Policy Director

The Policy Director is responsible for leading Black Youth Empowerment Network’s policy research, advocacy strategy, and civic education alignment across national and chapter-level programming. This role ensures BYEN’s work is informed by sound policy analysis, responsive to community needs, and positioned to influence local, state, and national policy conversations impacting Black youth.

The Policy Director translates lived experience into actionable policy priorities, supports youth-led advocacy initiatives, and serves as a key thought partner to the Founder & Executive Director on BYEN’s policy positioning and external partnerships.

• Lead research and analysis on public policy issues aligned with BYEN’s pillars, including civic education, community empowerment, youth leadership, public safety, education, economic opportunity, and social justice
• Develop policy briefs, issue explainers, and position statements accessible to youth audiences and external stakeholders
• Monitor policy developments at the local, state, and federal levels relevant to Black youth and BYEN programming

• Design and oversee BYEN’s youth-led advocacy initiatives, including campaigns, policy days, and issue-based actions
• Support chapters in integrating policy education and advocacy into their local programming
• Coordinate youth testimony, public comments, and meetings with policymakers and institutions

• Collaborate with the Director of Programs & Events to embed policy content into summits, convenings, and leadership programming
• Work with the Director of Communications to ensure policy messaging is accurate, compelling, and aligned with BYEN’s brand voice
• Advise National Directors and chapter leadership on policy-related opportunities and risks

• Build and manage relationships with policy-focused organizations, coalitions, and advocacy partners
• Represent BYEN in policy briefings, coalition meetings, and external advocacy spaces when appropriate
• Support grant narratives and fundraising efforts that involve policy or civic engagement components

• Uphold BYEN’s mission, values, and youth-led model in all policy work
• Contribute to internal strategy conversations and long-term organizational planning
• Maintain ethical standards, nonpartisan compliance, and alignment with BYEN’s 501(c)(3) status

• Strong interest or background in public policy, political science, law, sociology, or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and communicate complex policy issues clearly
• Commitment to advancing equity, justice, and opportunities for Black youth
• Strong writing, organizational, and collaboration skills
• Experience in advocacy, student organizing, or civic engagement preferred

• Part-time, volunteer or stipend-based (as funding allows)
• Flexible hours with increased engagement during advocacy initiatives and major events

• Reports to the Founder & Executive Director
• Works closely with National Directors, chapter leaders, and external partners

The Policy Director ensures that BYEN is not only a space for leadership development, but also a credible, informed voice in policy conversations that shape the lives of Black youth. This role helps transform community insight into policy influence and positions BYEN as a serious, youth-led civic institution.