Summary
Description
Director of Policy & Advocacy
Full-Time | Exempt | Denver, CO/Hybrid
Reports to: President and CEO
Salary Range: $90,000–$130,000, salary is commensurate with experience
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Employer-sponsored retirement plan
- 13 paid holidays a year
- 30 days (240 hours) of PTO accrued annually
- Flexible, hybrid work environment
Leverage Colorado is a start-up 501(c)(3) dedicated to advancing smart, equitable policies that make aging more affordable in Colorado. With an initial grant of $3 million from Next50 Foundation, Leverage is in a strategic growth phase focused on building policy influence, developing innovative solutions to Colorado’s demographic and economic challenges, and strengthening long-term organizational sustainability.
We are seeking a Director of Policy & Advocacy to support and lead policy development, legislative strategy, coalition engagement, and advocacy efforts across the organization’s 501(c)(3) and affiliated 501(c)(4) entities.
Reporting to the President and CEO, this is a leadership role for an experienced policy and legislative professional who understands how ideas become action. The Director of Policy & Advocacy will work closely with the President and CEO to shape the organization’s policy agenda while managing day-to-day advocacy activities, legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and policy communications. This position will serve as a key representative of the organization with legislators, executive branch officials, advocacy organizations, and key community partners.
This is a high-ownership, high-impact role for a leader who can navigate complex policy environments, build trusted relationships, and translate ideas into meaningful outcomes.
The Director of Policy & Advocacy will:
- Advance policy development, advocacy, and legislative strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with legislators, legislative staff, executive agencies, and key stakeholders.
- Conduct policy research and analysis.
- Lead coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots advocacy efforts.
- Develop policy communications, fact sheets, testimony, talking points, one-pagers, and briefing materials as needed.
- Support board engagement, governance-related activities, and other related operational workflows.
- Stay informed on emerging policy trends, legislative developments, and issues impacting Colorado communities.
- Lead and support other tasks and projects as needed.
The ideal candidate:
- Thinks strategically and understands how policy, politics, and implementation dynamics intersect.
- Has experience working directly with local and state elected officials, legislative staff, and government agencies.
- Has experience developing legislation, lobbying, and navigating the legislative process.
- Experience with coalition building and stakeholder management.
- Can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced policy environment.
- Is comfortable representing an organization publicly and serving as a trusted external voice.
- Thrives in a start-up environment where adaptability and initiative are essential.
- Has experience working in Colorado and a strong understanding of Colorado's policy and political landscape.
- Familiarity with cross-sector policy issues such as aging, workforce, healthcare, economic security, human services, housing, and intersectional policy issues.
Core Responsibilities:
Policy Development & Legislative Strategy
- Lead development of policy proposals aligned with organizational priorities.
- Conduct research and analysis to inform priorities and policy development.
- Monitor legislative, regulatory, and budget developments.
- Develop and execute annual legislative and advocacy strategies.
- Draft policy briefs, issue papers, legislative testimony, and fact sheets.
- Coordinate advocacy activities across the 501(c)(3) and affiliated 501(c)(4) organizations while maintaining compliance requirements.
- Work closely with the President and CEO to identify emerging opportunities and policy priorities.
Government Relations & Advocacy
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with local elected officials, legislators, legislative staff, and state agency staff.
- Represent the organization at legislative hearings, stakeholder meetings, coalition meetings, and public events.
- Coordinate direct lobbying activities consistent with organizational strategy.
- Develop legislative outreach plans and engagement strategies.
- Prepare leadership and board members for legislative meetings and advocacy opportunities.
- Track legislation and provide strategic analysis and recommendations.
- Support the President and CEO in public affairs and external relations activities.
Coalition Building & Grassroots Engagement
- Develop and maintain relationships with advocacy organizations, community leaders, and strategic industry partners.
- Identify opportunities for collaborative policy initiatives.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement and coalition strategies.
- Support grassroots organizing and advocacy campaigns.
- Develop advocacy toolkits, action alerts, and stakeholder communications.
- Build partnerships that strengthen the organization’s policy impact and influence.
Operations, Governance & Organizational Leadership
- Support preparation for board materials, policy updates, and strategic planning discussions.
- Assist with organizational planning, reporting, and operational needs.
- Maintain systems for legislative tracking, stakeholder management, and advocacy.
- Support compliance requirements related to advocacy and lobbying activities.
Qualifications
- 6+ years of experience in public policy, government relations, advocacy, legislative affairs, public administration, or related fields.
- Experience working with elected officials, the legislature, government agencies, or advocacy organizations.
- Experience with policy development, legislative strategy/lobbying, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience building and managing coalitions and strategic partnerships.
- Familiarity with cross-sector policy issues impacting social determinants of health such as aging, workforce development, healthcare, economic security, human services, and housing.
- Experience with Colorado public policy, state government, and advocacy organizations.
At-Will Employment Statement: Employment with Leverage is at-will. Nothing in this job description constitutes a contract or guarantee of continued employment.
Equal Opportunity Statement: Leverage is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
