Vice President of Advocacy

Job Description

AHRC New York City, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting neuro-divergent children and adults, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Advocacy. This key executive role will drive the organization’s advocacy efforts and oversee comprehensive programs designed to support neuro-divergent  people and their families.

Compensation Package: $175,000-$200,000 per year plus a very generous and comprehensive Benefit package. See Benefit information below.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am -5pm

Location: Manhattan 10038

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• • Develop and implement a strategic plan for disability advocacy services that aligns with AHRC NYC’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
  • Provide visionary leadership to enhance the visibility and impact of the organization’s advocacy and disability rights efforts.

Advocacy and Public Policy

• • Lead the organization’s advocacy initiatives at the local, state, and national levels to influence public policy and secure resources for neurodivergent people, their families and providers that support them.
  • Build and maintain relationships with government officials, policymakers, community leaders, self-advocates and other stakeholders.
  • Represent AHRC NYC in public forums, coalitions, and advocacy networks.

Program Development and Oversight

• • Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality advocacy programs and services, ensuring they meet the needs of neurodivergent people and their families.
  • Ensure all programs comply with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices.
  • Foster innovation and continuous improvement in advocacy efforts.

Team Leadership and Development

• • Lead, mentor, and support a team of professionals dedicated to advocacy.
  • Promote a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth within the team.
  • Ensure staff have the resources and training needed to effectively deliver services and advocate for disability rights.

Collaboration and Partnerships

• • Strengthen partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, corporations and other stakeholders to enhance service delivery and advocacy efforts.
  • Collaborate with internal departments to ensure integrated and holistic support for people supported, self-advocates and families.

Community Engagement

• • Engage with families, caregivers, and individuals served to understand their needs, gather feedback, and involve them in advocacy efforts.
  • Promote awareness and understanding of neurodiversity and the needs of neurodivergent children within the broader community.

Resource Development and Financial Management

• • Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, donations, and partnerships, to support advocacy initiatives and program services.
  • Assist, as needed, with the development and oversight of budgets for advocacy and children's services, ensuring effective and efficient use of resources.
  • Assist in the development and oversight of liaison services to enhance the impact of AHRCNYC’s broad network of services through life cycle transitions, such as preschool to school-aged, school to adulthood and aging, while incorporating family support services wherever possible.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, public policy, education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in advocacy, public policy, or children’s services, preferably within a nonprofit or community-based organization.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead teams.
• Demonstrated success in leading advocacy initiatives and influencing public policy services, in education, children’s services, family support and adult programs.
• Deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by neurodivergent children, adults, and their families.
• Strong leadership, communication, written and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and financial plans.
• Commitment to the mission and values of AHRC New York City.

Additional Information

Benefits:

• Low Cost Comprehensive Medical Insurance
• Paid time off (sick, personal & vacation)
• Paid Training
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Referral program
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 403(b) company match
• Life insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible Spending account

AHRC New York City is an Equal Opportunity Employer We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, marital status, partnership status, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, genetic information, or unemployment or any other protected characteristic under federal, state or local law.