Director of Public Policy and Advocacy

Director of Public Policy and Advocacy

Location: Arlington Heights, IL

Salary: $70,000 per year

Schedule: Full-Time (35 hours/week), Monday-Friday standard hours. Occasional weekend flexibility required for special advocacy events.

About the Role:

Clearbrook is seeking a strategic Director of Public Policy and Advocacy to drive systemic change and empower over 8,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this leadership role, you will formulate our legislative priorities, build bipartisan relationships, and lead grassroots activation to advance our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead coordinated advocacy strategies targeting the U.S. Congress and Illinois State Legislature.

• Advise the CEO and leadership staff on policy matters by providing clear briefings, summaries, and talking points.

• Oversee all aspects of policy and advocacy events, managing volunteer advocates and grassroots campaigns.

• Build and maintain collaborative, bipartisan relationships with elected and appointed officials.

• Work alongside program staff to foster self-advocacy skills among the individuals we serve.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in health, government, political science, public policy, communications, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in policy advocacy, association management, or relationship cultivation.

• Demonstrated leadership in overseeing public policy initiatives or advocacy teams, with a track record of working with officials from both sides of the aisle.

• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States and hold a valid Illinois driver's license.

Benefits

• Fully paid group term life and long-term disability insurance.

• Health insurance, plus optional dental, short-term disability, critical illness, and accident coverage.

• 403(b) retirement savings plan with company contributions.

• Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays.

• Opportunities for training and referral bonuses.

Clearbrook is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).