MassBudget’s mission is to advance equitable policy solutions that create an inclusive, thriving Commonwealth for all. This is an exciting time as MassBudget continues its journey toward being an antiracist organization and explores what that means for our research, advocacy, communications, partnerships, operations, and our development work.
As a member of the MassBudget Leadership Team, the Director of Advocacy will ensure that MassBudget’s policy research and analysis has the greatest possible impact. The Director of Advocacy will be knowledgeable of the political and advocacy landscape in each of MassBudget’s policy areas and will assist staff to be responsive and strategic in their work. The position will ensure MassBudget’s research and policy analysis gets in the hands of key state leaders to move equitable policy changes at the state level. The Director of Advocacy will report to the Policy Director and work closely with the President, and other members of the MassBudget team. This position will require the employee to become a registered lobbyist.
Due to the relationship-building nature of this position, the Director of Advocacy is required to reside in Massachusetts and/or within a reasonable driving distance from Boston and Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities.
Responsibilities:
- Direct Advocacy
- Lead the development and implementation of MassBudget’s advocacy strategies and tactics, in collaboration with the Policy Director and President, informed by MassBudget’s partners and centered on Black, brown, and low-income communities.
- Build and maintain trusted working relationships with elected and appointed leaders and decision-makers from across the political spectrum to inform and persuade lawmakers, public officials, and their staff on policy issues where MassBudget holds expertise.
- Guide and manage the legislative engagement of MassBudget’s policy staff – especially the President – including drafting and submitting testimony and other analyses and materials.
- Strategize with and inform MassBudget staff about opportunities and challenges to policy goals and how MassBudget’s analysis could move forward more equitable policy choices.
- Partnership Development
- Build and deepen relationships with community and thought leaders, advocates, and researchers with an eye toward developing relationships and seeking the input and perspective of people and communities of color.
- Understand and synthesize partner organizations’ policy priorities to align advocacy efforts and identify where MassBudget’s analysis could help move forward identified policy goals.
- Advocacy Systems and Compliance
- With support of MassBudget staff and consultants, co-develop systems for tracking legislative contacts, prioritizing legislative relationships, and systems to receive input from partners about priorities.
- Manage and improve MassBudget’s system(s) to comply with lobbying reporting to public authorities by tracking the relevant bills and providing guidance to MassBudget staff about what and how activities should be counted
- Ensure the timely submission of lobbyist registrations, disclosures, and tracking
Required Skills and Experience:
- Commitment to antiracism and to building racial and economic equity in alignment with MassBudget’s mission
- Minimum 5-7 years of dedicated direct advocacy experience and building and maintaining relationships with elected and appointed officials
- Very strong communication skills
- Detail-oriented collaborator who has proven experience managing deadlines effectively
- Respect for the importance of policy details and competency describing the importance to different audiences
Desired Skills and Experience:
- Understanding of the state policy making process in form and practice.
- Deep understanding of 501c3 lobbying compliance
- Knowledge of a second language that is prevalent in Massachusetts
- Ability to understand and interpret legislative bills
- Experience with public speaking
MassBudget is on its journey to becoming an antiracist organization, one that is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. Some candidates may see a long list of job requirements and feel discouraged because they don’t match every single bullet point – we suggest, please apply anyway.
Salary and Benefits
MassBudget has a 35-hour work week; this position is full time. MassBudget is a remote-first organization; though, staff may be required to attend in-person meetings and events throughout the year. Salary range is $87,000-$100,000 based on qualifications and experience. MassBudget currently provides generous benefits including: paying 100% of health, vision, and dental care premiums; short-term family and medical leave; long-term disability insurance; life insurance; accidental death insurance; wellness benefit; employer contribution to a flexible spending account or health savings account; at least 3 weeks of vacation annually; 15 paid sick days annually; and employer contribution 5% of salary to employees’ 401k plans.
How to Apply
Please email résumé and cover letter to jobs@massbudget.org. Put “LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, Applicant for Director of Advocacy” in the subject line of the email. This position is open until filled.
As part of its work on building an antiracist organization, MassBudget does not discriminate against any employee because of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, natural or protective hairstyles, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. MassBudget will provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement and will implement affirmative action and physical accommodation policies to employ people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. We encourage applications from persons whose background and experiences will increase the diversity of voices in our organization.
