Director/Senior Director, Public Policy
Office of the President and CEO
The National WIC Association (NWA), the nonprofit education arm and advocacy voice of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), has an immediate opening for the Director/Senior Director of Public Policy.
The Association is a high-impact non-profit, member organization that represents more than 2,000 service provider agencies that offer quality nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health care and other social referral services to at-risk women and young children in over 10,000 WIC clinics nationwide.
The Director/Senior Director of Public Policy will manage the Association’s advocacy and public policy activities under the direction and guidance of NWA’s President and CEO. The Director/Senior Director will also develop and execute NWA’s strategic advocacy efforts by building and maintaining relationships with NWA organizational entities (e.g. Board of Directors, Sections, Committees and Task Forces), State and local WIC staff, federal agency staff, federal legislative contacts, and national and state stakeholders. The Director/Senior Director of Public Policy also oversees NWA’s talented Public Policy Team and coordinates ongoing efforts to engage and elevate member voices in public policy advocacy.
The successful candidate is a high-impact and seasoned professional with several years of experience advancing key public policy initiatives, including those steeped in federal funding and appropriations. They will possess a clear understanding of the WIC program and be able to advocate fiercely on its behalf, as well as that of NWA members and WIC participants.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Serve on NWA’s leadership team and provide strategic guidance on public policy priorities
Supervise staff on the public policy team, currently two direct reports
Lead NWA’s public policy and advocacy efforts, ensuring that NWA is the leading voice on issues affecting WIC program administration and WIC participants
Work with the President and CEO, NWA membership, and NWA Board of Directors in the development of the organization’s public policy agenda
Represent NWA in meetings with legislators, legislative staff, administration officials, and coalition partners
Coordinate external partners and stakeholders to ensure consistent pro-WIC messages; and educate and empower NWA members to engage policymakers to build support for WIC priorities
Maintain role as leading expert on federal WIC laws, regulations, guidance, and practices to inform advocacy efforts
Serve as a spokesperson on NWA public policy matters, participating in press interviews, speaking at State WIC meetings, conferences and other public events
Draft resources and educational materials related to WIC policy matters including advocacy and policy letters, congressional testimony, regulatory comments, fact sheets, policy position papers and reports
Maintain directory of contacts, including congressional staff, administration officials, advocacy and stakeholder partners
Strategize, plan, and execute the Association’s annual National Policy Conference, Friday WIC meetings for NWA members, and other public policy educational events
Perform other duties as assigned by the President and CEO
Requirements:
7-10 years of public policy experience
At least 5 years of direct staff management experience
JD, MPP, or other relevant advanced degree
Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders, preference for experience in membership associations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Prior experience working in policy-related positions on Capitol Hill and/or within the Executive Branch preferred
Demonstrated analytical skills, strategic vision, and independent accomplishment
Ability to balance multiple projects and priorities, work in a fast-paced environment
Experience developing and managing departmental budgets
Commitment to the mission and vision of NWA
Advanced knowledge of WIC policy, the federal appropriations process, and maternal and infant health care issues
Strong commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging as part of organizational strategy and management style, as well as external public policy work products and partnerships
Salary range: $125,000 - $145,000
NWA full-time staff must be based in the DC metro area, which includes Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We currently have a hybrid work environment with the expectation of one work day per week in the physical office at 1099 14th Street, NW Washington, DC. Staff have the option to work remotely for the remainder of the work week. At NWA, we value equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in all that we do, and encourage those from underrepresented groups to apply for this position.
To apply for this position, please send a resume, cover letter and two writing samples to jobs@nwica.org.
More Information: https://www.nwica.org/nwa-job-postings