Policy and Advocacy (Communication) Manager – DC/MD/VA Based – Durham (1 Position)
JOB DETAIL
JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Global Policy and Advocacy Director within the Chief Impact Office, the Policy and Advocacy (Communication) Manager will play a crucial role in advancing FHI 360’s advocacy efforts. This position is responsible for coordinating the policy comment process, creating advocacy materials, managing assigned projects, and organizing meetings and events. The role supports the formulation and execution of FHI 360’s advocacy objectives, developing issue positions, training materials, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. The Manager monitors legislative trends, performs analysis, and crafts key messages to enhance FHI 360’s policy impact. Additionally, this role ensures active engagement on strategic issues, identifies opportunities for policy influence, and fosters partnerships to strengthen the organization’s advocacy capacity.
Although we offer flexible working, this position will require 2-3 days per week in-person in DC. This would include working from the DC office, going to the Hill and coalition meetings in downtown DC. We offer hoteling office space in our DC office.
Responsibilities / Duties:
Complexity & Problem Solving:
- Contribute to the development and execution of global advocacy strategies to support international development and foreign assistance priorities.
- Engage with stakeholders, including policymakers, Members of Congress, agency leaders, and NGO coalition partners, to advance advocacy goals.
- Coordinates the USG policy and rulemaking comment process.
- Represent FHI 360 at national and international policy forums and advocacy events.
- Support FHI 360 leadership in articulating and advancing organizational advocacy priorities.
- Producesadvocacy communications to ensure the delivery of high-quality materials.
- Manages the development
- Develop and implement a global policy and advocacy communications plan, including media outreach.
Expertise & Influence:
- Utilize strong consultative and negotiation skills to influence policy decisions.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to strategize, plan, and manage resources effectively.
- Motivate, influence, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve advocacy objectives.
Collaboration & Interaction:
- Establish and maintain relationships with Members of Congress, federal officials, and other key stakeholders through joint letters, policy briefs, legislative proposals, and meetings.
- Collaborate with knowledge management, research, evidence, and program teams to support an evidence-based advocacy agenda.
- Work closely with the broader Impact Office, including Change Management, Project Management, DEI, and other OCEO teams.
- Develop dissemination and communication strategies for key advocacy messages in coordination with the external communications team.
- Produce and manage reports, briefing papers, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
Task Management & Efficiency:
- Develop a thorough understanding of quality standards through formalized systems documenting processes, procedures, and responsibilities.
- Coordinate activities to meet organizational and regulatory requirements.
- Mentor and build the capacity of junior staff and interns.
- Undertake additional duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s evolving responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge & Skills:
- Extensive experience with policy and advocacy work in international development.
- Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work with diverse teams.
- Experience building alliances and coalitions addressing global health, nutrition, humanitarian response, climate change, and other international development issues.
- In-depth understanding of the U.S. budget and appropriations process, as well as agencies like USAID, the State Department, and the Development Finance Corporation.
- Proficiency with MS Office and data management systems.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage and prioritize competing demands.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present clear ideas and arguments.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and enthusiasm for working in a dynamic team environment.
- Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
- Proactive mindset with a strong initiative.
- Exceptional written and spoken English.
- Ability to work independently and handle sensitive tasks.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with and support executive staff.
- Responsiveness to internal and external requests.
- Knowledge and experience in communications related to international public health and/or development.
- Sensitivity to cultural differences and the political and ethical issues in international development work.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in public policy and advocacy communications.
- Professional demeanor with the ability to communicate effectively with clients and senior executives at FHI 360.
- Exceptional written skills with a proven ability to translate technical content into compelling communication materials for policy audiences.
- Fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
- Prior experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO).
- Experience working with Capitol Hill and/or development government agencies.
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with congressional staff, U.S. Government stakeholders, partner organizations, and media.
- Experience working with diverse, global coalitions.
- Experience engaging with philanthropic donors.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States for any employer.
- Ability to travel internationally and domestically as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s or Doctorate) in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, or a related field.
- Relevant certifications or their international equivalents.
- We welcome candidates with other relevant certifications or their international equivalents.
TRAVEL:
Anticipated travel up to 10%.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Typical office environment. Constantly uses a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
TECHNOLOGY :
Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.
The expected US Based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. Candidate FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget.
Base salary is only one component of our offer. FHI 360 contributes 12% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule.
US Based Hiring Salary Range: $85,000 – $110,000
International hiring ranges will differ based on location.
#LI-DNI
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.
FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
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FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.
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