Job # | 042110
Department Code | 31301-0097
Department | Division of Strategic Initiatives and Innovation
Job Title | Director of Policy
Location | Washington, DC
Pay Range | $108,000 - $132,000
Pay Determination | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level | S5
FLSA Status | Exempt
Hours | Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type | Full-time
Campus | Washington, DC
Unionized Position Code | Not Applicable
Job Description | The Director of Policy serves as one member of the D’Aniello IVMF’s forward-deployed presence in Washington, D.C., responsible for cultivating relationships with congressional staff, federal agencies, and policy influencers. This position monitors and engages with legislative and regulatory activity that affects the veteran and military-connected community, provides strategic intelligence to IVMF leadership, and ensures that the Institute maintains a consistent, informed, and engaged policy footprint. This is a highly collaborative and externally facing role that requires strong writing, relationship management, and analytical skills, as well as a deep understanding of the legislative process and federal policy landscape.
Education and Experience | Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, or a related field preferred. Four (4) plus years of relevant policy, legislative, or government relations experience, ideally with a focus on federal policy or nonprofit advocacy. Experience working in or with Congress, federal agencies, or public policy organizations. Familiarity with veteran policy or adjacent issue areas (workforce, education, mental health, small business, etc.) is preferred.
Skills and Knowledge | Strong knowledge of the federal legislative and regulatory process. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex policy discussions clearly and concisely. Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to interact effectively with congressional staff, agency officials, and policy stakeholders. High level of initiative, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Political judgment, discretion, and tact when engaging with bipartisan stakeholders. Commitment to IVMF’s mission and values, and to advancing opportunities for veterans and military families.
Responsibilities | Serve as the IVMF’s daily presence on Capitol Hill and at federal agencies, attending hearings, briefings, and stakeholder events relevant to the military- and veteran-connected community. Build and maintain working relationships with Hill staff, committee staffers, agency liaisons, and other policy stakeholders. Provide timely, written read-outs of hearings and meetings, including analysis and recommended action steps. Track and report on relevant legislation, regulations, and funding developments. Draft and contribute to policy briefs, position statements, fact sheets, and testimony in collaboration with the Managing Director and IVMF research team. Support the translation of IVMF research and program data into actionable policy recommendations and thought leadership pieces. Assist in creating talking points and briefing materials for IVMF leadership engagements with policymakers. Coordinate logistics and engagement strategy for Hill visits and agency briefings involving IVMF leadership or partners. Support development and advancement teams as well as the Marketing and Communications teams with policy-relevant information and messaging. Represent the IVMF at coalition meetings, working groups, and public events as needed. Work closely with IVMF communications, advancement, and program teams to ensure policy efforts are well-integrated across the organization. Serve as an internal resource for policy updates and issue-spotting that may impact IVMF programs. Other Duties as Assigned
Physical Requirements | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment | Not Applicable
Application Instructions | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Quick Link |
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/110387Job Posting Date | 08/05/2025
Application Deadline |
Full Consideration By |
Job Category | Staff
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