Policy and Government Affairs Specialist

 *Please include a cover letter in the same document as your resume. * 

The Denver Foundation seeks a community-focused policy and government affairs specialist who will support the Director of Policy and Government Affairs in executing the foundation’s policy framework, government relations strategy, and civic fabric grantmaking and fundraising activities. The Policy and Government Affairs Specialist reports to the Director of Policy and Government Affairs and works closely with accounting, grantmaking, communications, and the impact staff.  

This is a full-time position in Denver, Colorado. We work on a hybrid schedule of at least two days in the office (Monday and Thursday required). The starting salary for this position is $51,000 to $60,500 per year. This position is salaried, exempt, and eligible for all the foundation’s benefits. Benefits include paid time off, retirement (403(b)) contribution, tuition assistance, and medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. The starting salary will be based on experience. 

The Denver Foundation is excited to be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025. For nearly 100 years, people in Metro Denver and across Colorado have trusted The Denver Foundation to steward charitable funds to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities. In partnership with generous donors and community partners, we lead a community-wide effort to build a better future for everyone. The foundation's vision is a Metro Denver that is racially equitable in its leadership, prosperity, and culture, and we are a catalytic leader that engages in critical issues and accelerates systems change. To achieve this, all staff must intentionally apply Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to their practice. The ideal candidates for this position are committed to racial equity. 

The responsibilities and essential functions of the Policy and Government Affairs Specialist position: 

• Support execution of legislative activities related to policy positions taken by the foundation. 
• Draft policy overview materials and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate meetings between the Director and policy stakeholders. 
• Contribute to drafting testimony, letters of support, and other materials associated with policy and advocacy activities. 
• Contribute to relationship building and management of the foundation and policy and government stakeholders. 
• Manage engagement of the foundation’s policy committee.
• Develop presentations and materials for internal meetings, policy committee and board meetings, and policy events. 
• Research and synthesize information on policy issues and trends. 
• Represent the foundation at coalition meetings and policy tables, as needed. 
• Support the director's grantmaking, communications and fundraising efforts. 
• Assist the Director with any special projects identified.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in the following key areas: 

• Experience and relationships with elected officials and policy stakeholders.
• Experience with legislative tracking and research platforms, social media platforms, and event planning. 
• Experience in the nonprofit or public sector. 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, including SharePoint and OneDrive. 
• Experience working within cross-functional teams in a complex organization.

 Candidates must possess the following: 

• A minimum of two years of experience in advocacy campaigns, policy research, or working in state or local legislative bodies. 
• Experience with community and grassroots engagement. 
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in PowerPoint, Excel, calendar management, and grammatical editing.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities with an attention to detail. 
• Flexibility to work on multiple projects at once.

The full job description is attached to this posting. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  

The Denver Foundation practices and champions inclusiveness in our community. We honor all community members' diverse strengths, needs, voices, and backgrounds. Candidates from traditionally marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply.