About PolicyLink

PolicyLink is a research and action institute working to advance a nation that truly governs for all. We advance structural solutions, shape conditions, build connections, and strengthen the field infrastructure needed to deliver on the promise of a nation where all can thrive. We are relentlessly focused on delivering results at a scale that matches the challenges — and the potential — of this country. 

To achieve this vision, we concentrate our efforts in five key arenas that shape how the nation governs and delivers for its people: 

• The legal and regulatory systems that shape our democracy and economy, including amending and advancing the U.S. Constitution 
• Federal agencies, which are the engines of public policy and implementation that must deliver results 
• State and local governments that deliver the benefits of citizenship to our everyday lives in the cities and states where we live 
• We the People — whose collective consciousness and action must be activated toward everyone’s thriving 
• The institutional leaders, decision makers, and capital allocators who hold disproportionate influence over how the nation governs 

Across these arenas, we are working to awaken a shared consciousness that embraces the humanity of every person; to shape government to deliver results for all; and to align the full force of our public, private, and civic resources to realize this future. 

Position Overview

PolicyLink is seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President to join its Governing for All team.

The Governing for All Agenda is PolicyLink’s leadership strategy to awaken a shared consciousness embracing the humanity of every person, reshape government to deliver results for all, and align the full force of public, private, and civic resources toward this vision.

It is our moonshot: a bold, long-term effort that requires taking risks, focusing on systemic change, and committing to work whose full impact may not be seen for generations. 

The Governing for All Agenda includes:

1. Building a legal and regulatory basis to proactively advance an agenda rooted in equal protection, as guaranteed in the Constitution and grounded in legal precedent.

2. Changing policy and practice in key places and on key issues so that governing policies and institutions are redesigned to deliver results for everyone.

3. Shifting narratives and building relationships that engage a broad, diverse set of champions and alliances, so that a critical mass of people can imagine, believe, and work toward a nation that works for all.

Across these three dimensions, PolicyLink plays a leadership role – holding the long-term strategy; coordinating a diverse alliance of partners and advisors with different expertise, networks, and functions; marshalling resources; and measuring progress to inform and adapt our approach over time.

The Vice President will play a critical role in achieving the Governing for All Agenda and ensuring PolicyLink can fulfill its mission of redesigning our democracy and economy to serve all people.  

The Vice President will serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the Chief Strategy Officer in driving and executing the strategic vision of PolicyLink. The Vice President will help the organization achieve its ambitious goals by fostering alignment and collaboration and building an environment that prioritizes results-based accountability and population-level outcomes. 

Working closely with the Chief Strategy Officer, the Vice President will develop and implement organizational strategies and ensure strong communication and coordination across the legal, policy, and operations teams. 

The Vice President will ensure that teams are supported and positioned to deliver by managing processes to increase effectiveness and collaboration, monitoring progress, and serving as a strategic thought partner and resource.

The Vice President will work with the Chief Strategy Officer in translating organizational vision into clear priorities, developing clear metrics and measures of progress, supporting and ensuringeach team is meeting its goals, and ensuring alignment of program and operations to mission. 

The Vice President will support the enhancement of PolicyLink’s visibility and influence through strong partner engagement and relationship building. 

The ideal candidate is an experienced organizational leader who can “hold the whole” and support high-performing teams, understands policy and the changing political environment, is an excellent manager of people and processes, and has a proven record of developing deep authenticrelationships. The ideal candidate brings an entrepreneurial spirit to their work – a leader who believes in big ideas and making the impossible possible, drives vision to action, and galvanizes colleagues and stakeholders.


Key Responsibilities 

• Act as a thought partner to the Chief Strategy Officer, helping execute the strategic vision of PolicyLink, fostering cohesion and alignment, and ensuring rigor and organizational credibility.
• Translate organizational vision and bold ideas into clear priorities and workplans, bridging activity to outcomes that impact people at scale.
• Manage strategic projects and initiatives in the Governing for All portfolio, including direct supervision of staff.
• Build internal systems and processes that drive efficiency, communication and knowledge sharing, and accountability across the legal, policy, and operations teams. 
• Define metrics, monitor progress, and ensure each team is meeting goals and accomplishing deliverables.
• Support the Chief Strategy Officer in organizational growth and development, including pursuing strategic funding opportunities and program expansion. 
• Heighten the visibility of Governing for All, helping enhance the organization’s sphere of influence and credibility.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing partners.
• Identify and cultivate strategic relationships with new partner organizations that support PolicyLink’s mission.
• Support the building of a culture that strives for achievement, outcomes, and excellence.

 
Experience and Qualifications

• A demonstrated commitment to PolicyLink’s vision of a nation that truly governs for all.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in senior organizational leadership.
• Experience working in advocacy, government, public policy, think tanks or research organizations preferred.
• Proven track record aligning program and operations to organizational strategy with leadership and senior staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state policy development and advocacy processes.
• Commitment to values-based leadership and a people-management style that is results-oriented, collaborative and fosters inclusivity and belonging.
• A self-starter who brings flexibility, initiative, and an entrepreneurial spirit to their work. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills along with excellent judgment.
• Exceptional relationship building skills, ability to develop and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to take vision and translate that into actionable goals and deliverables.
• Comfortable with results-based accountability and learning.
• Experience managing complexity and rigor in the work environment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional and multicultural teams

PolicyLink offers competitive salaries commensurate with the experience and skills of our employees. The salary range for this position is $225,000 to $250,000 and is commensurate with experience.

 Additionally, PolicyLink provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with employer and employer-matching contributions that vest immediately. New employees are eligible to participate within one month of their date of hire.
• Flexible spending account.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Group term life insurance plus guaranteed-issue voluntary life insurance.
• Unlimited vacation and sick leave and other generous leave benefits. 
• Three required organization reset weeks plus 13 paid holidays.

There is a preference for candidates who reside in the Washington, DC metro area. Exceptional candidates who reside elsewhere may be considered. Candidates must be willing to travel as needed.

The Vice President reports directly to the Chief Strategy Officer. 


How to Apply 

We have partnered with Grossman Solutions on this search. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter online at https://grossmansolutions.applytojob.com/apply/.

The cover letter should be compelling and include the response to the following prompt: 

• How has your previous experience aligned with PolicyLink’s vision of a nation that truly governs for all?

Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter. We want to know how you think and write. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly.


​​​​​​​EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT 

PolicyLink strongly values equity and believes in a just and fair society where all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. We work toward a more inclusive world and as such we are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. PolicyLink is committed to maintaining a diverse and multicultural working environment. 

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.