Policy and Advocacy Manager

Reporting to the Global Policy and Advocacy Senior 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 organization-wide policy comment process, creating advocacy materials, managing assigned projects, and organizing meetings and events, including event management and logistics coordination. 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, tracks emerging legislative, regulatory, and funding issues affecting programs, performs analysis, and crafts key messages to enhance FHI 360's policy impact. This role also tracks Global Policy and Advocacy (GPA) KPIs and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) outcomes and helps compile and track the GPA budget in partnership with the Senior Director. Additionally, this role ensures active engagement on strategic issues, identifies opportunities for policy influence, and fosters partnerships to strengthen the organization's advocacy capacity. 

JOB SUMMARY  

Reporting to the Global Policy and Advocacy Senior 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 organization-wide 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.  

RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES 

Complexity & Problem Solving:  

• Contribute to the development and execution of \advocacy strategies to support health and economic opportunity objectives.  

• Engage with stakeholders, including policymakers, Members of Congress, agency leaders, and NGO coalition partners, to advance advocacy goals.  

• Engage internal stakeholders across the organization to inform FHI 360's advocacy agenda, solicit input on draft policy positions, and coordinate organizational responses to policy and regulatory developments. 

• Coordinate and lead internal communication on behalf of the Global Policy and Advocacy team, including but not limited to maintaining a biannual newsletter, drafting board communications, and internal coordination for events.  

• Coordinate the U.S. government policy and rulemaking comment process.  

• Lead planning and execution of policy events, briefings, congressional engagements, conference sessions, roundtables, and stakeholder convenings, including logistics, content development, and coordination of follow-up engagements. 

• Represent FHI 360 at national and international policy forums and advocacy events.  

• Support FHI 360 leadership in articulating and advancing organizational advocacy priorities.  

• Produce advocacy communications products and ensure the delivery of high-quality materials.  

• Develop and manage a global policy and advocacy communications plan, including media outreach, in coordination with the Global Communications team.  

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 the Global Policy and Advocacy team and Global Communications team, as well as the Office of the CEO.  

• Build  communication and dissemination strategies for key advocacy messages in coordination with the external communications team.  

• Produce and manage inputs for reports, briefing papers, and presentations for internal and external audiences.  

• Create advocacy briefs and other collaterals to support Congressional and Administration engagement. 

• Draft briefers and talking points to support advocacy efforts.  

• Develop materials to support internal understanding of Global Policy and Advocacy team portfolio.  

Task Management & Efficiency:  

• Develop a thorough understanding of quality standards through formalized systems of 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.  

• Develop and track advocacy performance indicators and provide regular reporting on policy engagement activities, influence outcomes, and organizational impact. 

• Extensive experience with policy and advocacy work in international development, humanitarian response, or U.S. domestic policy.  

• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work with diverse teams.  

• Experience building alliances and coalitions  

• In-depth understanding of the Congressional budget and appropriations process, as well as agencies such as the State Department, Department of Education, Department of Labor, CDC, MCC, 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 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 health, development, and/or economic opportunity.  

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Communications, or related fields.  

• 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).  

• Experience working on Capitol Hill, government agencies, and/or implementing partners.  

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with congressional staff, U.S. Government stakeholders, and partner organizations. 

• Experience working with coalitions across sectors and viewpoints. 

• 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.  

• Experience engaging with philanthropic donors. 

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.