Assistant Director, Policy

APHSA -- American Public Human Services Association

Assistant Director of Policy at APHSA focusing on economic mobility programs and public health services. Leading research, analysis, and partnerships to enhance public benefits delivery systems.

Posted 6/16/2026full-timeArlington • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Monitor and analyze federal appropriations, regulations, legislation, and policy developments impacting health and human services.
Represent APHSA members’ interests with Congress, the federal administration, and national coalitions; build and maintain strong partnerships to expand policy influence.
Provide subject matter expertise in economic mobility, nutrition assistance, and workforce development programs, including SNAP, TANF, housing, energy assistance, child support, aging and disability services, and Medicaid.
Manage policy-related grants and contracts, ensuring alignment with APHSA’s strategic priorities and compliance with funder requirements.
Engage with state and local human services leaders and federal policymakers to identify challenges, advance solutions, and strengthen economic security programs.
Supervise and coach policy team members while supporting the advancement of APHSA’s policy priorities.
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support consistency and efficiency in policy development, member engagement, and advocacy efforts.
Support the planning and coordination of key internal and external meetings while facilitating data collection and analysis.
Lead policy content development and support APHSA’s engagement at conferences, national convenings, and other external events.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Work, Legal Studies or related field
5-7 years of experience in Human Services
3 years of supervisory experience
Deep understanding of public human services and economic mobility programs, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, workforce development, and/or related federal policy issues.
Proven ability to conduct and apply research to inform decision-making and evaluate complex issues.
Knowledge of government budgeting, appropriations, policymaking processes, and bipartisan policy development.
Proven ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff while supporting organizational strategy and departmental objectives.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic plans and goals.
Experience using measurement, evaluation, and data-informed decision-making to assess impact and support organizational goals.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to develop policy briefs and communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to travel (up to 20%)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, dental, and vision insurance
3% contribution to 401k or ROTH Plan
Hybrid work environment
Additional discretionary holidays included with 11 paid holidays
20 vacation days
15 sick/wellness days
Disability insurance
Life Insurance
FSA (health, dependent, commuter)
Optional employee-paid benefits (legal, pet insurance, critical illness, accident, STD/LTD)

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

economic mobilitynutrition assistanceworkforce developmentSNAPTANFMedicaidpolicy analysisgrant managementdata collectionstrategic planning

Soft Skills

supervisioncoachingcommunicationpartnership buildingproblem-solvingresearch applicationdecision-makingteam leadershipadvocacyorganizational strategy