Description

The Policy Advisor serves as the chief policy strategist and advisor to the Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Division Director. ADS is division of the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) and the federally designated Area Agency on Aging for Seattle–King County.

This position provides senior-level leadership and analysis on policies affecting older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers. The Policy Advisor leads the division’s advocacy and public policy work, oversees a small team supporting two community advisory boards, and ensures alignment among local, regional, and state policy initiatives.

Working in partnership with other City departments, King County, community-based organizations, and state and federal partners, the Policy Advisor advances equitable programs and policies that promote health, dignity, and quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities.

Job Responsibilities:

Policy Strategy

• Serve as the AAA Director’s primary advisor on public policy and systems-level initiatives related to aging and disability services.
• Analyze and interpret federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, and budget proposals; assess implications for programs, funding, and clients.
• Draft policy briefs, memos, position statements, and legislative recommendations.
• Coordinate strategic alignment of ADS initiatives with department and city priorities.

Advocacy and External Relations

• Lead policy and advocacy strategies in collaboration with local, state, and national advocacy partners.
• Represent the AAA on regional, state, and federal coalitions, advisory groups, and workgroups focused on aging and disability policy.
• Maintain strong working relationships with local, state, and community partners to inform and advance shared priorities.
• Oversee policy team that supports two volunteer advisory boards, the ADS Advisory Council and the Mayor’s Council on African American Elders, which serve as the division’s advocacy and community engagement arms. 
• Prepare accessible policy summaries, reports, and presentations for policy makers, advisory groups, and public audiences.
• Support internal and external communications related to aging policy, advocacy efforts, and community outreach.
• Represent Aging and Disability Services at community and government forums.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:  

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, social work, gerontology, or a closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in public policy analysis, government affairs, or community advocacy, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity.

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of state and federal policies that impact older adults and people with disabilities, including experience working with Area Agencies on Aging.
• Experience working in large government or public sector agency and/or operating in a high-profile and structured legislative or policy environment.
• Adaptability and flexibility, with demonstrated success operating in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments and ability to shift between strategic thinking and tactical execution.
• Political and organizational savvy.
• Leadership skills, including the ability to guide teams and advance initiatives without direct authority and to build relationships with a diverse range of partners.
• Strong ability to synthesize complex policy information and communicate clearly and diplomatically for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated history of centering racial equity and equity-based decision-making.