Policy Manager

Policy Manager

Benefits Data Trust (BDT) seeks a Policy Manager to support BDT's federal policy work, building BDT's reputation as a national leader in the benefits access space. Today, more than 1 in 10 Americans live in poverty, with more than 9 million people missing out on benefits. To unlock America's full potential, BDT is working to enact change at the federal policy level with the addition of this new position.

The Policy Manager will support the Associate Director with developing, managing, and executing BDT's federal policy agenda.  The Policy Manager will develop and maintain strong relationships with federal officials and key national stakeholders, collaborate on policy development across different constituencies, and establish coalitions of support to enact policy change.

BDT is a remote-first organization. Employees may work remotely or from BDT's Philadelphia office. Candidates based in Washington, DC, are preferred, but will consider others.

BDT has adopted a mandatory vaccination and testing policy to safeguard the health of our employees from the hazard of COVID-19. Employees may request an exemption from the policy by providing documentation for medical or religious reasons if needed.

This is a grant-dependent position. It is currently funded for 24 months.

The Policy Manager reports to the Associate Director of Policy.

Responsibilities:

• Under the guidance of the Associate Director of Policy, develop and execute a federal policy agenda and systems change strategy. This includes identifying opportunities to leverage policy and practice to improve benefits access
• Work with internal and external stakeholders, including federal, state, nonprofit, philanthropic, and other key partners, to advance the organizations' goals
• Monitor changes in federal public benefits policies and translate what those policies mean for BDT
• Build and maintain a strong knowledge of policy related to public benefits, including SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
• Perform various aspects of BDT's policy technical assistance, including advising officials and organizations in improving access to benefits for eligible individuals
• Serve as a technical expert through writing, speaking, and coalition-building to help propel BDT as a thought leader in the benefits access space
• Support the development of new BDT publications highlighting research findings, lessons learned, and policy recommendations
• Manage the submission of formal comments on proposed federal regulations related to streamlining access to public benefits

Requirements:

• Five years relevant experience in policy making at the state and/or federal level, with some federal policy experience required OR three years of related employment plus a bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, or social sciences
• Experience in coalition building amongst diverse stakeholders
• Experience with at least two federally funded public benefit programs preferred
• Knowledge of the public benefits landscape
• Demonstrated ability to read and understand statutes, regulations, and policy manuals
• Ability to change courses quickly and adapt to tight deadlines
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Creative problem solver that will find innovative methods for assisting in creating and implementing BDT's policy agenda
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize assignments, and work independently
• High level of proficiency in MS Office (including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations
• Comfortable with limited travel

The salary range starts at $70,000 and is commensurate with relevant experience.

About BDT:

Benefits Data Trust (BDT) improves health and financial security by harnessing the power of data, technology, and policy to provide dignified and equitable access to assistance. Together with a national network of government agencies and partners, we efficiently connect people today to programs that pay for food, healthcare, and more while helping to modernize benefits access for tomorrow. A nonprofit since 2005, BDT has secured more than $9 billion in benefits for households across the country, helping to reduce hunger and poverty and build pathways to economic mobility. Learn more about BDT – a proud recipient of Top Workplaces USA Awards in 2021 & 2022 - at bdtrust.org.