Director, State & Local Policy
Job Summary
The Director of State & Local Policy at Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) will lead policy implementation efforts and drive systems-change initiatives to improve outcomes for children and families. Reporting to the Deputy Director, this role supports communities, government partners, and National Impact teams in translating policy into action.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and refine frameworks, tools, and implementation models to support effective policy execution.
Support governments, school systems, and community partners in operationalizing enacted policies.
Build and maintain relationships with governors' offices, mayors, state agencies, local governments, school systems, and other public-sector stakeholders.
Represent HCZ in policy implementation discussions and facilitate collaboration among government, nonprofit, philanthropic, and community stakeholders.
Contribute to publications, presentations, and learning opportunities that strengthen the broader field.
Collaborate with colleagues across WJWI, Wealth Builds National, Practitioners Institute, and the National Impact Office to strengthen cross-sector impact.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in public policy, public administration, education, law, government, or a related field.
6+ years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in public policy, government, public sector systems, or related fields, with demonstrated success leading complex initiatives and driving strategy and implementation efforts.
Demonstrated experience leading policy implementation efforts, systems-change initiatives, or cross-sector partnerships.
Experience working with governors' offices, mayors, state agencies, local governments, school systems, or other public-sector institutions.
Strong strategic planning, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience developing frameworks, implementation models, toolkits, or systems-change approaches.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to influence across organizations, navigate ambiguity, and drive execution in complex environments.
Commitment to equity, community transformation, and improving outcomes for children and families.
What You'll Do
State & Local Policy Strategy Lead: Develop and refine frameworks, tools, and implementation models that help communities translate policy into measurable impact.
Policy Implementation & Technical Support: Support governments, school systems, and community partners in operationalizing enacted policies and translating policy goals into implementation plans.
Government & Cross-Sector Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with public-sector leaders and support the development of public-private partnerships.
Learning & Field Leadership: Capture lessons learned from implementation efforts and contribute to publications, presentations, and learning opportunities.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner closely with colleagues across the National Impact Team to support policy implementation efforts within community, regional, and strategic engagement portfolios.
Qualifications
Master's degree preferred in public policy, public administration, education, law, government, or a related field.
6+ years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in public policy, government, public sector systems, or related fields, with demonstrated success leading complex initiatives and driving strategy and implementation efforts.
Demonstrated experience leading policy implementation efforts, systems-change initiatives, or cross-sector partnerships.
Experience working with governors' offices, mayors, state agencies, local governments, school systems, or other public-sector institutions.
Strong strategic planning, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience developing frameworks, implementation models, toolkits, or systems-change approaches.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to influence across organizations, navigate ambiguity, and drive execution in complex environments.
Commitment to equity, community transformation, and improving outcomes for children and families.
Benefits
Highly competitive salaries
No cost health insurance
Annual performance bonuses
Deferred bonus programs
Paid time off
Employee referral bonus
Life Insurance
Short-and long-term disability
Additional voluntary benefits
Wellness discounts
Commuter benefits
Financial wellness perks
Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)
Schedule
We prefer applicants in New York, Washington DC, Baltimore or the surrounding Metropolitan area (3 days in office, 2 days remote).
Application Instructions
To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants.