced, creative, and dynamic policy professional to lead a growing policy team. The Vice President, Policy and Strategic Initiatives manages a growing team and guides IWPR’s direct engagement with policymakers. They play a critical role in ensuring that IWPR is leveraging its research for maximum impact and influence at the state and national levels, and that it lands in the hands of lawmakers, agency staff, key advocacy and activist stakeholders and others who can use it to accelerate change in the lives of girls, women, and families. They build out IWPR’s policy framework and implement both proactive and defensive advocacy strategies for accomplishing the organization’s mission and goals. They also manage and cultivate IWPR external partnerships with partner organizations, think tanks, legislators, and other key stakeholders.  While they may contribute to research projects, this is not primarily a research position, and the ideal candidate will bring a strong background of work in policy and government sectors.  

Core duties and responsibilities include:   

Strategy, Vision & Leadership   

• Develop overarching policy priorities for the organization with the Executive and Senior Leadership teams;  

• Lead the development and implementation of a policy and advocacy plan that is aligned with the organization’s communications and field engagement strategies;   

• Develop strategic initiatives and partnerships that amplify IWPR’s work and expand its influence;  

• Identify new areas of focus and prioritization based on analysis of opportunities, challenges, gaps in the field, and other factors; 

• Work with Vice President, Advancement & Philanthropic Engagement to identify and cultivate funding opportunities to support strategic initiatives and efforts; and 

• Monitor key legislative, executive and political developments and trends affecting women’s economic security and well-being and analyze the political impact of breaking events as they relate to women, families and the economy.  

Policy & Advocacy Operations   

• Cultivate, develop and maintain relationships with Congressional offices and Administration officials, especially those serving in leadership positions, caucuses and committees;  

• Plan high-level convenings, gathering and events with key stakeholders and partners;  

• Make recommendations to Congressional offices and Administration officials regarding legislation, executive action and legislative and executive strategies.   

• Develop and coordinate advocacy messages with the communications team to ensure that IWPR materials are consistent and relevant;   

• Speak publicly and represent IWPR and its work to key stakeholders, including policy leaders, policymakers, the media, funders and other legal and advocacy organizations;  

• Actively seek opportunities to connect IWPR research and expertise to timely policy conversations, debates, and news cycles;  

• Create, edit and proofread materials for external use, including policy 2-pagers, blogs, commentary, and other policy analysis;  

• Help ensure the involvement of stakeholders and partner organizations in promoting agreed upon policy priorities;  

• Conduct and/or commission policy research as necessary; and  

• Help establish and maintain effective communications and collaboration with other IWPR teams, maintaining consistent implementation of internal policies, practices, structures and processes.   

Program Management and Supervision  

• Lead and support a team of policy, advocacy, and research professionals, including monitoring workload, coordinating and distributing assignments and conducting annual performance evaluations;  

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the policy team;  

• Work with individual team members to establish challenging performance goals and provide direction and feedback as needed;  

• Work to ensure the policy and strategy department meets internal and external funder deadlines and obligations for the delivery of products and reports; and  

• Maintain a culture that values learning and a commitment to quality and attracts, retains and motivates top quality staff.   

Content Expertise and Experience  

• Substantial Hill and/or Administration experience and familiarity with both legislative and regulatory processes; 

• Some experience or familiarity with state policymaking processes;  

• Familiarity and experience conducting policy analysis on issues related to IWPR’s core pillars: Equitable Work and Wages, Caregiving and Families, Reproductive Justice and Health Equity, and/or Education and Career Advancement;   

• Experience using and integrating racial equity and intersectional frameworks and analysis in written policy reports, briefs and commentary;   

• Experience planning mid-to-large scale events, convenings, and roundtables with a diverse group of stakeholders and partners;  

• Familiarity with political and legislative processes at the federal and state levels; and  

• Ability to write high quality policy papers, reports, and presentations based on the data, work and analysis of IWPR.  

Other Professional and Personal Qualities   

• Experience managing a diverse and active team required; 

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including presentation skills;  

• A strong existing network—the candidate will be known and respected in the progressive policy-advocacy community, bringing existing relationships that will facilitate expansion of our research and policy work;  

• Proven track record of effectively interacting with diverse stakeholders including executives, researchers, practitioners, policy and advocacy organizations, public officials, and Boards of Directors;  

• Superior problem-solving, managerial, and interpersonal skills;  

• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across the organization;  

• Effective, versatile, and action oriented; and  

• Ability to work well under pressure with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.  

EDCUATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience. 

• Master’s degree, law degree, or other postgraduate degree strongly preferred. 

SALARY 

This is an on-site, full-time exempt position. The salary range for this position is $150,000-$184,025/year.  The salary will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package.  

To learn more about the IWPR compensation program and role structures, please click HERE.  

HOW TO APPLY 

Please submit a resume, writing sample, and thoughtful, relevant cover letter.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. 

Vaccine Policy 

IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, IWPR recently implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all IWPR employees, interns, fellows, (i.e.- IWPR staff) are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive a booster shot. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 and having received a booster shot prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a Covid-19 vaccination, a medical exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.