Director, Policy & Advocacy

Overview

Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE) (tsne.org) is working to build a more just, equitable society. We do this by providing capacity building services, consulting and training services, and operational support for hundreds of nonprofits, foundations, community-based groups, and others working for social change. We are partners and colleagues working collaboratively to support areas critical for organizations, including  property management, leadership development and support, finance and accounting, human resources, and organizational development. We live by our values as an organization, and are committed to identifying, including, and valuing the unique skills, perspectives and knowledge of each member of our team.

 

About our Values:

• Justice – A just society is one in which all people have the dignity, resources, power, and self-determination to fully thrive. We seek to create a more just world in all of our work.
• Progress – We commit our resources, expertise, and energy to delivering high quality support and services that make movement toward a more just world possible.
• Impact – We work collaboratively with others to build the capacity and sustainability of organizations who work toward social good.

Responsibilities

The Director of Policy and Advocacy will lead TSNE’s efforts to elevate the voice, influence, and impact of the nonprofit sector within state, regional, and national policy ecosystems. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), the director will design and implement advocacy strategies, lead coalitions, track policy developments, and guide TSNE’s positioning on issues related to nonprofit infrastructure, equity and racial equity, and civic engagement.

 

The Director of Policy and Advocacy will have strong experience in advocacy, and significant knowledge of the nonprofit and social service sectors. In partnership with the CSO and the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the director will develop and execute TSNE’s advocacy and policy strategy, advocate with policymakers and elected officials, and assist with forming and leading a regional/statewide and national coalition of nonprofit intermediaries and capacity building organizations working on a similar advocacy agenda. In addition, this position will monitor and provide analyses of local, state, and national polices related to nonprofits and the social sector, develop policy briefs and testimony, facilitate and convene strategic policy partnerships, build and maintain relationships with nonprofits, policymakers, and legislators, and work with the communications team to draft editorials, thought pieces, and other informational materials on policies relevant to the sector.

 

The individual in this role will shape TSNE’s policy agenda in our commitment to centering equity, racial equity, building cross-sector coalitions, and supporting structural change in the social sector. This role will manage interns and contractors as needed with the potential to supervisor full-time policy staff as the department grows.

 

Essential Functions

 

Policy and Advocacy

• Lead the design, execution, and evaluation of TSNE’s policy and advocacy agenda of enhancing the impact of the nonprofit sector within state, regional, and national policy ecosystems, ensuring alignment with organizational mission, equity values, and strategic goals.
• Monitor and analyze local, state, and national policy developments relevant to nonprofit organizations, fiscal sponsorship, funding access, and social sector accountability.
• Develop policy briefs, testimony, public comments, and issue reports to influence decision-makers and elevate community-informed solutions.
• Track legislative activity and regulatory changes that impact TSNE’s partners and clients.
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities that impact TSNE’s policy work and broader sectoral influence.
• Working closely with the Chief Strategy Officer and the President and CEO, coordinate TSNE’s leadership role in a statewide nonprofit policy coalition and national network of capacity-building organizations.
• Facilitate strategy sessions, convenings, and collaborative campaigns to advance shared policy priorities.
• In partnership with TSNE Legal Counsel, ensure advocacy activities are in compliance with applicable 501(c)(3) lobbying laws and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate across all TSNE teams and departments to ensure policy and advocacy efforts and learning are integrated into programs, services and external communications.
• Mentor and support staff and partners in policy education and strategy development.

 

Outreach, Partnerships and Communications

• Build and sustain relationships with strategic partners, including government agencies, philanthropic allies, advocacy groups, and nonprofit leaders.
• Represent TSNE in public forums, media engagements, and external events as a spokesperson and policy expert.
• Develop training curricula and toolkits for nonprofit organizations on advocacy, public policy, and civic engagement.
• Provide individualized coaching and technical assistance to TSNE partners, clients, or fiscally sponsored organizations (FSOs) on advocacy strategy and compliance.
• Co-create advocacy messages and communications strategies in collaboration with TSNE’s Communications team.
• Write and review policy-related content for public release, including blogs, op-eds, testimony, and social media content.

 

Administrative and Other Responsibilities

• Partner with TSNE’s consulting and learning programs to design and deliver advocacy capacity-building trainings for nonprofit leaders.
• Track impact metrics, maintain records of policy activities, and prepare reports for internal leadership and external funders.
• Participate in organizational planning, staff and leadership meetings and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Manage advocacy budget and support procurement processes for related events and consultants.
• Contribute to fundraising and development efforts through proposal writing, reporting, and donor engagement.

Complete other tasks and projects related to the position, as needed.