This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Policy and Business Development based in the United States.
This is a high-impact, externally facing leadership role focused on shaping policy strategy and driving strategic partnerships that expand access to reentry employment programs across a multi-state region. The Director will operate at the intersection of government relations, workforce policy, and business development, translating public funding opportunities into scalable program investment. This role combines strategic advocacy with hands-on execution, requiring strong relationship-building with public agencies, funders, and community partners. You will help identify and unlock funding streams that support workforce reintegration, while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regional needs. Working in a mission-driven and fast-moving environment, you will collaborate closely with internal leadership and cross-sector stakeholders. The role is both analytical and relational, requiring the ability to influence policy while advancing measurable program outcomes.
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Policy and Business Development based in the United States.
This is a high-impact, externally facing leadership role focused on shaping policy strategy and driving strategic partnerships that expand access to reentry employment programs across a multi-state region. The Director will operate at the intersection of government relations, workforce policy, and business development, translating public funding opportunities into scalable program investment. This role combines strategic advocacy with hands-on execution, requiring strong relationship-building with public agencies, funders, and community partners. You will help identify and unlock funding streams that support workforce reintegration, while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regional needs. Working in a mission-driven and fast-moving environment, you will collaborate closely with internal leadership and cross-sector stakeholders. The role is both analytical and relational, requiring the ability to influence policy while advancing measurable program outcomes.
Accountabilities:
- Develop and execute a regional policy and investment strategy to expand funding for reentry employment programs, including workforce development, SNAP E&T, public workforce systems, and philanthropic sources, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.
- Lead engagement with federal, state, and local policymakers to advocate for policies and funding mechanisms that increase investment in reentry employment services and improve outcomes for justice-impacted individuals.
- Build and manage strategic partnerships with government agencies, workforce boards, funders, and community-based organizations to advance program expansion and deepen impact across the region.
- Monitor legislative and policy developments affecting workforce, justice, and public benefits systems, translating insights into actionable recommendations and strategic adjustments.
- Support development of grant proposals, contracts, and reporting materials, ensuring alignment with funding requirements and strategic priorities.
- Track, analyze, and report on investment and partnership performance, using data insights to guide decision-making and improve outcomes.
- Represent the organization in external forums, conferences, and stakeholder meetings while serving as a regional thought leader in reentry workforce policy and investment strategy.
- 7+ years of experience in policy, public sector programming, workforce development, or criminal justice-related initiatives
- Proven experience working with federal, state, or local government stakeholders and influencing policy or funding decisions
- Strong understanding of workforce systems and public benefits programs (e.g., SNAP E&T, WIOA preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to design and execute policy or partnership strategies that achieve measurable impact
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights and recommendations
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to policymakers, funders, and community partners
- Proven ability to build and maintain high-trust relationships with diverse external stakeholders
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, mission-driven, and geographically distributed environment
- Strong organizational and project management skills with consistent follow-through
- Competitive salary range aligned with experience and market benchmarks ($108,200–$128,000 annually)
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid parental leave
- Professional development and learning opportunities
- Hybrid work structure with flexibility depending on location
- Opportunity to contribute to mission-driven work with measurable social impact.
Requirements
This role requires a strong background in policy development, government relations, and workforce or criminal justice systems, with proven success operating in complex, cross-sector environments. The ideal candidate is both strategic and execution-oriented, with the ability to influence stakeholders, manage competing priorities, and drive measurable outcomes.