Position OverviewJoin the Center for the Rights of Abused Children as our Director of External Affairs, where you will keep us informed on the policy landscape affecting abused children and build the outside relationships that make our work possible. This role tracks and analyzes policy developments to keep leadership informed, and owns our relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, and other external stakeholders. You'll represent the organization externally, build real partnerships, and help translate our work on the ground into stronger outside relationships and greater reach. We're looking for someone who can build real relationships, understand a complex policy landscape, and move from insight into action.
Key Responsibilities - Policy Monitoring & Analysis: Track and analyze federal and state legislation and policy affecting abused children, and keep leadership informed with clear, timely analysis to support decision-making.
- Government & Legislative Relations: Build and maintain relationships with legislators, policymakers, and government agencies, representing the organization in meetings, hearings, and briefings.
- Coalition Building: Build and maintain relationships with allied organizations, advocacy groups, and coalition partners, identifying opportunities for joint advocacy and shared impact.
- External Relations & Representation: Serve as an external face of the organization with partners, policymakers, and stakeholders, building the relationships that expand our reach and influence.
- Strategic Communications Support: Work with the communications team to ensure public messaging reflects current policy developments, and help translate policy and coalition work into compelling external communication.
- Research & Briefing Materials: Produce clear briefs, talking points, and summaries of policy developments for leadership, board, and external audiences.
Qualifications - Policy & Government Relations Experience: 5+ years in policy analysis, government relations, or advocacy.
- Relationship Builder: A track record of building and sustaining real relationships with policymakers, coalition partners, and external stakeholders.
- Strong Analyst: Able to read a complex policy landscape and translate it into clear, digestible analysis for leadership.
- Strong Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, comfortable representing the organization in high-stakes external settings.
- Execution-Focused: A reliable finisher who moves from insight to concrete relationship-building and follows through on commitments.
- Travel: Willing and able to travel regularly for meetings, hearings, and coalition events.
- Mission-Driven: A deep, principled love for protecting abused children and a passion for making a lasting difference in their lives.
Benefits - Join a nationally recognized team with awards including the Norman Borlaug Humanitarian Award and the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency.
- This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, providing you the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children across the country.
