Managing Director, Humanitarian Policy

Save the Children US

Managing Director of Humanitarian Policy at Save the Children protecting children affected by crises globally. Leading advocacy strategies and federal relations outreach in Washington, DC.

Posted 6/2/2026full-timeWashington, DC • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $143,650 - $160,550 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and lead U.S. global policy and advocacy strategy on countries and issues where Save the Children is providing major humanitarian and recovery assistance
Lead Save the Children’s humanitarian policy agenda on our full portfolio of issues, including conflict, natural disaster, famine, complex emergencies, civilian-military relations, and other humanitarian responses
Manage and prioritize federal humanitarian policy portfolio, leading agenda setting, development, and implementation of issue-specific advocacy strategies
Lead policy development and strategic planning for ongoing and emerging humanitarian crises
Advance Save the Children’s humanitarian priorities through strategic engagement with Congress, the Executive Branch, and multilateral institutions
Represent Save the Children in humanitarian policy coalitions, fostering bipartisan collaboration and leading or managing coalition efforts when appropriate
Monitor and develop subject-matter expertise on emerging humanitarian crises beyond the core portfolio
Brief Chief Policy Officer, Head of Policy, and senior colleagues on emerging developments, risks, and opportunities
Oversee the development of policy products, including reports, briefs, and external-facing materials, to support advocacy and public engagement
Manage the Humanitarian Policy Team and serve on the Government Relations Senior Management Team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
At least 10 years of relevant experience
Proven experience in legislative/lobbying, government relations, or humanitarian policy advocacy, including on Capitol Hill or relevant federal agency
Demonstrated familiarity with the legislative process, including authorization and appropriations
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain bipartisan relationships and navigate politically diverse environments
Strong people and program management experience, including planning, prioritization and execution skills, along with demonstrated experience in managing multiple priorities and competing demands
Strategic thinker with strong analytic skills
Experience working in coalitions or cross-sector policy alliances
Professional proficiency in MS Office suite
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible schedules and time off: Flexible schedules, generous PTO, 11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays and hybrid working opportunities
Health: Competitive health care, dental and vision coverage for you and your family
Family: A variety of paid leaves: caregiver, parental/adoption, critical child illness and fertility benefits
Employee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees
Retirement: A retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year)
Wellness: 15 safety and wellness days annually (if hired on or after July 1, safety and wellness days prorated to 8 days), mental health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events
Employee Assistance Program : free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services
Learning & Growth: Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships

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

humanitarian policy advocacylegislative processgovernment relationsstrategic planningpolicy developmentissue-specific advocacy strategiesprogram managementanalytical skillscoalition buildingbipartisan collaboration

Soft Skills

strategic thinkingpeople managementprioritizationexecution skillsrelationship buildingcommunication skillsnavigating politically diverse environmentsmonitoring emerging developmentsbriefing senior colleaguesmanaging multiple priorities