Vice President of Policy Research & Advocacy

The Vice President of Policy Research and Advocacy position is a part of CSS’s Leadership Team. This role will lead a strong team of six to eight policy analysts who are spearheading progressive change to address economic, racial, and social inequality and spur upward mobility for low-income New Yorkers. Working with the President and Executive Vice President, the Vice President will develop and lead policy research initiatives and drive advocacy for policies that make New York City more equitable, represent CSS in public meetings with elected officials and strategic partners to advance policy initiatives, engage press, provide feedback and guidance to policy staff on critical reports and research,  engage in policy campaigns, maintain relationships with funders and update them on CSS’ progress, and  manage other aspects of the policy department. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Manages policy department including departmental budget; hiring, supervising, and evaluating staff; setting departmental goals and monitoring and reporting on accomplishments.
• Directs the major research activities of the policy department, including the annual Unheard Third survey. Conceptualizes and carries out research individually while guiding and supporting the research of department staff.
• Works with the President of CSS and Executive Vice President, as well as independently with departmental staff to identify and develop policy agenda.
• Reporting to the Board of Trustees on status of key policy initiatives.
• Apply for new grants and update funders and program officers on current grants, in consultation with the Development Department.
• In consultation with the Vice President of Governmental & Public Affairs, represents CSS in public meetings with elected representatives, lobbying public officials, building coalitions with key partners to promote CSS positions on legislative and policy issues, responding to media inquiries and developing cohesive media strategies.
• Writes reports, policy briefs, op-eds and reviews, and edits similar written work produced by department staff. In collaboration with the Vice President of Communications and Marketing, provides guidance policy brief design and social media distribution.
• Engages with policy and advocacy partners and coalitions across all areas of the Department’s work.

Job Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in public policy, urban planning, economics or related field required and minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience
• Familiar with a broad range of policy and community development issues in New York City and New York State, with knowledge of related social policy issues
• Extensive research experience displaying strong qualitative, quantitative, and research methodology
• Excellent organizational, written and oral communications skills required
• Excellent judgment; attention to detail and the ability to provide critical guidance and feedback to research staff
• Creative problem-solver; strategic thinker; takes initiative
• Ability to engage effectively with CSS’ constituency policy makers and advocates

Salary and Benefits: The annual salary for this position is $165,000 to $195,000. Community Service Society provides a comprehensive employee benefits package including performance-based bonus, health, dental, and vision coverage, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance, 403b retirement savings plan, defined benefit retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits plan, EAP, and more in addition to paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days.

CSS currently offers a hybrid work environment requiring onsite work at CSS’ office at least two days per week and three days per week remote work.