Community Engagement and Public Policy Specialist

Position Summary:

YWCA Hartford Region is seeking a dynamic and experienced Community Engagement and Public Policy Specialist to join our team. This role will support Leadership’s efforts in developing public awareness strategies, engaging in policy initiatives, and coordinating community events aligned to advance the mission and vision of YWCA Hartford Region.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Support and Outreach

• Actively engage in Community Outreach efforts to include, but not limited to tabling at community events, networking, volunteering, etc.
• Be an active participant in public forums, coalitions, and committees focused on policy issues that directly and indirectly impact those we serve;
• Researches, identifies, and champions legislation that advances long-term changes, resources, objectives, and well-being of those we serve;
• Plans and executes strategies that will advance the goals of The Center and the organization as a whole;
• Collaborates with and supports the Department Leader with developing long-term and short-term goals, implementation, and communication efforts;

People-First Leadership and Relationship Building

• Fosters an atmosphere of collaboration, innovation, and a mission-driven mindset by seeking resources, forums, and partnerships that aim to deliver unlimited opportunities to un-limit opportunities;
• Forms and leads coalitions to support legislative initiatives;
• Develops and sustains relationships with community stakeholders (i.e., residents, NRZ groups, organizations, schools, programs, other community outreach representatives and leads, etc.);
• Collaborates with external and internal stakeholders (i.e., program directors and department team members) to ensure departmental initiatives are successfully implemented;
• Builds strategic relationships with policymakers, government agencies, and organizations to influence policy outcomes; and

Planning and Performance

• Recommends and implements comprehensive strategies;
• Remains up-to-date and monitors local, state, and federal policy developments relevant to the mission and vision of YWCA Hartford Region;
• Prioritizes and actively remains up-to-date on key initiatives and organizational goals, and assesses progress outcomes against metrics, surveys, reports, and feedback captured;
• Submits weekly reports to the direct supervisor;
• Other duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field required; 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively engage target audiences;
• Proven ability to work independently (self-starter) and collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Experience:
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in raising public awareness, policy analysis, or related field required.
• Demonstrated success in implementing public awareness campaigns that achieve the measurable impact required.
• Nonprofit or public awareness organization preferred.
• Strong understanding of public awareness, legislative processes, and government relations at local, state, and federal levels highly desirable.

License:

• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to and from events and work meetings required.

Schedule:

• Legislative and Public Policy Specialist is a full-time exempt position. YWCA Hartford Region hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm. The Community Engagement and Public Policy Specialist is a hybrid role. The incumbent will be required to be in the office at least 1 day per week. Due to the nature of the work, some weekend and evening hours may be required.
• This role is hybrid and expected to be in-person for all departmental and organizational meetings, unless noted otherwise by direct supervisor.

Key Competencies:

• Seeks to cultivate and develop professional working relationships with key stakeholders, i.e., staff, volunteers, interns, etc.;
• Demonstrates skill in understanding others’ perspectives;
• Engages in (or commits to) personal and professional development;
• Demonstrates a willingness to examine one’s assumptions and attitudes;
• Maintains productive work relationships while considering multiple perspectives;
• Demonstrates awareness of one’s and others’ life experiences and their relevance in the workplace;
• Experience resolving conflicts effectively; and
• Promotes a respectful work environment in which concerns are addressed effectively.

Skills:

• Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate complex political environments, respond to evolving priorities, and seize opportunities for advancing department goals;
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, including public speaking, media relations, and crafting persuasive materials;
• Community Outreach: Ability to increase awareness, engage stakeholders, and mobilize community support for policy change initiatives;
• Civic Engagement: Ability to engage and inspire others through education, grassroots organizing, and training programs;
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in using data and metrics to assess the impact of department efforts and inform strategic decisions;
• Emotional Intelligence: Recognizes and values different ideas of others; Empathetically and respectfully accepts these differences and works cooperatively and sincerely to optimize the contributions of all individuals;
• Ethical: Commitment to ethical standards, integrity, and transparency aligning with the values and mission of the YWCA Hartford Region;
• Innovative Problem Solving: Creative approach to identifying challenges, developing solutions, and driving systemic change through policy;
• Mission-driven: Understands programs and services offered by YWCA Hartford Region;
• Organizational: Ability to manage tasks, time, and resources effectively, leading to increased productivity and efficiency;
• Policy Analysis: Ability to analyze legislation and policy proposals, identify implications for marginalized communities, and develop informed strategies;
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, and local leaders;
• Self-starter: Strong work ethic and able to bring enthusiasm, flexibility, and motivation to the work and role;
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop long-term tactical plans aligned with organizational goals, and adapt strategies in response to emerging issues and political landscapes;
• Team Management: Experience in leading and motivating volunteers while fostering collaboration to achieve department objectives.