Director of Policy and Democratic Governance

Title: Director of Policy and Democratic Governance

Reports to: Vice President of Place, Policy, and Power

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $115,106 - $130,208

Location: Remote

Tentative

Start Date:

ASAP

Race Forward's mission is to catalyze movement building for racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. Race Forward imagines a just, multiracial democratic society free from oppression and exploitation, in which people of color thrive with power and purpose.

Since 1981, Race Forward has brought a systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity. In 2017 Race Forward united with the Center for Social Inclusion to become the new Race Forward.

The Director of Policy and Democratic Governance is part of Race Forward's newly formed Place, Policy, and Power (PPP) department.

PPP's approach to policy aims to strengthen a just, multiracial democracy through a whole-of-government approach that defends, strengthens, and expands equity-centered policy and practice across local, state, and federal levels. We seek to build durable narratives about the power and responsibility of government in delivering fair and just outcomes for all who live within our communities. We bridge organizing and policy strategies across sectors and scales of governance.

Reporting to the Vice President of Place, Policy, and Power, the Director of Policy and Democratic Governance leads the team's efforts to align and advance policy development that is community-rooted, government-facing, and nationally resonant. The role supports policy development and advocacy in an effort to identify emerging policy issues and best practices. This role builds bridges across levels of government; organizes strategies with other national intermediaries;

and ensures that local and state innovations inform and shape national dialogues to secure transformative outcomes.

This position is included in a union-represented Collective Bargaining Unit, and specific employment terms and conditions are subject to collective bargaining.

• Advance a whole-of-government approach to racial equity policy-development, connecting local, regional, state, and federal initiatives.
• Partner with local leaders and government officials to develop policy solutions that expand fair and just outcomes while growing collective power to govern.
• Track, analyze, and synthesize emerging policy issues across multiple sectors (e.g., democracy, governance, climate, housing, economic justice) to identify cross-cutting opportunities.
• Support the design of narrative and messaging strategies that reinforce the role of government in defending and expanding a just, multiracial democracy.

• Build and maintain partnerships with national intermediaries, advocacy networks, and coalitions to align policy efforts with racial equity movement strategies and campaigns.
• Provide technical assistance, policy expertise, and strategy facilitation to government partners and multi-sector coalitions.
• Convene and support peer learning spaces across local, state, and federal partners to foster shared learning, alignment, and scaling of strategies.
• Represent Race Forward on national public forums, coalitions, and advisory boards.

• Use data in ways that build governing power and create pathways for shared learning and testing of model policies that accelerate collective action.
• Collaborate with Race Forward projects and departments to design and publish policy reports, briefs, and narrative tools that strengthen policy development, advocacy, implementation, and evaluation.
• Develop practical racial justice policy tools and frameworks for advocates, policymakers, and government practitioners.
• Translate research and policy analysis into accessible communications and training resources.

• Work with the Vice President of PPP to set strategic direction, goals, and priorities.
• Lead cross-departmental projects that integrate policy with narrative and government practice.
• Manage multiple projects and partnerships, ensuring deliverables are met on time and aligned with Race Forward's racial justice values.
• Support fundraising efforts, including grant writing, reporting, and funder engagement.

To perform successfully in this role, the Director of Policy and Democratic Governance should demonstrate:

• Policy Expertise: Deep understanding of policy development and implementation across local, state, and federal government, with knowledge of racial equity and democracy-strengthening frameworks.
• Cross-Scale Analysis: Ability to connect issues and strategies across levels of government and multiple policy domains (e.g., democracy, climate,…