Policy and Advocacy Manager

Introduction­­­

NACUBO is committed to diversity because it enriches and strengthens how we advance our mission, just as it does for institutions of higher education. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Our goal is to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work.

Creativity and cross-team collaboration drive NACUBO’s achievements and contribute to individual success. All staff members are encouraged to think creatively about how they and NACUBO can address mission, member needs, and challenges that will inevitably arise from time to time. They are also encouraged to develop and nurture strong partnerships throughout the association. These partnerships help individuals, teams, and the association accomplish the activities, goals and strategies of the organization and of individual positions.

Imagination, innovation, and curiosity are welcome, and all require some risk taking. NACUBO encourages staff to engage in bold thinking, to put forward new ideas and proposals, and to openly debate the risks – upside and downside – associated with new ideas.

Each member of the NACUBO staff is responsible for creating and sustaining esprit de corps across the organization.

To accomplish all of this, staff will need strong communication and strategic thinking skills. NACUBO is committed to nurturing these skills in all staff members.

Position Summary

The Policy and Advocacy Manager will contribute to and support policy and research team work at NACUBO. Responsibilities will include website support, database research, project management, event planning and coordination, preparing federal lobbying and disclosure reports, and administrative functions such as coordinating meetings, and list/data management. The Policy and Advocacy Manager will also contribute to delivering and disseminating communications that educate NACUBO members about policy, research, analytics, and related scopes of work. This role offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience in policy and advocacy within a supportive, mission-driven environment. The Policy and Advocacy Manager will develop a foundational understanding of higher education policy and be part of efforts to shape a positive future for students and institutions.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Project management and execution:
   1. Manage the planning and development of the NACUBO In Brief podcast production cycle and collaborate with colleagues to complete the project
   2. Manage the quarterly Accounting and Tax Policy newsletter production cycle
   3. Prepare federal lobbying and disclosure reports ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
   4. Develop and organize events, webinars, meetings, and activities that are a part of these projects and other NACUBO policy and advocacy goals
   5. Create and manage lists using NACUBO’s association management system and other software tools
2. Create content and contribute to the maintenance of NACUBO’s policy and research team website needs.
3. Develop and deliver a weekly news roundup and updates for NACUBO members. (NACUBO On Your Side).
4. Research, prepare, and contribute to materials to advance the association’s policy and research team project objectives.
5. Attend to team invoicing needs as needed.
6. Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

1. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, aiming to ensure the association’s communications are clear, concise and compelling.
2. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, including flexibility to work across departments with NACUBO staff and external contacts and the ability to be a contributing staff member in a manner that supports NACUBO’s goals of diversity, inclusion, innovation, and the highest level of member service.
3. Consultative: The candidate must feel comfortable listening to other staff and understanding member needs to make recommendations for association action, strategies, and priorities.
4. Ability to work independently and as a team member:
5. Self-starter: discipline disciplined to fulfill commitments to staff, members, and other stakeholders.
6. Team Player: Must possess a team spirit, approach relationships with a win-win perspective, and be accountable for their interactions in a collaborative work environment.
7. Strong customer service and creative thinking skills.
8. Ability to multitask to meet multiple, competing deadlines and with attention to detail.
9. Ability to understand and synthesize varied policy areas.
10. Adaptable: Ability to easily and readily adapt as opportunities and schedules change.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree required.
2. Three to five years of related professional experience; higher education or related policy experience is preferable.
3. A sophisticated understanding of higher education institutions.
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
5. Self-motivated with strong organizational skills.
6. Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite applications and Windows-based applications.
7. Proven experience working with an association management system is strongly desired.

Work Environment

This position is remote, but the incumbent sometimes works in the office. The incumbent will use standard office equipment such as a laptop or computer, phone, and printer/copier. Temperatures in a remote and office environment may fluctuate.

NACUBO provides flexible telework options. However, because in-person attendance at federal government or other meetings in Washington, DC on a periodic basis is an essential function of this position, residency in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia is required.

Physical Demands

1. Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds occasionally.
2. To perform the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee may frequently be required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to type, handle or feel, and reach with arms and hands. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time regular position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. There may be occasional evening and weekend work as job duties or projects require it.

Travel

Travel is primarily local during the business day, however, some out-of-the-area travel and overnight may be expected.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Other Duties

Please note this position description does not cover, contain or list a fully comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.