IL Alliance Director of Public Policy & Statewide Initiatives

The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs is now hiring a Director of Public Policy & Statewide Initiatives!

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned and accomplished professional to take the next step in their leadership journey, guiding the public policy efforts of a mission-driven Alliance that supports a network of 44 YMCA associations across Illinois. The new Director of Public Policy and Statewide Initiatives will join an Alliance with a dedicated staff and volunteer team, all committed to strengthening local YMCAs and expanding their impact within the communities they serve.

We are seeking an innovative, strategic, and community-oriented leader to serve as the next Director of Public Policy and Statewide Initiatives. This individual will foster trust among stakeholders, cultivate collaboration, and drive initiatives that enhance the reputation and influence of YMCAs within the Alliance, ensuring their continued success in delivering on their mission.

General Functions:

The Director of Public Policy and Statewide Initiatives is responsible for developing and managing advocacy efforts that serve to advance legislative priorities of Illinois YMCAS and to further the mission of the Y. The Director will work with the Alliance Public Policy Committee, Y-USA Government Relations, strategic partners and our lobbyist to develop and advance the legislative priorities of the Alliance, guide implementation of the strategic public policy plan and collect data to report the collective impact of the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs through a Community Benefit Report. The Director will build a strong advocacy network to provide peer-to-peer learning and support for Illinois Ys. This position is also responsible for securing resources to support statewide priorities and ensure elected leaders at the state and federal level are knowledgeable about the Y's mission and cause.

Job Requirements:

• Baccalaureate degree in a related field preferred.
• 3-5 years' experience in public policy and government relations.
• 2-3 years' experience in successful grant writing.
• Professional, well organized and detail oriented.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Works well with a team of staff and volunteers; enjoys a collaborative work environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize duties/workload.
• Travel required as needed or as directed by the CEO (approximately 30-40%).
• Familiarity with the YMCA movement, culture, mission and purpose is helpful.
• Commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its core values.
• This position works closely with the CEO, Alliance staff and the board of directors.

Key Deliverables:

Effectively lead Public Policy and Advocacy efforts

• Recruit staff and volunteers to the public policy committee ensuring all three Alliance neighborhoods are represented.
• Engage the Public Policy Committee in developing a legislative agenda that encourages input from member Y CEOs and policy board members, informs state and federal legislation, empowers Alliance members and protects the Ys ability to meet the mission and strengthen the foundations of community.
• Provide leadership to develop a successful engagement plan for National Advocacy Days and State Advocacy Day.
• Identify and participate in strategic alliances of like-minded organizations to meet Alliance objectives.
• Compile reports and stories that articulate the work of members YMCAs.
• Work with Alliance members to set the legislative agenda and advocate on key issues. During legislative season, send a weekly summary report to members.
• Cultivate relationships with elected officials, key policymakers, Alliance members and corporate sponsors.
• Work in coordination with contracted lobbyist to identify opportunities to raise visibility of Alliance Member Ys as valued resources on issues of healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.

Achievement of Y-USA grant deliverables

• Manage ongoing staff and volunteer engagement and relationship building among Alliance member Ys through in-person events and virtual networks.
• Connect and align with movement priorities, sharing opportunities and challenges with other Alliances.
• Review and utilize state alliance best practices to guide advocacy efforts. Engage with Y-USA Government Relations & Policy Office, communicate critical state and local issues and advance federal legislative priorities.

Identify, Grow and Coordinate State-wide Initiatives

• Secure funds to support work of the Alliance.
• Provide support to identified statewide programs such as Youth and Government.
• Seek collaborative relationships that support the Alliance.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Y vendors to support annual meetings and conferences.

Other Duties

• Assignments completed in a timely manner, meeting agreed-upon deadlines.
• Effectively communicate to internal and external audiences to ensure the mission, vision, value and goals of the Alliance are aligned with key stakeholders.
• Other duties as deemed necessary for a job well done.

YMCA Leadership Competencies:

Achieve Organizational Leader Certification within first three years.

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them Supports fundraising efforts.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and write effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and seeks opportunities to improve member experiences. Establish goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings.

Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliverables.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Possesses the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well. Utilizes best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Alliance Mission: To support, connect, and unite YMCAs for collective impact.

Alliance Vision: Illinois - where every YMCA thrives.

About the Alliance: The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs brings together more than 800 YMCA program locations impacting more than 150 communities and engaging nearly 1 million Illinoisans to strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The Alliance supports collaboration amongst the state's Ys and community partners to increase our impact and advocate for positive change in our communities.

The Alliance provides consulting services to YMCAs:

1. Strategy and Planning

2. Advocacy and Public Policy

3. Board Development and Governance

4. Collaborations: Shared Services, Management Agreements, Mergers

5. Partner with Y-USA in Executive Transition, CEO Search, and leads new CEO Onboarding

6. Operational Assessments

The Alliance supports statewide and strategic initiatives such as:

• Elevation of the Y Brand & Mission: Create state and regional community impact statements, coordinate strategic events and marketing on state and regional levels.
• Public Policy: Coordinate state-level advocacy to advance YMCA priorities. Engage Public Policy Committees and contract lobbyists for each state. Coordinate participation in National Advocacy Days, and plan/execute State Advocacy Days.
• Resource Development: Secure funds to support YMCAs in 4 key areas: Youth Development (Childcare, School-Age Care, and Camp); Chronic Disease Prevention; Mental Health; and Hunger Relief. Coordinate shared Service Contracts.
• Leadership Development & Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate peer learning and collaboration amongst Ys across Northern New England to advance shared priorities. Engage local YMCA staff on national, regional, and state committees, task forces, and boards. Execute annual leadership conference for Y staff and volunteers. Coordinate content experts to share and innovate on weekly calls.

Staff:

• Chief Executive Officer
• Director Public Policy and Statewide Initiatives
• Director of Alliance Services and Special Projects
• Administrative Assistant

Salary Range: $100,000 to $120,000 annually

Benefits:

• YMCA Retirement (8% Alliance contribution once eligibility is met).
• YMCA 403B savings account.
• Health plan
• Other benefits per personnel policy.

Residency Expectation: Strongly preferred within the state of Illinois.

Search Process Target Dates:

• Resumes accepted through: April 11, 2025
• Preliminary interviews scheduled: April 28-29, 2025
• Final interviews: week of May 12, 2025
• Start date (anticipated): June 16

References, Background Check, and Organizational Leader Certification:

Candidates must submit (pdf format only) the following in their online application: a resume, cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. Candidates who advance to final interviews will need to submit six references (four professional and two personal). References checked only with prior notification. A successful candidate accepting the offer must pass a background check and must have a current Y-USA's Organizational Leader Certification or obtain certification within the first three years from start date. The Alliance's personnel policies may require further screening.

Submit resumes and cover letter to:

Glenn Haley, CEO, Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs, glenn.haley@illinoisymcas.org