VP of Advocacy / Policy

Reporting and scope

Reports to the Executive Director / CEO or a Chief Policy Officer. Authority covers the organization's policy agenda, lobbying activity and government relationships.

Core responsibilities

• Sets the policy agenda with the CEO and board
• Directs lobbying at federal, state or local levels and tracks lobbying expenses for reporting
• Builds coalitions with partner organizations
• Oversees policy research, testimony and public comments
• Mobilizes members, volunteers or affiliates for grassroots campaigns
• Works with counsel on limits for lobbying and political activity

How it differs

Chief Policy Officer is the top policy executive in organizations that have one; this VP role may report to that person. Director of Advocacy and Director of Government Affairs run narrower pieces of the work at a lower level. VP of Communications owns public messaging, though the two roles often share campaigns.

By organization size

In smaller organizations the role is a one-person shop doing its own lobbying. In large national groups, including those with an affiliated 501(c)(4), it leads a team of lobbyists, analysts and field organizers.