Associate Director/Director, Women’s Initiative

The Associate Director or Director should have significant experience in policy development and advocacy strategy and be comfortable with project managing staff at various levels of seniority within the Women’s Initiative and across the organization. In addition to helping foster staff’s policy work and expertise on a range of subject matters—including economic security matters, gender equity, and health policy—the Associate Director or Director will also be expected to develop and spearhead new areas of policy that advance the goals of the Women’s Initiative and CAP’s crosscutting priorities. 

A substantive background in economic security issues is an asset but not a requirement for the position. Understanding or experience in other areas of focus, such as health care, is also welcome.

The successful candidate will be driven by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. They will join a dynamic team of colleagues to assist in strengthening the Women’s Initiative’s policy work and supporting American Progress’ five crosscutting priorities:

• Building an economy for all
• Restoring social trust in democracy
• Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Strengthening health

Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively across the Women’s Initiative to develop a policy research, advocacy, and communications agenda to advance the well-being of women and their families.
• Present American Progress’ work through presentations and meetings with policymakers, coalitions, and other thought leaders.
• Actively participate in connecting the team’s work with that of the Inclusive Growth department and American Progress’ crosscutting priorities.
• Research, draft, and manage the production and distribution of a variety of written products, including reports, issue briefs, columns, and op-eds.
• Participate in efforts to craft timely policy products and rapid-response documents to ensure relevant participation in policy debates.
• Analyze federal and state legislative proposals, administrative policies, and regulatory changes.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research.
• Represent American Progress with the public, media, policymakers, partner coalitions, and other outside groups and individuals.
• Maintain key relationships across the field, including with allied organizations and policymakers.
• Promote Women’s Initiative priorities both inside and outside the organization.
• Keep American Progress colleagues updated on news and events related to relevant policy debates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; an advanced degree in public policy, public health, or a related field is a significant plus.
• Six years of experience for the Associate Director role; 7 to 10 years of experience for the Director role.
• Experience with quantitative research methods is a plus.
• Established relationships with policymakers, advocates, stakeholders, and community leaders within Washington, D.C., and across the country.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, including the ability to write in a variety of formats, such as op-eds, talking points, and memos.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically to advance a policy goal.
• Ability to understand policy issues and to communicate them effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well as part of a team and with other organizations.
• Ability to perform under tight deadlines and manage many moving pieces and concurrent projects.
• Excellent presentation and oral communication skills.
• Strong political instincts and experience working with coalitions.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union. The Associate Director position has a minimum salary of $77,000, and the Director position has a minimum salary of $92,000.

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and the levels of community spread and adjust plans as needed for in-office work. Any changes to our current hybrid work policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.