Senior Director, Women’s Initiative

The Senior Director must be experienced in policy strategy development and execution—including design, analyses, and recommendations—and rapid-response commentary. This team lead position will be responsible for developing and communicating new policy ideas, managing staff, and coordinating projects across departments.

The Senior Director 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. This work will include connecting the work of the Women’s Initiative with other policy efforts in support of the organization’s five crosscutting priorities:

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

This position requires developing, communicating, and moving toward implementing policy ideas that provide a new way forward on a range of equity challenges in an increasingly diverse America, with a focus on women. The Senior Director will also manage the team’s relationships and represent the team with outside stakeholders including ally organizations, policymakers, and the media.

This leader will have the opportunity to manage a dynamic, high-performing team. They will think strategically about turning ideas into action, collaborating with other teams within their department and across the organization, as well as in coalitions with other organizations in this space. They will support raising funds commensurate with the team’s strategy within American Progress. The ideal candidate will have a strong command and understanding of how national policies affect women; facility with government institutions at the local, state, or federal level; executive or legislative branch experience; and relationships with key players in the field, particularly in reproductive rights coalitions.

Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day management for the Women’s Initiative team, develop its policy research and communications agenda, and actively participate in connecting the team’s work with American Progress’ crosscutting priorities.
• Work with the Inclusive Growth department’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director to set the strategic direction for the Women’s Initiative team.
• Supervise and hire staff and fellows who work on a range of women’s issues, including reproductive rights and health care, in addition to economic policies such as labor market issues, paid leave, and anti-discrimination enforcement. Play a leading role in team budget and fundraising as necessary.
• Represent the Women’s Initiative team with the public, media, and other outside groups and individuals.
• Work with a diverse set of partners, organizations, and staff within American Progress to develop and implement legislative and political strategies at the federal and state levels.
• Determine appropriate papers, analytic work, political strategies, and communications research to be conducted by the team or through partnerships.
• Track federal and state policy and political developments, and direct American Progress’ strategic response to those developments as appropriate.
• Conceive, research, write, and edit original products and other materials as needed.
• Generate new analyses, messaging, and policy ideas to drive American Progress’ mission and goals.
• Collaborate with American Progress’ Government Affairs team and other advocacy colleagues to devise effective strategic routes to advance the outcomes the organization seeks regarding education policy priorities.
• Produce fundraising documents and contribute to the fundraising process with the assistance of the organization’s Development and Executive departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience; advanced degree is a plus.
• At least 10 years of relevant policy or research experience.
• Knowledge of federal policymaking and experience working with Congress and federal agencies.
• Strong political instincts and experience working with coalitions, with preference for someone with experience working in coalition on women’s health, abortion, and reproductive justice issues.
• Must have established relationships with policymakers, advocates, and community leaders in Washington, D.C., and in the states.
• Experience with managing budgets and fundraising is a plus.
• Excellent presentation and written and oral communication skills.
• Skills and experience in managing a team and actively participating in cross-team and cross-organizational efforts.
• Strong analytical skills; legal background is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic, long-term plans and implement them successfully.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

American Progress offers full and competitive benefits packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those who have experienced involvement with the justice system, are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union and has a minimum salary of $112,000.

American Progress’ hybrid work policy is posted on our Jobs page. Please visit this page for updates. Any changes to this policy will also be communicated at the time of hire.