Vice President for Policy, Advocacy, and Communications

Job Posting Organization:
Pact is an international nonprofit organization that has been operational since 197

• It works in nearly 40 countries, focusing on building solutions for human development that are evidence-based, data-driven, and owned by the communities it serves. The organization aims to build resilience, improve accountability, and strengthen knowledge and skills for sustainable social impact. Pact collaborates with various partners to achieve its mission and has a dedicated team that supports the President and CEO in decision-making and managing the organization’s operations and finances.

Job Overview:
The Vice President for Policy, Advocacy, and Communications plays a crucial leadership role under the direction of the CEO. This position is responsible for overseeing Pact’s policy and advocacy efforts, which are essential for enhancing the organization’s development impact and policy influence. The Vice President will work to build coalitions aimed at improving development and national security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policy, as well as legislative and regulatory reform. Additionally, this role includes providing strategic oversight of Pact’s integrated communications function, ensuring that the organization’s brand, messaging, and external engagement align with and amplify its policy priorities. The focus of this position will be international and multi-stakeholder, engaging with the US government and potentially other national governments, all while adhering to 501c3 limitations. The Vice President will also serve as a key spokesperson for Pact’s policy priorities and will be responsible for developing a robust advocacy agenda and leading a team to implement this agenda. Collaboration with senior leadership and various departments within Pact is essential for the success of this role, as well as contributing to the development and execution of the organization’s long-term strategic plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Executive Management: Serve as a core member of Pact’s senior management team, advising on strategy, operations, and resource allocation. Build and oversee the policy and advocacy team, developing the department’s organizational structure and responsibilities. Create team and individual work plans with performance goals and success measures, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
• Developing Pact’s Policy Agenda: Lead the development of Pact’s policy and advocacy agenda, ensuring alignment with the organization’s Engaged Communities approach and strategic plan. This includes creating organizational strategies and sub-strategies for specific impact areas and legislative actions.
• Identifying Policy Priorities: Consult with internal experts to understand Pact’s priorities and their implications from US government policies. Determine policy positions, identify advocacy targets, and produce written advocacy products.
• Engaging with Legislative and Executive Branch Stakeholders: Lead outreach and relationship-building efforts with Congress and federal agencies regarding policy priorities, including federal appropriations for foreign assistance. Organize legislative briefings and prepare staff for meetings and hearings.
• Strategic Communications Leadership: Oversee Pact’s integrated communications function, including branding, content creation, and digital communications. Develop and execute communication strategies that support Pact’s goals, ensuring consistency in messaging.
• Creating Policy and Advocacy Communications: Identify media and public policy issues to support Pact’s work and develop communication campaigns targeting specific audiences. Disseminate Pact’s policy positions through various channels.
• Organizational Spokesperson: Act as a primary spokesperson for Pact, engaging with media and representing the organization at high-level events.
• Managing Coalitions: Lead Pact’s engagement with the development community, building relationships with NGOs and advocacy organizations. Organize meetings and events, and represent Pact in high-level engagements.
• Internal Coordination: Provide policy updates across departments and advise leadership on advocacy issues. Track relevant legislation and support internal staff in responding to policy changes.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in international affairs, public affairs, or a related field preferred, along with 13+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience, including 9 years in management.
• Increasing responsibility in managing teams and strategic priorities, with experience in an international NGO preferred.
• Demonstrated passion for international development and experience with Capitol Hill or federal policy related to international development.
• Evidence of policy leadership and established networks across governmental agencies.
• Comprehensive understanding of development policy and issues faced by international NGOs.
• Proven public speaking skills and ability to communicate complex issues effectively.
• Experience in developing and implementing a policy agenda.
• Visionary leadership with the ability to anticipate trends and incorporate them into strategic planning.
• Strong problem-solving skills and political acumen. 1
• Ability to build coalitions and influence across political perspectives. 1
• Exceptional capacity for team management and development, including remote teams. 1
• Flexibility to adapt to changing environments and foster innovation. 1
• Respect for diverse perspectives and commitment to inclusivity in the workplace. 1
• Experience in overseeing strategic communications and brand management within an NGO or similar organization preferred.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in international affairs, public affairs, or a related field is preferred. A Bachelor’s degree may be acceptable with additional years of relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience, including at least 9 years in a management role. Experience in an international NGO is preferred, along with a demonstrated commitment to international development and familiarity with federal policy processes.

Languages:
While specific language requirements are not mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory given the nature of the role and the need for effective communication with various stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely full-time and may involve international travel, given the nature of the work and the need to engage with various stakeholders across different countries. The role is senior-level, indicating a high degree of responsibility and influence within the organization. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.