Director of Disability Policy

Director of Disability Policy

Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $85,000 to $105,000 annually
Reports To: Chief Program Officer

Starkloff Disability Institute is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Director of Disability Policy to lead the organization's public policy and advocacy efforts. This senior leadership role will drive policy initiatives focused on employment, economic opportunity, inclusion, accessibility, and universal design, helping to remove barriers to full participation for people with disabilities while positioning Starkloff as a leading disability-led policy voice in Missouri.

The Director will lead the development and execution of the organization's policy strategy, conduct research and analysis, build coalitions, engage policymakers, develop advocacy materials, and serve as a public representative for the organization. Working closely with leadership, community stakeholders, and external partners, this individual will advance high-impact policy priorities that create meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities.

• Develop and execute the organization's disability public policy and advocacy strategy.
• Identify legislative, regulatory, and administrative issues affecting people with disabilities.
• Develop organizational policy positions and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Lead and support the Disability Policy Coordinator and collaborate with external partners and coalitions.

• Lead policy initiatives that increase employment and economic security for people with disabilities.
• Advance solutions to systemic barriers and work disincentives.
• Monitor and analyze state and federal policy developments.
• Elevate the experiences of disabled jobseekers and workers to inform policy priorities.

• Advance policies that promote disability inclusion, accessibility, and universal design.
• Identify opportunities to influence policy related to workplaces, transportation, technology, education, and the built environment.
• Connect policy initiatives with organizational expertise in universal design.

• Build relationships with policymakers, government agencies, employers, disability organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Develop policy briefs, testimony, regulatory comments, and advocacy materials.
• Represent the organization before legislative and administrative bodies.
• Convene and participate in coalitions advancing disability policy priorities.

• Conduct policy research and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Develop reports, presentations, articles, and other public-facing materials.
• Serve as a spokesperson on disability public policy issues.
• Collaborate across organizational programs to align policy efforts with community needs.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, law, or a related field preferred.
• Significant experience in disability policy, advocacy, government relations, or a related field.
• Lived experience with disability strongly valued.
• Strong research, analytical, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of professionalism and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Strategic thinking and leadership.
• Policy expertise and analytical rigor.
• Strong communication and influence skills.
• Relationship-building and coalition-development experience.
• Accountability and results orientation.
• Knowledge of disability rights, workforce inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity laws and policy frameworks, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related federal and state disability rights statutes and regulations. This includes an understanding of how these laws impact employment, economic opportunity, and community participation for people with disabilities.
• Understanding of federal, state, and local agencies and systems that influence disability policy, regulation, funding, and enforcement.

This is a hybrid position based in St.…