Head of Public Policy
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onMonroe Harbor, 400, East Monroe Street, Jewelers Row, Loop, Chicago, South Chicago Township, Cook County, Illinois, 60603, United States
Braven is a national nonprofit dedicated to preparing promising college students to secure a strong first opportunity after graduation through a career-accelerating program. We partner with higher education and employer organizations to deliver a life-changing experience that begins with a semester-long course and continues with support through graduation. Our collective ambition is to help rebuild the middle class and revitalize the American Dream.
As the Head of Public Policy, you will lead Braven's Federal, State, and Local policy work, playing a pivotal role in shaping the college-to-career field. Reporting directly to the Chief External Affairs Officer, you will design and execute a comprehensive policy strategy to help Braven serve 80,000-100,000 Fellows over the next decade.
In this role, you will be the strategic voice of the organization, cultivating relationships with key stakeholders ranging from the Department of Education and the White House to gubernatorial administrations and state legislative bodies. Your day-to-day involves monitoring and influencing policymaker activity, crafting compelling narratives for legislators, and managing state lobbying contracts. You will also drive the creation of regional policy strategies, lead coalition-building efforts, and oversee the annual Capitol Hill Policy Fellows program, bringing Braven Fellows to DC for influential internships.
Beyond external advocacy, you will manage a team of policy professionals, coaching them to reach their full potential while ensuring alignment across regional and central teams. You will also facilitate training for staff and alumni, plan organization-wide advocacy days, and draft grant applications for public funding. This is a high-impact leadership position that requires balancing strategic vision with the operational details of government affairs.
Our interview process is designed to assess both your strategic capabilities and cultural fit. While specific steps may vary, the general flow includes:
Braven is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor. We actively encourage talented individuals of all backgrounds to apply and believe that diverse perspectives are essential to achieving our mission of rebuilding the middle class.
This role is based in one of our hubs: Washington (DC), Chicago (IL), Atlanta (GA), New York City (NY), or Newark (NJ). We believe in the magic of face-to-face collaboration and gather in the office three days a week (Tuesday through Thursday), with remote work on Mondays and Fridays. Candidates must live within commuting distance of one of these hubs and be able to travel several times per month during busy legislative seasons. Additionally, the role requires flexibility to work non-traditional hours occasionally to support org-wide volunteer events and stakeholder engagements.
Work model: On-site
Monroe Harbor, 400, East Monroe Street, Jewelers Row, Loop, Chicago, South Chicago Township, Cook County, Illinois, 60603, United States
Chicago, Illinois
MPP, MPA, or JD degree. Experience in the non-profit industry, higher education, or workforce development policy. Experience working directly in a state legislature, Governor's office, or Congress. Ability to build inspiring visions and strategies that motivate others. Extensive knowledge of legislative and administrative processes. Action-oriented mindset with perseverance and ability to pursue ambitious, measurable goals. Strong attention to detail while maintaining a big-picture perspective. Excellent public speaking and strategic communication skills. Ability to bring together multiple perspectives to enhance work and decisions. Commitment to continuous reflection and creating space for upward feedback. Alignment with Braven's core values and belief in Braven's mission.
