Policy Manager

About New Moms
New Moms has been walking alongside young mothers and their children in Chicagoland since 1983. Our comprehensive model meets families where they are, and stays with them as they build stability. We support young moms to find stable housing, become job ready, and weave mental wellness and family support throughout - because lasting change requires all of it, together. Through our social enterprises, Bright Endeavors and Bright Path, we create hands-on workforce opportunities for participants while building the financial sustainability that keeps our mission moving. We are a learning organization, a policy voice, a committed partner in generational change, and we are growing.

Position Summary
The Policy Manager advances New Moms’ policy agenda at the local, state, and federal levels by translating program expertise and participant experience into meaningful advocacy and civic engagement. Working closely with the Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs, this role develops persuasive policy communications, builds relationships with government and community partners, supports the New Moms Advocacy Council, and manages projects that move policy priorities forward. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, relationship-builder, and project manager who is passionate about advancing policies that help young families thrive.

Location: New Moms Main Office (5317 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL)

Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours/week. Following onboarding, this position could be eligible for a hybrid schedule.

Starting Salary Range: $66,000 - $70,000

What a Day Might Look Like

Your day might begin by reviewing a proposed piece of legislation and preparing a briefing for the Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs. You could then collaborate with the Communications team to turn participant experiences into compelling and strategic policy messaging, connect with coalition partners about an upcoming advocacy effort, or coordinate a training for the New Moms Advocacy Council. Throughout the day, you’ll keep policy projects moving, track progress, and collaborate across teams to ensure New Moms’ policy priorities reflect the experiences and needs of the families it serves. This is a fast-paced position where the day's activities are rarely the same as the day before.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy Analysis & Communications – Monitor local, state, and federal legislative and regulatory developments and brief the Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs on emerging issues and opportunities. Translate program data and participant experience into persuasive policy materials, including fact sheets, talking points, testimony, and digital content. Support development of the annual legislative agenda and policy platform updates.
• Government Affairs & Coalition Engagement – Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, coalition partners, funders, and advocacy organizations. Represent New Moms at legislative meetings, coalition gatherings, and policy convenings, and coordinate advocacy actions such as witness slips, testimony submissions, advocacy days, and in-district visits.
• Advocacy Council & Civic Engagement – Support the New Moms Advocacy Council, a group of alumni, program participants, staff, and Board representatives who help shape policy priorities. Assist with member recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning, and lead civic engagement efforts such as voter registration, election education, and advocacy trainings.
• Project Management & Reporting – Plan and manage policy events, campaigns, and trainings from start to finish. Maintain tracking systems for legislative activity, advocacy actions, stakeholder engagement, and Council participation. Coordinate across departments and contribute to reporting and evaluation of policy outcomes for leadership and funders.

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You Are:

• Passionate about advancing policies that support young moms and their families.
• A skilled writer who can translate complex policy issues and lived experiences into clear, compelling messages.
• A relationship-builder who enjoys collaborating with diverse partners and representing an organization in public settings.
• An organized project manager who can balance competing priorities, coordinate details, and meet deadlines.
• A thoughtful, resourceful decision-maker who exercises discretion and takes ownership of results.
• Committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and New Moms’ mission, values, and service model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in public policy, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• At least three years of experience in public policy, government relations, community organizing, advocacy, or a related field.
• Experience supporting advocacy efforts and engaging community members or stakeholders is preferred.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to develop persuasive policy materials for different audiences.
• Strong project management, organizational, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to build relationships, facilitate discussions, speak publicly, and represent New Moms professionally.
• Commitment to incorporating participant experiences and program knowledge into policy and advocacy efforts.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and automobile insurance.
• Ability to travel locally and to Springfield during the legislative session, with occasional out-of-state travel.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend events.

Work Environment: Must be able to sit/stand for up to 8 hours, walk stairs, and lift up to 30–40 lbs (or perform with reasonable accommodation). Work environments may vary.

Benefits & Perks: We care about the well-being of our team and are proud to offer a

comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical insurance with generous employer contribution
• Dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance – 100% employer-paid
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free counseling and resources
• Generous paid time off, as well as 15 paid holidays and half days on Fridays during the summer
• 403b retirement plan with employer match
• Pre-tax transportation benefits
• Professional development
• Free spiritual direction services