Director of Public Policy & Advocacy

Director of Public Policy & Advocacy

Organization Overview: The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSADV) is a statewide nonprofit membership organization supporting and advocating for local domestic violence service providers and allies who are committed to ending domestic violence. Founded in 1978, we achieve our mission through activism, training, prevention, technical assistance, leadership development, and legislative advocacy.

NYSCADV serves as the information clearinghouse, primary point of contact and resource center on domestic violence for the state of New York. Our organization is responsible for supporting the development of policies, protocol and procedures to enhance domestic violence intervention and prevention. This also includes providing education and specialized support for domestic violence service providers statewide.

Position Title: Director of Public Policy & Advocacy

Responsible To: Executive Director

Status: Full-time, exempt, salaried

Location: Remote position. Policy Director must be commuting distance to Albany and reside in New York State.

Position Overview: The Director of Public Policy & Advocacy shapes and drives NYSCADV’s policy, advocacy, and government relations strategies. The director leads the development and execution of NYSCADV’s policy agenda on state and national issues impacting survivors of domestic violence and domestic violence advocacy programs across New York. The Director builds high-impact relationships with coalition partners, government stakeholders, advances advocacy priorities, and represents the organization as a trusted thought leader.

The Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will have several years of policy or government affairs experience; a strong understanding of domestic violence services in New York; excellent writing, critical thinking, and communication skills; and a proven ability to build and maintain partnerships. The ideal candidate will also show initiative, excel in a collaborative environment, exhibit grace under pressure, and demonstrate a strong commitment to statewide domestic violence advocacy.

Position Responsibilities: The Director of Public Policy & Advocacy will be responsible for the following:

• Serve as NYSCADV’s primary point of contact on policy issues and strategies
• Formulate policy positions on issues affecting domestic violence advocacy programs and survivors in coordination with NYSCADV staff, domestic violence advocacy programs, and key stakeholders
• Build alliances to promote statewide policy collaborations
• Provide training for domestic violence advocacy programs on the legislative process, laws impacting domestic violence programs and survivors, strategies for systems advocacy, and state and federal regulations

• Facilitate NYSCADV’s participation in regional and national policy efforts in conjunction with national and statewide domestic violence advocacy organizations
• Maintain strong relationships with NYSCADV’s member programs through meetings, training, and dissemination of public policy information
• Facilitate member program participation in public policy work including the coordination of the NYSCADV Legislative Committee and statewide advocacy days and initiatives
• Manage relationships with NYSCADV consultants to track legislation, read and provide comments on legislative drafts, write and provide testimony for public hearings, and meet with key policymakers throughout the year
• Represent NYSCADV on task forces, workgroups, and committees as requested
• Develop briefing papers, memos, reports, comments on draft bills and regulations, and educational materials
• Analyze state budget and grant funding and compile summary reports
• Partner with NYSCADV staff to develop and implement social media strategies for policy initiatives
• Participate in NYSCADV trainings, conferences, and other forums and provide support as requested
• Speak publicly at conferences, public hearings, advocacy events, and national strategy meetings
• Educate policymakers and the general public on domestic violence issues
• Ensure all assigned project and policy deliverables are met

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as directed

Qualifications/Expectations:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in policy, advocacy, government relations or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Advanced degree (JD, MPP, MPA, or related field) or equivalent combination of experience and education preferred
• Experience working on issues of domestic violence and a strong understanding of New York State’s domestic violence landscape
• Ability to implement a vision, think strategically, exercise good judgment, and lead change
• Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process, criminal and civil statutes, and their impact on survivors of domestic violence and domestic violence programs
• Comfort level in a fast-paced environment with the capability to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to be a self-starter, initiate and maintain an independent workload, maintain attention to detail, and work collaboratively with all NYSCADV staff, consultants, members, government agencies, and funders
• Proficiency with Zoom, MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), online learning platforms, and project management tools
• A collaborative, self-directed approach and the ability to build strong relationships across sectors
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion
• Valid driver’s license and willingness and ability to travel as needed

RESIDENCY: NYSCADV’s main office is located in Albany, NY. Candidates who reside in New York state and are in commuting distance of Albany will be considered for this position. NYSCADV operates with a distributed team who works remotely with pre-scheduled in-person meetings. For this role, there will be regular travel to Albany during the January-June legislative session and less frequent travel the rest of the year. The role also requires some travel throughout New York State as well as occasional national travel.

COMPENSATION: Starting salary will be in the range of $86,000-$90,000 commensurate with skills and experience. NYSCADV offers excellent benefits including health, dental, retirement, and life insurance and generous leave policies.

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume and 3 references, 2 of which are a direct manager or supervisor, to nyscadvjobs@nyscadv.org. Applications without all of the required items will not be considered.

NYSCADV recognizes that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for our positions. Also, please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

Applications received by August 28, 2026 will be given priority. The position will remain open until it is filled.

NYSCADV is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

(Rev.8.11.26)