Director of Advocacy and Policy

Empowering New York’s Asian American Community Since 1989

Founded in 1989, the Asian American Federation (AAF) is one of the strongest leadership voices advocating for better policies, services, and funding that lead to more justice and opportunity for 1.5 million Asian Americans in New York City. We do this in partnership with 70 community-based organizations.

Asians are the fastest-growing community in our city and state, and we advocate to ensure that our community is visible, our voices are heard, and our stories are told. Shaped by our research, we focus on community safety, mental health, economic empowerment, immigrant integration, and civic engagement to help connect Asian New Yorkers with the resources they need.

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Advocacy and Policy is a seasoned, impactful, and well-respected public policy leader who drives the Federation’s policy advocacy and government relations strategy and team to ensure New York’s most vulnerable Asian Americans are a top priority for New York State and City.

The Director of Advocacy and Policy sets the Federation’s policy and advocacy strategy in partnership with the CEO; serves as the primary representative of the Federation to elected, appointed and career government officials; and secures resources from City and State to power the pan-Asian American community.

The Director of Advocacy and Policy will manage the Advocacy team and foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented team culture.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Serve as a member of the Leadership Team, driving the organization’s overall impact and performance, cross-team collaboration, and culture;
• Provide strategic direction and leadership for AAF on all matters of policy, advocacy, and on securing New York government funding;
• Model AAF’s culture, values, and leadership presence to staff and externally;
• Provide day-to-day direction, supervision, mentorship, task management, and oversight to the Advocacy & Policy team, ensuring the team and individuals deliver high-quality, on-time, impactful, aligned work and achieve their annual goals;
• Oversee development and management of the Advocacy & Policy team’s annual budget in alignment with the organization’s financial goals and mission to ensure adequate resources for effective operations.

Advocacy & Policy Expertise:

• Identify key priorities, plan campaigns, and ensure their successful execution through advocacy strategies, including active engagement of AAF partners and their constituents; other organizations; and coalitions;
• Drive policy development and analysis in a wide range of federal, state, and local issues impacting Asian American communities, seeing ahead of the curve to anticipate impact
• to AAF and our members and partners, and advising the organization on how best to position itself to meet the moment;
• Monitor and assess the impact of policy and budget issues on the city, state, and federal levels to ensure that AAF’s policy agenda is responsive and relevant;
• Lead legislative and budget meetings with elected officials and policy makers;
• Testify or support staff who are testifying at legislative hearings related to our program and policy areas.

State and City Funding Advocacy:

• Serve as the co-chair of the NYS AAPI Equity Budget Coalition to secure $50+ million each fiscal year to fund services and programs to the pan-Asian American community;
• Drive annual advocacy for a wide range of city funding through ongoing engagement with City Council, Council Finance, the Mayor’s Office, and any other key stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Lead and direct efforts to develop and maintain relationships with elected and appointed public officials, and other leaders;
• Represent the organization, and in the CEO’s absence, before elected leaders; government officials; media; AAF members and partners; and other key stakeholders;
• Identify opportunities to bring new allies from diverse sectors into AAF’s work; form and manage strategic alliances; and strengthen participation from current AAF members and partners.

• 7-10+ years of senior-level experience in public policy or advocacy in government…