Director of Policy and Advocacy

Director of Policy and Advocacy

Leverage Colorado is a start-up 501(c)(3) dedicated to advancing smart, equitable policies that make aging more affordable in Colorado. With an initial grant of $3 million from Next
50 Foundation, Leverage is in a strategic growth phase focused on building policy influence, developing innovative solutions to Colorado's demographic and economic challenges, and strengthening long-term organizational sustainability.

We are seeking a Director of Policy & Advocacy to support and lead policy development, legislative strategy, coalition engagement, and advocacy efforts across the organization's 501(c)(3) and affiliated 501(c)(4) entities.

Reporting to the President and CEO, this is a leadership role for an experienced policy and legislative professional who understands how ideas become action. The Director of Policy & Advocacy will work closely with the President and CEO to shape the organization's policy agenda while managing day-to-day advocacy activities, legislative strategy, stakeholder engagement, and policy communications. This position will serve as a key representative of the organization with legislators, executive branch officials, advocacy organizations, and key community partners.

This position is hybrid but will require significant time to be spent at the Colorado State Capitol during legislative session.

This is a high-ownership, high-impact role for a leader who can navigate complex policy environments, build trusted relationships, and translate ideas into meaningful outcomes.

The Director of Policy & Advocacy will:

• Advance policy development, advocacy, and legislative strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with legislators, legislative staff, executive agencies, and key stakeholders.
• Conduct policy research and analysis.
• Lead coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots advocacy efforts.
• Develop policy communications, fact sheets, testimony, talking points, one-pagers, and briefing materials as needed.
• Support board engagement, governance-related activities, and other related operational workflows.
• Stay informed on emerging policy trends, legislative developments, and issues impacting Colorado communities.
• Lead and support other tasks and projects as needed.

The ideal candidate:

• Thinks strategically and understands how policy, politics, and implementation dynamics intersect.
• Has experience working directly with local and state elected officials, legislative staff, and government agencies.
• Has experience developing legislation, lobbying, and navigating the legislative process.
• Experience with coalition building and stakeholder management.
• Can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced policy environment.
• Is comfortable representing an organization publicly and serving as a trusted external voice.
• Thrives in a start-up environment where adaptability and initiative are essential.
• Has experience working in Colorado and a strong understanding of Colorado's policy and political landscape.
• Familiarity with cross-sector policy issues such as aging, workforce, healthcare, economic security, human services, housing, and intersectional policy issues.

Core Responsibilities:

Policy Development & Legislative Strategy

• Lead development of policy proposals aligned with organizational priorities.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform priorities and policy development.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and budget developments.
• Develop and execute annual legislative and advocacy strategies.
• Draft policy briefs, issue papers, legislative testimony, and fact sheets.
• Coordinate advocacy activities across the 501(c)(3) and affiliated 501(c)(4) organizations while maintaining compliance requirements.
• Work closely with the President and CEO to identify emerging opportunities and policy priorities.

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with local elected officials, legislators, legislative staff, and state agency staff.
• Represent the organization at legislative hearings, stakeholder meetings, coalition meetings, and public events.
• Coordinate direct lobbying activities consistent with organizational strategy.
• Devel…