Policy Coordinator

The Policy Coordinator must be based in Illinois, but may work remotely. Forefront has an office in Chicago; employees outside of Chicago work remotely, including employees in Springfield and elsewhere statewide. The right candidate may live anywhere inside the state of Illinois, if they are willing to travel at times. The coordinator will work closely with the Public Policy Director to advance Forefront’s policy platform and advocacy goals at the federal, state, and local levels. They are responsible for supporting the development and execution of policy related activities, programs, research, and communications that effectively engage Forefront Members and stakeholders and advance Forefront’s mission and vision.

Policy and Government Affairs Coordination

Work closely with the Director of Policy & Government Affairs to

• Assist in monitoring, researching, tracking, and responding to local, state and federal policy developments and issues, including legislative and regulatory issues

• Support government affairs and outreach to government officials as directed

• Draft fact sheets and other collateral related to policy priorities

• Assist in development of the annual legislative agenda and policy platform updates

• Help plan, coordinate, and execute annual Foundations on the Hill in Washington DC, Illinois-based meetings and programs, in-district visits and Foundations in Springfield Day (virtual or in-person)

• Develop policy-related updates relevant to nonprofits and funders that will be shared through Forefront’s weekly newsletter, social media, and website

• Support alert system to create a robust call to action for members and constituents including Policy Listserv and the identification, implementation, and management of public affairs software

• Support the Forefront Policy Committee and engage in committee member education and outreach

• Monitor general policy email account

Engagement and Stewardship

Work closely with Director of Policy & Government Affairs and other Program and Development staff to

• Cultivate appropriate opportunities for Forefront Members and other key stakeholders throughout the state of Illinois to demonstrate leadership through engagement with Forefront sponsored activities

• Coordinate scheduling, equipment, registration, catering, and room and technology set up for relevant Policy events, meetings, and webinars

• Identify and cultivate prospective new partners

• Orient new members to Forefront’s public policy and government affairs efforts and programs

• Ensure exceptional customer experience at all points of contact and effective customer relationship management for all Forefront constituents

• Contribute to planning and execution of policy-related evaluation and prepare relevant reports

• Make effective use of Forefront systems to manage constituent records in Salesforce to ensure accuracy and support organizational reporting on accomplishments including strategic activities as well as meeting and program content and attendance

Position Qualifications

• At least 1-2 years work experience in coalition management, consensus building, public policy, and/or communications. Experience with elected officials and prior success working independently/remotely preferred.

• Demonstrated commitment to, knowledge of, and/or lived experience with racial equity and anti-racism.

• Strong analytical, research, organization, writing and presentation skills. A sample will be requested. Grant writing, reporting, and/or implementation preferred.

• Problem solving skills, resourcefulness, and demonstrated ability to find necessary information.

• Evidence of ability to maintain attention to detail, meet deadlines, and ensure quality of work.

• Experience creating content for various forms of social media and email newsletters. Wordpress experience preferred. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

• Strong commitment to the well-being of rural and non-metro communities.

• Salesforce experience preferred.

Location: Must be based in Illinois. This role may be fully remote if the candidate is located outside of Chicago.

Special Conditions: Position is fully remote until public health conditions allow for a safe return to in-office work. Some travel (i.e., throughout the state and Washington DC) will be required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Position is fully remote until public health conditions allow for a safe return to in-office work. Some travel (i.e.,

Work Location: Multiple Locations