What are the responsibilities and job description for the Policy Advisor position at The Robin Hood Foundation?
Policy Advisor – Federal Anti-Poverty Programs
About Robin Hood
Robin Hood is New York's largest poverty-fighting organization, and since 1988 has focused on finding, funding, and creating programs and schools that generate meaningful and measurable results for families in New York's poorest neighborhoods. Since its founding, Robin Hood has raised more than $2 billion in dollars, goods and services to provide hundreds of the most effective soup kitchens, homeless shelters, schools, job-training programs and other vital services that give New York’s neediest citizens the tools they need to build better lives. Robin Hood's board of directors pays all administrative, fundraising and evaluation costs, so 100% of your donation goes directly to organizations helping New Yorkers in need.
Position Overview
Robin Hood is seeking a Policy Advisor to lead and coordinate our grant-making, advocacy, and coalition building efforts to protect and strengthen federal anti-poverty programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong policy background, experience in coalition management, and a deep understanding of federal social safety net programs.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Grant Strategy:
- Develop and implement a grant-making strategy to support organizations that advocate for and provide services linked to federal anti-poverty programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, and the Child Tax Credit.
Monitoring & Analyzing:
- Work with Robin Hood’s Program & Impact team to analyze developments at the federal level that would impact federal anti-poverty programs to inform grantmaking and advocacy strategies.
Advocacy Coordination:
- Work with policymakers, partner organizations, and internal stakeholders to advocate for federal policies that reinforce economic security for low-income families.
Coalition Coordination:
- Coordinate with coalitions of nonprofits, think tanks, and advocacy groups to align efforts and amplify collective impact.
Policy Analysis & Research :
- Conduct policy analysis, draft advocacy letters and correspondence, reports, meeting talking points, and provide recommendations on legislative and regulatory developments affecting federal anti-poverty programs
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Maintain relationships with government agencies, congressional offices, and advocacy partners to advance Robin Hood’s policy priorities
Internal Coordination & Updates:
- Coordinate with members of the Program & Impact department on advocacy and grantmaking strategies, as well as provide internal updates on threats to Robin Hood's poverty-fighting priorities.
Communication & Public Engagement:
- Assist in developing public messaging, op-eds, and policy briefs to educate stakeholders and the public about key policy issues.
Reporting Relationship
This position will report to Chief Public Policy Officer.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in public policy, social work, economics, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, philanthropy, or a related area.
- Deep knowledge of federal anti-poverty programs and the legislative process.
- Strong experience in grant management and nonprofit partnerships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects. Commitment to Robin Hood’s mission and an equity-driven policy approach.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Robin Hood is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation in all aspects of its work. As New York City’s largest poverty-fighting organization, Robin Hood believes that building a diverse team is fundamental to its ability to effectively serve and strengthen organizations serving the most vulnerable communities in the city, and to influence the policies that affect them.
Diversity within Robin Hood's staff is enhanced by its efforts at meaningful inclusion. It ensures that team members are empowered to make decisions, offer actionable feedback, and share credit for team success. Further, Robin Hood seeks to develop its talent professionally and has created an intentional focus on mentorship and sponsorship, particularly of junior staff. Our goal is to encourage long term talent retention and engagement, while fostering a culture of innovation.
Robin Hood Guiding Principles
As an organization committed to economic mobility, our work is grounded in the following Guiding Principles :
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Proximity and humanity
- Risk-taking and innovation
Our professional community reflects myriad demographic characteristics, perspectives, and backgrounds, which include various identities that reflect diversity in gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status. Our colleagues have access to opportunity and advancement, as we promote fair and equitable treatment and have encouraged participation by underrepresented groups. As a team, we promote a sense of belonging, high levels of engagement, and shared respect.
- Robin Hood puts people first. Always.
- Robin Hood is unafraid to take action and create solutions.
- Robin Hood is data driven and heart led. Robin Hood works the coat check.
Salary and Benefits
Robin Hood offers a competitive compensation package, with a salary range determined by years of experience, skills, and abilities. Each candidate’s placement within the range will be based on these factors while ensuring alignment with our commitment to equitable internal pay practices.
Our extensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer match, and a 12% employer contribution to a 401(a)-retirement plan. We also support a healthy work-life balance by providing new hires with 20 days of accrued paid time off. This position is based in New York City and follows a hybrid work environment, with employees generally expected to work in the office two days per week, though some teams may require additional in-office days based on operational needs.
The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $145,000. This position is located in New York City (Hybrid).
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample demonstrating policy analysis or advocacy experience to Robin Hood’s application portal . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Robin Hood is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from diverse backgrounds and identities are encouraged to apply.
Please note that Robin Hood Foundation has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. As a condition of employment, Robin Hood employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law.
Salary : $120,000 - $145,000
