Public Policy Associate
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onEast 22nd Street, Downtown Cleveland, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, 44115, United States
About the Role
The Public Policy Associate serves as a vital support to United Way of Greater Cleveland's advocacy efforts, focusing on the social safety net and economic opportunity across Northeast Ohio. Reporting to the Senior Director of Public Policy, this position is designed to ensure that policy initiatives are meticulously documented, organized, and executed. The role acts as a bridge between complex legislative developments and actionable internal strategy, requiring a professional who can thrive in an execution-focused environment while managing multiple deadlines and high-stakes communications.
Day in the Life
Your work will center on synthesizing complex policy information into clear, concise summaries for diverse audiences. You will conduct local, statewide, and national research on critical issues such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, affordable housing, and benefit cliffs. A significant portion of your time will be dedicated to event and meeting preparation, coordinating logistics for advocacy days, legislative briefings, and community conversations. You will draft outreach materials, briefing documents, and meeting minutes, ensuring all communications are accurate and ready for external stakeholders. Additionally, you will support stakeholder engagement by preparing materials for meetings with legislators and government officials, and by presenting United Way priorities to community partners.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must submit a resume and a cover letter. The cover letter should be limited to one page and must address the following:
- Why you are interested in this Public Policy Associate role at United Way of Greater Cleveland.
- A description of a professional experience where you managed detailed work, prepared written materials, or coordinated multiple tasks and deadlines, including your specific role and the outcome.
As part of the interview process, selected candidates will be asked to complete a short writing and proofreading exercise to demonstrate their ability to produce clear, accurate, and well-organized written materials.
Equal Opportunity
United Way of Greater Cleveland is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, advanced education, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws.
Work location
Work model: On-site
East 22nd Street, Downtown Cleveland, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, 44115, United States
Cleveland, Ohio
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleConduct local, statewide, and national research on social safety net policies
- check_circleSynthesize complex policy information into clear summaries for internal and external audiences
- check_circleManage and coordinate logistics for policy events, advocacy days, and legislative briefings
- check_circleDraft outreach emails, briefing materials, and background documents for stakeholder meetings
- check_circleCoordinate engagement with legislators, government agencies, and community partners
- check_circleDeliver presentations to community stakeholders on United Way priorities and initiatives
- check_circlePrepare meeting summaries, track action items, and ensure timely follow-up on commitments
- check_circleMonitor legislative developments and alert leadership to major policy changes
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's or Master's degree in public policy, political science, public administration, economics, social work, or related field
- verified4–6 years of professional, post-graduate work experience in public policy, government, nonprofit advocacy, social work, research, or related work
- verifiedDemonstrated understanding of social safety net and economic mobility policies (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, housing, workforce systems)
- verifiedExperience supporting stakeholder meetings, public policy events, or coalition work
- verifiedExcellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- verifiedValid driver's license and access to reliable personal transportation
Nice to Have
Preference for candidates who have worked directly on programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, housing, or workforce systems.
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Policy Research, Legislative Processes, Public Policy, Advocacy, Project Management, Writing, Editing, Proofreading, Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Development.
Education: Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, public administration, economics, social work, or related field required; Master's degree in public policy, political science, public administration, economics, social work, or related field required.
Frequently asked questions about Public Policy Associate at United Way of Greater Cleveland
What does a Public Policy Associate at United Way of Greater Cleveland do?expand_more
A Public Policy Associate at United Way of Greater Cleveland is responsible for the following: Conduct local, statewide, and national research on social safety net policies; Synthesize complex policy information into clear summaries for internal and external audiences; Manage and coordinate logistics for policy events, advocacy days, and legislative briefings; and Draft outreach emails, briefing materials, and background documents for stakeholder meetings.
What are the requirements for this Public Policy Associate role?expand_more
United Way of Greater Cleveland is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's or Master's degree in public policy, political science, public administration, economics, social work, or related field; 4–6 years of professional, post-graduate work experience in public policy, government, nonprofit advocacy, social work, research, or related work; Demonstrated understanding of social safety net and economic mobility policies (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, housing, workforce systems); Experience supporting stakeholder meetings, public policy events, or coalition work; Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; and Valid driver's license and access to reliable personal transportation.
Where is the Public Policy Associate role at United Way of Greater Cleveland located?expand_more
Public Policy Associate at United Way of Greater Cleveland is based in East 22nd Street, Downtown Cleveland, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, 44115, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Public Policy Associate job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
United Way of Greater Cleveland has listed this Public Policy Associate role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Public Policy Associate role?expand_more
Public Policy Associate at United Way of Greater Cleveland typically requires 4–6 years of relevant experience at the mid level level.
What skills do you need for the Public Policy Associate role at United Way of Greater Cleveland?expand_more
Key skills for Public Policy Associate at United Way of Greater Cleveland include Policy Research; Legislative Processes; Public Policy; Advocacy; Project Management; Writing; Editing; and Proofreading.
What education is required for Public Policy Associate at United Way of Greater Cleveland?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, public administration, economics, social work, or related field required; and Master's degree in public policy, political science, public administration, economics, social work, or related field required.
What category does the Public Policy Associate role belong to?expand_more
Public Policy Associate at United Way of Greater Cleveland is part of the consultancy job category on Recrutus.