Policy and Advocacy Advisor

JOB SUMMARY:
The Policy and Advocacy Advisor will play a key role in guiding and supporting the City of Frederick's workforce development initiatives, with a particular focus on reentry programs and policies aimed at justice-impacted individuals. This position will be responsible for tracking and analyzing policy developments at the local, state, and federal levels, advocating for policies that enhance workforce access and quality, and ensuring that the City's workforce development programs align with the needs of underserved populations, particularly youth, emerging adults, and individuals transitioning from the justice system. The advisor will collaborate with internal teams, community stakeholders, and government agencies to influence policy, advocate for funding, and ensure that reentry programs and workforce development initiatives reflect best practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Tracks and analyzes relevant local, state, and federal policies, regulations, and funding opportunities related to workforce development, employment practices, justice reform, and federal infrastructure investments.
• Provides strategic recommendations to City leadership based on policy trends, research, and feedback from community stakeholders.
• Advocates for policies that support the City's workforce development goals, including fair wages, apprenticeships, career-connected learning, and reentry programs for justice-impacted individuals.
• Builds relationships with policymakers, government agencies, community organizations, and advocacy groups to ensure that the City's workforce development needs are reflected in key policy discussions and legislative efforts.
• Conducts research on successful workforce development models and emerging best practices to inform policy decisions and program strategies.
• Develops and promotes policies that support the creation of sustainable reentry workforce pathways, including job training, apprenticeships, and career-connected learning opportunities tailored for individuals with justice system involvement.
• Conducts research and analysis on barriers to reentry, including employment discrimination, skills gaps, and lack of support services, and provides actionable recommendations to address these challenges.
• Develops clear and compelling communication materials to articulate the City's workforce development initiatives and the policy advocacy needed to support them.
• Prepares policy briefs, reports, and presentations for City leadership, external stakeholders, and the public to keep them informed of progress and emerging opportunities.

• Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities as described.
• Experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or public affairs, particularly in workforce development, economic development, justice reform, or social policy.
• Experience working with government agencies at the local, state, or federal level, especially in workforce, reentry, social services, or justice reform.

• Vehicle Operator's license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier is required. The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.

• Proven ability to build relationships with policymakers, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and other community stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and research skills to monitor policy developments and provide actionable recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce policy documents, briefs, and reports.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, from government officials to community groups and private sector partners.
• Skilled in public speaking and media relations, with the ability to advocate effectively for policy change.
• Intermediate computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).

• Master's degree preferred in a related area such as political science, social science, psychology, criminal justice, or similar.
• Knowledge of workforce development, apprenticeships, reentry programs, justice reform, and related policy areas.
• Familiarity with federal funding programs (e.g., Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act) and state and local economic development policies.