Manager, Federal Policy and Partnerships - National Office

Overview

The Manager, Federal Policy and Partnerships supports and advances the YMCA’s federal priorities in Washington, D.C. This role builds and maintains relationships with federal policymakers and partners, represents the organization with coalitions and external stakeholders, and supports the execution of advocacy and mobilization efforts across the YMCA network. The Manager strengthens the Y’s national policy impact and supports advocacy outcomes across the country that align with our core pillars of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. While Y-USA is a remote first organization, this position will be based in our Washington, D.C. office.

The Government Relations Department advances the organization’s mission by shaping public policy, securing public funding, and leading advocacy at all levels of government. Through legislative analysis, strategic partnerships, direct lobbying and grassroots mobilization, the department strengthens the organization’s public voice and connects Ys to essential government resources. The department leverages relationships, reputation, and community impact to achieve policy objectives and foster a culture of advocacy across the organization. 

This position is DC-based and applicants must live within the Virginia, Maryland or Washington, D.C. area.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and manage relationships with Congressional offices and federal agency stakeholders to advance the organization’s policy and funding goals.
• Monitor and analyze complex federal legislation and regulations, White House initiatives and agency priorities, and evaluate new opportunities and trends to inform organizational priorities and decision-making.
• Support high-impact grassroots and grasstops mobilization efforts, ensuring effective engagement to advance policy priorities and secure federal funding.
• Develop internal and external communications to translate policy and funding implications, share strategic guidance and actions, and advance the Y’s federal legislative agenda.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with coalition partners and serve on coalition working groups and committees to help drive the Y’s legislative agenda and expand the organization’s influence.
• Collaborate with Y-USA’s Practice Leaders to exchange information, align strategies, and leverage organizational expertise to advance shared policy and programmatic outcomes.
• Lead the design and execution of advocacy engagement programs that strengthen National Advocacy Days, elevate local perspectives, and deepen stakeholder participation in federal advocacy efforts.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher required in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred
• 5-7 years of issues management experience in a political or public affairs environment
• Ability to manage complex tasks and multiple work streams with minimal supervision
• Strong understanding of federal policy, legislative processes, and agency engagement
• Strategic thinker; excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to analyze complex policy and funding issues and translate them into clear recommendations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing materials, talking points, and advocacy communications
• Experience supporting events, fly-ins, advocacy days, or stakeholder engagement programs
• Strong project management, organization, and attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate across teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Political sophistication and ability to work with elected officials and senior staff

Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing and executing advocacy, coalition, and mobilization strategies.
• Experience working with Congressional offices, federal agencies, or national coalitions.
• Familiarity with nonprofit, membership, or community-based organizations.
• Experience with the federal appropriations process, health policy, youth development and early education, and tax policy, strongly preferred.

Benefits

We offer a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, defined benefit plan (retirement savings), defined contribution plan (403(b) plan, life and disability insurances, technology stipend, and generous paid time off, all in a work from anywhere within the continental U.S. workplace.

Posted Salary Range