The Director of Public Policy and Engagement is a passionate and inspiring leader with a disability or lived experience (or representative of a marginalized group) who oversees the development and implementation of state and federal, disability related, advocacy and public education activities. Our focus is the advancement of disability rights, equal justice and opportunity, recovery, dignity, self-determination, access to goods and services, and community integration of people with disabilities and older adults faced with challenges associated with barriers to aging in place, inclusion, full integration and community-based living, among others. Broad focus including social and criminal justice and racial and disability equity and funding for community supports and services. Duties include grassroots organizing, direct lobbying, education, events and media work and supporting people with disabilities in the lower Hudson Valley of New York State.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:

• Foster the identification and development of disability related public policy priorities (state, local, and national), and lead and/or support campaigns to achieve those.
• Create, connect and/or develop local, regional and state grassroots networks and relationships in service of the agencys mission and objectives.
• Creates action networks (standing and ad-hoc) that respond to emerging action alerts, in concert with other organizations and the statewide systems advocacy Network.
• Foster strong relationships with community members and among other protected groups (intersectionality).
• Inform and coordinate policy activities.
• Provide daily communication and reports to ILI administration, and ILIs newly created Public Policy Committee (to be formed by the Director of Public Policy).
• Represents ILI directly with federal, state, and local policymakers with direction from the CEO and COO.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials and staff, business leaders, lobbyists, business and community organizations, and members of the media.
• Develop and deliver public testimony, featured, panel, and individual presentations,
• Create well-researched reports, papers, and publications.
• Inform and provide strategic guidance to senior leadership about relevant policy developments and opportunities.
• Develop strong relationships with ILI directors and managers that help to inform ILIs policies and activities and help to promote and support their operations and services.
• Provide technical assistance and materials through education and advocacy to ILI networks.
• Directly educate federal, state, and local elected officials and staff on public policy issues important to ILI as needed. Such activities may include testifying at public hearings, meeting one-on-one and developing official correspondence.
• Manages daily ILI Policy update/ E-Newsletter service about the critical issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as required by the needs of the position.

• Bachelors degree required. Masters degree in public policy or related field preferred;
• 7+ years experience in public affairs and/or government relations;
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success working with policymakers, preferably at senior legislative or executive level;
• Demonstrated understanding of national policy issues and current trends and in state and federal policy matters affecting health and human services;
• Must possess multi-tasking, organizational, strategic and critical thinking, and relationship-building skills;
• Demonstrated experience developing relationships with and outreach to national and local media;
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners throughout the state and nation;
• Communicates in a strong, positive, and effective manner both verbally and non-verbally. Excellent presentation, public speaking, and data presentation skills;
• Capacity to be a "tough-minded optimist," always acting to solve problems with energy and a positive attitude;
• Strong project management expertise;
• Demonstrates a high level of personal accountability, confidentiality, and willingness to share expertise;

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to write and articulate public policy positions;
• Valid drivers license and ability to travel;
• Lived experience with disability or as a member of a marginalized group preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) capabilities a plus.
• Knowledge of ASL also desirable.

Por favor, ayudanos a crear un sociedad libre sin barreras! Help us create a barrier-free society!