Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy

Summary

The Incumbent is responsible for overseeing the policy initiatives of the RICADV, and for developing and implementing advocacy initiatives focused on systems change to support victims of domestic violence and their children. The Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy reports to the Executive Director and supervises the Policy & Programs Manager and the Coordinator of Law Enforcement Training. This is a full-time position based at the RICADV's office in Warwick, Rhode Island. The organization operates on a hybrid schedule, with employees working both remotely and in the office each week. All employees contribute to supporting the administrative assistant by answering calls to the office, which may include calls from victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Manage the RICADV’s public policy and legislative strategies; develop and maintain strong working relationships with elected officials, their staff, and others to further the RICADV’s legislative agenda
2. Represent the RICADV with state-level entities and organizations to advocate for systems changes that promote victim safety, batterer accountability, and the prevention of domestic violence
3. Represent the RICADV on statewide task forces and committees by attending meetings and being a voice for victim safety and batterer accountability**
4. Facilitate regular meetings of the Court Advocates of RICADV member agencies
5. Conduct trainings and provide technical assistance on domestic violence, policy issues, legal advocacy issues, or other topics as needed
6. Prepare written grant reports for funders and author RICADV policy-related reports (e.g., Domestic Violence Homicide Report); oversee related data tracking
7. Manage the Family Violence Option Advocacy Program (FVOAP); work with the RICADV member agency that provides direct services and with RI DHS, ensure grant deliverables are met and data collection system is maintained; facilitate FVOAP partner meetings
8. Respond to policy action requests from national partners related to congressional delegation; respond to state-level policy action requests from partners as needed
9. Work with RICADV staff, the survivor task force SOAR (Sisters Overcoming Abusive Relationships), member agencies, and others to meet the mission of the Coalition, including facilitating internal Policy-Communications committee; other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Five years’ experience in legislative advocacy and policy analysis; experience in domestic violence prevention/advocacy and direct experience supporting survivors through the legal system; excellent interpersonal communication, planning, and organizational skills; supervision experience; track record with project management; ability to work independently, take initiative, and work as part of a team. A commitment to the RICADV’s mission and its values as an aspiring anti-racist organization is essential.