PVD Equity Fund Program Officer for Policy

at  United Way of Rhode Island

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Our vision is a Rhode Island where every individual in each community has an equal opportunity for justice and prosperity. Since our inception in 1926, the United Way of Rhode Island has effectively moved people from crisis to stability while working to shore up the systems that provide support across the community. When called to action in the face of a global pandemic, we proved that we were built over the last 95+ years to be uniquely equipped to effectively harness resources from government, corporations, nonprofits, and individuals to address the many significant crises affecting all of us.
The pandemic spotlighted how the war on poverty during the past 50 years has not created opportunity and prosperity for all community members. In particular, where you live and the color of your skin can make it challenging to live, learn, and thrive in Rhode Island. That is why, when launching our Live United 2025 strategic plan, we committed to a new mission of uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.
To deliver on the goals of Live United 2025, we must go “deep, rather than wide,” with investments and partners to target the root causes that have thwarted Rhode Island’s ability to thrive. We serve all Rhode Islanders in need by tackling Rhode Island’s great challenge:
Reversing the racial inequities that have plagued Rhode Island’s Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities for generations.
That means we are applying all our assets and approaches, including delivery of direct services, strategic community investments, advocacy, and coalition-building to create a better Rhode Island for all. We are applying these tools in the following areas of need:
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Lift United: We invest in affordable housing, improve care coordination, and expand access to adult education and job training opportunities. We also support the growth and stability of women- and minority-owned businesses.

• Achieve United: We work to ensure that all Rhode Island children walk into the classroom ready to learn. This includes increasing literacy levels and expanding access to after-school and out-of-school-time learning programs.
• Invest United: We build nonprofit resiliency and sector leadership development through our Invest United pillar. We empower donors, engage corporations, and connect Rhode Islanders with giving and volunteer opportunities.

Advocate United: Through research and public policy, we drive systemic change through our Advocate United pillar. And, because democracy is not a spectator sport, we train Rhode Islanders to be advocates and work to increase voter turnout.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) is seeking a dynamic and passionate Program Officer for Policy to join our Policy and Equity Team. The Program Officer for Policy will play a critical role in advancing policy initiatives aligned with the goals of the PVD Equity Fund and the Live United 2025 strategic plan. This position will focus on developing and advocating for policies that address systemic inequities, promote racial equity, and support economic empowerment, educational advancement, and community resilience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, social work, sociology, political science, or related experience in this field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy, community organizing, or a related field.
• Experience working on issues related to racial equity, economic empowerment, education, or urban renewal is highly desirable.
• Skills and Competencies:
• Strong understanding of policy development and advocacy processes.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with data analysis tools.
• Bi-lingual candidates are encouraged to apply

CORE VALUES:

United Way of Rhode Island is looking for candidates who demonstrate their ability to carry out its core values as follows:
Impact through equity – place equity at the center of process design and stakeholder engagement and honor lived and living experiences.
Respect and value all – is an active team player who builds and fosters internal and external collaboration and partnerships. Seeks input and feedback while also sharing ideas.
Lead with a growth mindset – commit to continued growth and process improvements across the development operations team.
Be a legendary partner – create and foster inclusive interpersonal skills.
Strive for excellence – surfaces and adopts proven and emerging data management practices.

• Policy Development and Advocacy:
• Develop and advocate for policies that support the goals of the PVD Equity Fund and Live United 2025 strategic plan.
• Conduct research and analysis on policy issues related to racial equity, economic empowerment, education, and urban renewal, with a focus on data-driven insights to inform policy recommendations.
• Collaborate with community partners, policymakers, and stakeholders to build coalitions and advance policy initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal policy developments, assess their impact on UWRI’s strategic goals, and engage policymakers at all levels to advance those goals.
• Program Management:
• Support the implementation and evaluation of policy-related programs and initiatives.
• Work with grantees and community partners to ensure policy alignment and impact.
• Assist in the development of grant proposals and reports related to policy initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to grantees and community organizations.
• Community Engagement:
• Engage with community leaders, organizations, and residents to gather input and build support for policy initiatives.
• Organize and facilitate community meetings, focus groups, and events to discuss policy issues and gather feedback.
• Represent UWRI in policy forums, conferences, and meetings with external partners and stakeholders.

Communication and Outreach:

• Develop and disseminate policy briefs, reports, and other communication materials to inform and engage stakeholders.
• Maintain regular communication with policymakers, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with UWRI’s communications team to highlight policy achievements and initiatives through various media channels.