Director For Policy, Advocacy And Impact

MINNCAP OVERVIEW

The Minnesota Community Action Partnership (MinnCAP) is a membership anti-poverty, policy, and advocacy organization. Members of the Association are approximately 23 local private Community Action Agencies in Minnesota. Principle network members are designated recipients of the federal Community Services Block Grant, which supports each organization’s core anti-poverty mission. The Association strives to build collaboration and key partnerships with other organizations that share the anti-poverty role and mission.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director for Policy, Advocacy and Impact works under the supervision of the Executive Director to lead the development, execution, and evaluation of MinnCAP’s policy work, both analysis and advocacy, and works closely with member agencies in numerous strategic collaborations to influence community awareness, public policy and budget outcomes to positively impact the Community Action organizations and vulnerable populations they serve. This position is responsible to collaborate and serve as a liaison with external partners to ensure priority positions and targeted local, state, and national advocacy outcomes are effectively achieved.

The Director of Policy, Advocacy and Impact provides support and coordination for the Executive Director. In this role, the Director works closely with the Executive Director in development of the strategic plan and reviews reports of MinnCAP components to ensure products, progress and outcomes are consistent with the strategic plan and agreements with agency investors. The Director for Policy, Advocacy and Impact collaborates and coordinates with other MinnCAP staff responsible for the provision of training, communications and project management to member organizations staffs and Boards.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Managing MinnCAP’s Advocacy Agenda

• Conducting research and analysis of existing and emerging program and policy areas on the federal, state, and local levels related to low-income families.
• Overseeing research and evaluation methods used by MinnCAP and overseeing the agency’s research projects, policy briefs, memos, and full-length reports as required by grants/funders.
• Developing policy recommendations for reports and MinnCAP’s public policy agenda based on national best practices and models. This may include identifying and sharing information on model demonstration anti-poverty and economic opportunity projects operated by nonprofits or industries or model legislation or rule change language.
• In conjunction with the MinnCAP Executive Director, assess how well activities and products support or aid in achieving the policy and advocacy goals adopted by the Board of Directors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Advise and support the MinnCAP Executive Director and the Board of Directors’ Legislation and Advocacy Committee in the development of an annual strategy for the network that strives for appropriate public policy that have a positive impact on the lives of low-income Minnesotans and that considers and advances their rights to economic opportunity and human dignity.
• Act as the lead staff member to coordinate the implementation of the approved strategic plan objectives regarding policy and advocacy.
• Oversee the collaboration with other MinnCAP staff in implementing data analysis of agency outcomes and creating information tools for use both statewide and for each agency member.

· Assist the Executive Director in overseeing work towards organization of information to reach the association’s collective ability to have strong data on agency performance management and CSBG storytelling.

• With input from MinnCAP’s Legislation and Advocacy Committee, influence and partner with senior leaders of the Minnesota Community Action network, other significant anti-poverty focused organizations and institutions in Minnesota, such as other anti-poverty related service provider networks, advocacy groups, research and policy centers related to institutes of higher learning, philanthropy and foundations with allied interests, governmental and legislative, and collaborate with appropriate regional or national partners on campaigns that involve the Community Action network.
• Build partnerships with other anti-poverty service networks, academic poverty research groups, independent policy organizations in Minnesota in order to have impact and build recognition of MinnCAP as a significant anti-poverty advocate and a respected and sought voice on poverty issues.
• Remain informed and responsive in strategy and communication to policy developments that impact the sector and present opportunities for MinnCAP to take a leadership position both statewide and nationally for Executive Director to make presentations to funders, law makers, policymakers, and service providers.
• Working with Communications staff in creating and maintaining strong media relationships including formulating a media strategy, authoring press releases, and following up with specific reporters to publicize MinnCAP’s research and public policy agenda/recommendations.
• Maintain relationships and attending relevant conferences and meetings to maintain relationships with national and state partners, government officials, and funders.
• Prepare testimony and testify at hearings of the Mn state government on issues related to MinnCAP’s policy agenda
• Organize and lead in district and “Day on the Hill” events for members both Congressional and state legislative representatives.
• Develop strong relationships with CAAs, impacted Communities, and our partners.
• Serve as ambassador of MinnCAP’s mission and policy and advocacy priorities; develop and maintain relationships across constituents (faith-based, Board of Directors, staff, legislative, etc.)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in political science, public administration, social work or related field. Preferred degree would be at master’s level or higher.
• At least 5 years of relevant and progressive experience in nonprofit or public sector, preferably with anti-poverty strategy work.
• Understanding of community organizing theory, governmental legislative and budget processes
• Project management skills with demonstrable experience managing and coordinating research projects, policy analysis, and high-impact advocacy campaigns.
• Commitment to social justice and policy Advocacy and research, with an understanding of the needs of low-income individuals and families and an overview understanding of the types of services and resources available in Minnesota for the communities that MinnCAP member agencies serve.
• Skilled relationship manager to secure partnerships with internal and external stakeholders in undertaking common goals to build campaigns and coalitions to impact advocacy at the local, state and national levels
• Strategic, tactful, self-aware, and authentic leader able to influence at the functional and organizational levels
• Entrepreneurial, flexible, creative, energetic and unafraid of challenges

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No supervisory responsibilities at this time, however, based on agency growth, potential opportunities may develop.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position requires some travel, including out of state and overnight. Work is largely performed in a modern, accessible office environment.

MinnCAP is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

SALARY

This is an Exempt, full-time position with a salary range between $85,000- $100,000, with a competitive benefits package.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications are requested by May 15, 2024.

Email a PDF attachment of the following documents to lorischultz@minncap.org

· Resume

· List of 3 references -include name, relation to applicant, email address and phone number for contact