Director of Policy and Democratic Governance

About the role

The Director of Policy and Democratic Governance is part of Race Forward's newly formed Place, Policy, and Power (PPP) department. PPP's approach to policy aims to strengthen a just, multiracial democracy through a whole-of-government approach that defends, strengthens, and expands equity-centered policy and practice across local, state, and federal levels.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Advance a whole-of-government approach to racial equity policy-development, connecting local, regional, state, and federal initiatives.
• Partner with local leaders and government officials to develop policy solutions that expand fair and just outcomes while growing collective power to govern.
• Track, analyze, and synthesize emerging policy issues across multiple sectors (e.g., democracy, governance, climate, housing, economic justice) to identify cross-cutting opportunities.
• Support the design of narrative and messaging strategies that reinforce the role of government in defending and expanding a just, multiracial democracy.
• Build and maintain partnerships with national intermediaries, advocacy networks, and coalitions to align policy efforts with racial equity movement strategies and campaigns.
• Provide technical assistance, policy expertise, and strategy facilitation to government partners and multi-sector coalitions.
• Convene and support peer learning spaces across local, state, and federal partners to foster shared learning, alignment, and scaling of strategies.
• Represent Race Forward on national public forums, coalitions, and advisory boards.

Research, Reports, and Tools Development

• Use data in ways that build governing power and create pathways for shared learning and testing of model policies that accelerate collective action.
• Collaborate with Race Forward projects and departments to design and publish policy reports, briefs, and narrative tools that strengthen policy development, advocacy, implementation, and evaluation.
• Develop practical racial justice policy tools and frameworks for advocates, policymakers, and government practitioners.
• Translate research and policy analysis into accessible communications and training resources.

Project Management and Internal Systems

• Work with the Vice President of PPP to set strategic direction, goals, and priorities.
• Lead cross-departmental projects that integrate policy with narrative and government practice.
• Manage multiple projects and partnerships, ensuring deliverables are met on time and aligned with Race Forward's racial justice values.
• Support fundraising efforts, including grant writing, reporting, and funder engagement.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Policy Expertise: Deep understanding of policy development and implementation across local, state, and federal government, with knowledge of racial equity and democracy-strengthening frameworks.
• Cross-Scale Analysis: Ability to connect issues and strategies across levels of government and multiple policy domains (e.g., democracy, climate, housing, economic justice).
• Facilitation and Convening: Strong facilitation skills and ability to support multi-stakeholder groups toward alignment and shared strategy.
• Communications: Capacity to clearly articulate policy issues verbally and in writing, and to contribute to narrative and strategic communications campaigns.
• Relationship Building: Experience building trust and collaboration with movement leaders, government officials, funders, and peer intermediaries.
• Leadership: Ability to mentor staff, foster teamwork, and cultivate an environment rooted in anti-oppressive practice.
• Public Engagement: Confidence and skill in presenting to diverse, multiracial audiences, including at national forums.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong critical thinking, curiosity, problem-solving, and systems thinking skills.
• Operational Skills: Familiarity with grant management, contracts, budgeting, and organizational systems.

Qualifications And Experience

• At least 8 years of experience in racial equity policy advocacy, government practice, or movement-building/organizing/campaigns with a demonstrated ability to connect community-rooted strategies to policy change.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the systemic causes of racial inequity and their intersections with other forms of oppression (political, economic, cultural, environmental, and more) as they relate to public policy.
• Strong understanding of governance structures across local, state, and federal levels, including: How public policy is made and implemented, Public finance mechanisms, Systems of public participation and community engagement, Networks of community-based advocacy, Role of public institutions and national intermediaries.
• Proven experience in strategic thinking and planning to foster collaboration, demonstrate impact, and strengthen democratic practice.
• Deep experience designing and facilitating multiracial, cross-sector groups, with a focus on building democratic decision-making and shared values/priorities.
• Track record of working in teams and collaborations that actively challenge systems of oppression and model equity-centered practice.