Policy Direction

• Lead processes and systems that support policy research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement to drive collective advocacy with our coalition and allies.

• Shape and oversee policy agenda development.

• Co-strategize annual priority setting, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy, community needs, and the political landscape.

• Collaborate on a strategy to educate target audiences on CACF’s policy priorities through communication channels, media, and/or public events.

• Ensure CACF is represented at public hearings, conferences, and legislative briefings that advance CACF’s priorities.

• Lead cross-functional planning processes that integrate policy priorities in organization-wide strategy and management level decision-making spaces.

People Management & Development

• Guide and support staff in developing their policy analysis and coalition-building skills.

• Hire, supervise and coach policy staff, consultants, and interns, ensuring work plans are aligned with organizational priorities.

• Foster a team culture of inclusion, shared accountability, care, and continuous learning.

• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Strategy, the Director of External Affairs, and the policy team to coordinate across teams and ensure strong collaboration across roles and workstreams.

• Lead cross-functional planning processes that bridge policy goals with program and operations priorities

Organizational Stewardship & Collective Responsibility

• Contribute to and facilitate a culture of shared learning, growth, inclusion, and belonging.

• Participate in cross-functional projects, events, and other duties as assigned.

• Engage in staff leadership development, team building, professional development, and collective responsibilities (team meetings, knowledge management, data stewardship).

Fundraising Support

• Oversee strategic financial planning and budget for the policy team, ensuring responsible forecasting and alignment with CACF’s goals.

• Implement and manage evaluation systems to track the effectiveness of the policy work.

• Collaborate with Development to align policy advocacy evaluation outcomes with fundraising and donor engagement strategies.

• Translate policy vision, outcomes, and learnings into compelling narratives for grant proposals, donor communications, reports, and presentations, while managing grant deliverables and ensuring high-level accountability for policy-related funding.

Qualifications

• Policy Expertise: Deep experience in policy analysis (including understanding needs assessments and gap analyses) as it relates to equitable systems change; demonstrated understanding of systemic racism, and historical and intersectional policy contexts; technical knowledge of budget processes, legislative cycles, and policy implementation.

• Coalition & Relationship Building: Experience in building and sustaining high-level relationships with coalition partners and policymakers to advance advocacy priorities.

• Leadership & Independence: Demonstrated ability to operate with a high degree of independence and leadership in guiding strategic planning and organizational alignment.

• People Management & Mentorship: Experience hiring, supervising, and coaching staff, with a specific focus on mentoring emerging leaders and fostering a culture of shared accountability.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional public speaking and writing skills, with the ability to serve as a primary spokesperson and translate complex policy issues into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

• Financial Stewardship: Proven ability in financial planning and managing team budgets, ensuring alignment with long-term organizational goals.