Policy Engagement Coordinator

Job Summary:

Voices for Children in Nebraska is looking for a dynamic, positive, and relationship-driven individual to support our efforts to engage young people and communities across the state in our policy advocacy work.

The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated goal-setter who is optimistic about the potential for policy change and the power of youth voice. They will enjoy working alongside youth advocates, empowering young voices in the advocacy process. Strong interpersonal skills, relationship-building, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections will be key to success in this role.

Reports to:

Policy Director

VFC has been a leader in data-informed and engagement-driven systemic change on key children’s issues in Nebraska for almost 40 years. Our mission is to advocate for equitable opportunity for kids in our state through research, policy, and community engagement. Our vision is a Nebraska with strong communities where every child has all they need to lead a healthy, secure, and fulfilling life.

Our primary areas of focus include youth justice, child welfare, economic stability, and health care access.

• Youth & Community Policy Advocacy Program: Work with policy and engagement staff to identify and create opportunities to elevate youth voices and others with lived experience of our child-serving systems in the policy development, advocacy, and decision-making process. This includes, with training:
• Leading our Nebraska Youth Justice Policy Fellowship and other identified youth advocacy cohorts, talking walls, listening sessions, and trainings.
• Planning, coordinating, and executing our annual Spring Break Policy & Advocacy Camp and supporting other youth summits or youth lobby days we may be involved with.
• Collaborating with our Youth and Family Engagement Coordinator to support the connection between our Omaha-based Youth Advisory Council and our state policy agenda.
• Providing outreach and direct support for youth, families, and other impacted individuals to participate in state policy making.
• During Legislative Session, liaising between Policy Directors and communications staff to provide regular, accessible policy updates for social media, website, and newsletters.
• Community Partnership Development: Help us to sustain strong, collaborative relationships with organizations and stakeholders across Nebraska, especially outside of the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas, including nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and advocacy groups. This includes:
• Representing VFC at community meetings and events, coalition meetings, and conferences to enhance organizational visibility and strengthen community trust.
• Supporting grassroots mobilization efforts such as town halls, listening sessions, community education events, and representing VFC in ballot initiative campaigns and issue‑specific policy coalitions.

• Must be a “people person” who is extroverted and able to engage positively with a variety of stakeholders, especially young people, including in times of stress
• Commitment to centering youth voice and engaging meaningfully in community
• Outstanding organizational skills, high attention to detail, and experience balancing multiple projects and deadlines
• Preferred:
  Some experience with policy advocacy, particularly with the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature
• Preferred:
  Bilingual English and Spanish

• Driver’s license in good standing and reliable transportation
• Must be a Nebraska resident, located in or near the Omaha or Lincoln metro area (in-state travel required)
• Willingness and ability to pass a background check for working with youth and complete child safety training
• Ability to lift and carry items up…