CLOSED | Chief Public Policy Officer (New York, NY)

About Robin Hood
Robin Hood is New York's largest poverty-fighting organization, and since 1988 has focused on finding, funding, and creating programs and schools that generate meaningful and measurable results for families in New York's poorest neighborhoods. Since its founding, Robin Hood has raised more than $2.5 billion in dollars, goods and services to provide hundreds of the most effective soup kitchens, homeless shelters, schools, job-training programs and other vital services that give New York’s neediest citizens the tools they need to build better lives. Robin Hood's board of directors pays all administrative, fundraising and evaluation costs, so 100% of donations go directly to organizations helping New Yorkers in need. 

Position Overview
To build on Robin Hood’s success and reputation as a top poverty-fighting organization in New York City, a more comprehensive approach with respect to policy, government, and advocacy is needed. More than ever before, the fate of New York City’s poor will be determined by policy makers in New York City, Albany, and Washington, DC. To achieve our core mission, Robin Hood cannot affordnotto be part of those conversations. Robin Hood must be seen as more than a grant-making organization. It must be seen as a thought leader and powerful voice for New York City’s poor. We know what works in the fight against poverty - good schools, affordable housing, job training, healthcare and a strong safety net. It's time to start supporting not only organizations, but policies and initiatives that provide and safeguard these needs. Moreover, by supporting around 200 New York City non-profits, Robin Hood has the unique ability to mobilize grassroots support for the causes it chooses to champion.

We realize that philanthropy is not enough to combat poverty. Poverty is a complex, multifaceted problem demanding a renewed antipoverty policy agenda.  Robin Hood currently engages with policy makers on an ad hoc basis; yet, as we look to the future, we seek to leverage existing relationships to advance public policy at the city, state and federal level. We intend to create a clear strategy behind engagement with policy makers to support advocacy and legislative impact. The goal is clear:  Robin Hood will enter the public policy arena in order to address the structural forces that limit mobility out of poverty.

Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive public-policy strategy targeted to key and core Robin Hood issues based on tangible and achievable goals. Lead the implementation of Robin Hood’s advocacy initiatives, policy analyses, and related communications.

  • Identify, build, and cultivate Robin Hood’s network of key political allies including city, state, and federal government agencies, key lawmakers, staffers, and advocates to advance the policy and advocacy agenda. Provide these stakeholders with continuing education on what Robin Hood does and build support for future programs.

  • Coordinate and oversee all Robin Hood interaction with city, state and federal government officials to ensure RH speaks with one voice.

  • Develop and execute a strategy to work across various levels of government to achieve Robin Hood’s core mission of fighting poverty.

  • Work with other New York City and national organizations to build on Robin Hood’s brand of being a leading poverty fighter and thought leader.

  • Recommend a structure and build out a team to help execute on the above responsibilities. The make-up of the team (by consultants, full- and/or part-time employees) is to be determined.


The Chief Public Policy Officer will report to the Chief Operating Officer and will require significant collaboration with the Robin Hood leadership team.

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school with admission to the New York bar preferred, yet not required

  • Experience in a Congressional office, government agency, non-profit, corporation, and/or as a practicing attorney in a law firm

  • Familiarity of and/or experience with strategic communications to promote advocacy objectives and implementing policy initiatives

  • Experience with policy analysis and governmental affairs

  • Knowledge of issue areas of Robin Hood portfolios preferred

  • Familiarity of and/or experience with city, state, and/or federal policy-makers and their offices preferred

  • Substantial experience cultivating coalitions or partnerships with a range of stakeholders

  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt and work well under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-task environment

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Robin Hood Values
Our core values ground the work that we do in all areas of our organization. If these principles appeal to you, we invite you to apply.

  • Robin Hood puts people first. Always.

  • Robin Hood is unafraid to take action and create solutions.

  • Robin Hood is data driven and heart led.

  • Robin Hood works the coat check.

Salary and Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Robin Hood has excellent benefits and encourages strong work-life balance.

Robin Hood is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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