Policy Operations Manager

About Arts Alliance Illinois

As the statewide advocacy and lobbying organization for arts and culture, Arts Alliance Illinois supports the creative community by championing policies, securing funding, and building connections that help artists, educators, cultural organizations, and creative workers thrive. Our work spans legislative advocacy, grassroots mobilization, statewide programs, technical assistance, research, and the Help Desk, all in service of a more equitable, sustainable, and innovative creative sector.

The Policy Operations Manager reports to the Senior Director of Government Affairs, and provides high‑quality administrative, operational, and legislative support that strengthens Arts Alliance Illinois’ policy and advocacy efforts. This role keeps the Government Affairs department running smoothly by managing schedules, legislative tracking, meeting follow‑up, district and Capitol logistics, and day‑to‑day coordination with lawmakers, staff, coalition partners, and internal teams.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, politically savvy, and comfortable juggling details in a fast‑moving policy environment. They enjoy strengthening systems, following through on commitments, and helping turn strategy into action. This position offers meaningful exposure to statewide policy work, the legislative process, and arts and culture advocacy.

This position is 90% remote, with a requirement to attend occasional meetings at the Chicago office, annual staff retreats, and other Arts Alliance events around the state. Because of the nature of our work, all employees must be Illinois residents during their employment with AAI.

Our interview process includes the following steps, with selected candidates moving to each successive step:

• Initial application
• Zoom panel interview with select Arts Alliance staff.
• Traditional interview with the Senior Director of Government Affairs.
• Candidates may be asked to complete an assessment. If so, they will be compensated for their time and effort.

Legislative & Administrative Operations (65%)

• Manage the Government Affairs legislative calendar, including scheduling meetings with elected officials, legislative staff, agency partners, and coalition leaders.
• Support tracking of bill movement, committee hearings, deadlines, and relevant policy developments; prepare summaries and daily/weekly updates for internal use.
• Draft and prepare meeting materials, legislator packets, talking points, briefing memos, and follow‑up correspondence.
• Maintain organized shared folders, notes, and legislative databases, ensuring accurate and timely record‑keeping.
• Support the preparation and submission of witness slips, testimony drafts, letters of support/concern, and other required documents.
• Provide administrative and operational support for policy work connected to Arts Alliance Illinois’ major advocacy coalitions—including arts education, creative workers, public funding, and dedicated revenue—by coordinating meetings, preparing materials, documenting discussions, and tracking timelines and follow‑up tasks.

Campaign & Advocacy Support (20%)

• Coordinate logistics, communication, and schedules for Capitol Day, district meetings, legislative round tables, and other advocacy events.
• Assist in coordinating action alerts, outreach lists, partnership with the Communications Manager and Director of Community Organizing.
• Support the implementation of advocacy campaigns by executing follow‑up tasks, tracking progress, and ensuring communication loops are closed.
• Maintain contact logs and ensure consistent follow‑through with key stakeholders.

Cross‑Department Coordination (15%)

• Work closely with the Director of Community Organizing to align field engagement with legislative priorities and ensure readiness for hearings and mobilizations.
• Partner with the Communications Manager to ensure timely and accurate messaging about legislative actions, updates, and calls>
  
  Collaborate with the Creative Worker, Research and Programs teams to integrate constituent stories, partner insights, and data into legislative briefings and messaging.
• Provide regular administrative and…