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

About Race Forward

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.

Position Summary

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Policy Strategy and Development

• 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.

Movement and Government Partnerships

• 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.

Research, Reports, and Tools Development

• 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.

Project Management and Internal Systems

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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, housing, economic justice).
• Facilitation and Convening: Strong facilitation skills and ability to support multi-stakeholder groups toward alignment and shared strategy.
• Communications: Capacity to clearly articulate policy issues verbally and in writing, and to contribute to narrative and strategic communications campaigns.
• Relationship Building: Experience building trust and collaboration with movement leaders, government officials, funders, and peer intermediaries.
• Leadership: Ability to mentor staff, foster teamwork, and cultivate an environment rooted in anti-oppressive practice.
• Public Engagement: Confidence and skill in presenting to diverse, multiracial audiences, including at national forums.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong critical thinking, curiosity, problem-solving, and systems thinking skills.
• Operational Skills: Familiarity with grant management, contracts, budgeting, and organizational systems.

Qualifications and Experience

At least 8 years of experience in racial equity policy advocacy, government practice, or movement-building/organizing/campaigns with a demonstrated ability to connect community-rooted strategies to policy change.

Demonstrated knowledge of the systemic causes of racial inequity and their intersections with other forms of oppression (political, economic, cultural, environmental, and more) as they relate to public policy.

Strong understanding of governance structures across local, state, and federal levels, including:

• How public policy is made and implemented
• Public finance mechanisms
• Systems of public participation and community engagement
• Networks of community-based advocacy
• Role of public institutions and national intermediaries.

Proven experience in strategic thinking and planning to foster collaboration, demonstrate impact, and strengthen democratic practice.

Demonstrated success in project and time management across multiple, complex initiatives.

Deep experience designing and facilitating multiracial, cross-sector groups, with a focus on building democratic decision-making and shared values/priorities.

Track record of working in teams and collaborations that actively challenge systems of oppression and model equity-centered practice.

Additional Information

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

How to Apply

External Applicants: To apply for this position, please click the link below. To ensure full consideration, please be sure to include both a cover letter and resume with your application.

Apply Here

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Race Forward is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Race Forward will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at HRSupport@RaceForward.org.

EEO Statement

Race Forward provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.