Senior Director of Public Partnerships & Policy

About LA's BESTLA's BEST is a public/private partnership between the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), and the private sector, working together to provide safe, engaging, and enriching afterschool programming for elementary school students. Established 38 years ago, LA's BEST serves children in neighborhoods with the greatest needs but the fewest resources, ensuring access to meaningful learning experiences beyond the school day.Through this public-private partnership, LAUSD operates the program, the City of Los Angeles provides crucial public support, and the nonprofit entity advocates for funding and resources. This shared commitment allows LA's BEST to provide high-quality enrichment activities that nurture academic growth, social-emotional well-being for students while also supporting working families across Los Angeles.At LA's BEST, we believe that diversity fuels innovation, creativity, and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual's unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are valued and celebrated. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Join us in our mission to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive and contribute their best work. Your voice matters, and we invite you to bring your authentic self to our team.Job Overview & ResponsibilitiesReporting to the President & CEO, the Senior Director of Public Partnerships & Policy plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of LA's BEST by spearheading relationship development, advocacy initiatives, and policy research. This position involves building and maintaining strategic partnerships with government entities and advocacy organizations to secure public funds and advocate for policies beneficial to LA's BEST and its beneficiaries. The Senior Director of Public Partnerships & Policy is also responsible for monitoring legislative and policy developments, conducting research on relevant trends, and synthesizing findings to inform advocacy strategies. Collaborating closely with internal teams, the Senior Director of Public Partnerships & Policy will help drive communication efforts to position LA's BEST as a thought leader in the expanded learning field while fostering a culture of collaboration and partnership both internally and externally. Core responsibilities include: Relationship Development & Advocacy (approximately 40%):Developing and nurturing relationships with local, county, state, and federal entities, including the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, LAUSD, state agencies and legislative offices, and federal departments and elected officials, along with key department heads and senior leadership within each public agency.In partnership with the President & CEO, serving as a primary liaison between LA's BEST and public institutions, advocacy organizations, and partner organizations.Supporting the President & CEO in maintaining and strengthening relationships with government and elected officials, ensuring effective communication and collaboration on policy and advocacy efforts.Leading efforts to influence statewide coalition work and collaborating with key stakeholders to advance policy initiatives and achieve common goals.Collaborating with key stakeholders to identify and pursue public funding opportunities to support LA's BEST's programming and initiatives.Maintaining relationships with public agencies and stakeholders to secure ongoing financial support.Advocating for policies and funding that align with LA's BEST's goals and mission.Collaborating with other youth development organizations to enhance advocacy efforts and strengthen the overall systems of services for LA's BEST's beneficiaries.Participating in coalitions, task forces, and working groups to advance shared advocacy goals and amplify collective impact.Fostering a culture of deep collaboration and partnership both internally and externally to maximize resources and achieve common objectives.Policy Monitoring & Research (approximately 30%):Monitoring legislative and policy developments at the local, state, and federal levels that impact LA's BEST and the communities it serves.Leveraging policy knowledge to inform internal strategy, finance, and operational decisions, ensuring alignment with regulatory developments and advocacy goals.Researching and analyzing relevant policies and funding opportunities to inform partnership and advocacy strategies.Researching and identifying new opportunities for public funding to support LA's BEST's programs and initiatives.Synthesizing research findings to inform advocacy strategies and organizational positioning.Conducting ongoing research related to trends and issues impacting the fields of expanded learning and youth development.Communications & Thought Leadership (approximately 30%):Providing recommendations to the President & CEO for strategic planning, ensuring alignment with public policy trends and opportunities for advancing the mission of LA's BEST.Collaborating with the President & CEO to develop and execute strategies that position them as a thought leader in expanded learning, leveraging public partnerships and policy initiatives to advance the organization's influence and impact.Partnering with the Marketing & Communications department to create and disseminate communications content and collateral to support policy and advocacy efforts, including email campaigns, social media content, website updates, and traditional media outreach.Collaborating with the Director of Marketing & Communications to ensure messaging aligns with advocacy goals and organizational branding.Positioning LA's BEST as a thought leader in the field of expanded learning by building relationships and effectively communicating the organization's impact and initiatives.Sharing knowledge and insights with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive collaborative efforts and improve services for LA's BEST's children and families.Core CompetenciesAbility to maintain regular and consistent attendance.Ability to develop and nurture relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government entities, advocacy organizations, funders, and partner organizations, to advance the mission and goals of LA's BEST.Proficiency in advocating for policies and funding that align with the organization's mission, as well as monitoring legislative and policy developments at the local, state, and federal levels.Skilled in conducting policy research, analyzing trends, and synthesizing findings to inform advocacy strategies.Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and coalitions to identify funding opportunities, enhance advocacy efforts, and amplify collective impact.Understanding of financial principles and strategies to secure ongoing financial support for LA's BEST's programming and initiatives.Strong communication skills, including the ability to support the creation and distribution of communications content and collateral to support policy and advocacy efforts.Proficient in conducting research related to policy, funding opportunities, and trends impacting the fields of expanded learning and youth development.Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work environments, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in managing diverse responsibilities and responding to emerging challenges and opportunities.Qualifications & Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, international relations, or a related field is required; graduate degree is highly preferred.A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in public policy, government relations, advocacy, or community organizing is required, with a proven track record of building and maintaining strategic partnerships and advocating for policies at the local, state, and federal levels.Demonstrated ability to develop and nurture relationships with government entities, advocacy organizations, funders, and partner organizations to advance organizational goals and mission.Proficiency in advocating for policies and funding that align with organizational goals, as well as monitoring legislative and policy developments at multiple levels of government.Strong research and writing skills, including the ability to conduct policy research, analyze trends, synthesize findings, and translate research into actionable advocacy strategies.Understanding of financial principles and strategies to secure ongoing financial support for programs and initiatives, including experience in identifying and pursuing public funding opportunities.Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to effectively communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences and support the creation and distribution of communications content and collateral.Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and coalitions to identify funding opportunities and enhance advocacy efforts.Compensation $113,785.00 - $182,055.00 per year; commensurate with experience.Work LocationCurrently, there is a hybrid work environment with three days per week required at the office in downtown Los Angeles (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays). Occasional evening and weekend work is required throughout the year. Candidates must also be able to travel to school sites and meetings/events within L.A. County on a regular basis and have access to reliable and timely transportation. Company BenefitsLA's BEST provides employer-paid medical, dental, & vision insurance for employees, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match after six months of continuous employment, paid time off, and other benefits.Equal OpportunityLA's BEST is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request (LA's BEST is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request). How to ApplyPlease submit a resume and a cover letter with your application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. We kindly ask that applicants do not contact employees of LA's BEST directly regarding the status of their application.

Created: 2026-04-02