Position: Policy and External Affairs Manager
Department: Administration
Pay Rate: $68,000- $72,000 Status: Exempt
Last Revised: 09.2025

Definition

The Policy and External Affairs Manager is responsible for advancing The Children's Cabinet's mission through research, analysis, and communication on public policy issues impacting children, youth, and families. This role manages relationships with policymakers, legislative staff, community partners, and coalitions to ensure The Children's Cabinet remains a trusted, nonpartisan resource on key policy areas. The Manager will track and analyze legislation, support external communications, and provide leadership in positioning The Children's Cabinet as a strong advocate for children and families across Nevada. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Programs Officer.

Supervision

This position does not currently supervise staff but may oversee interns, fellows, or volunteers assigned to policy and advocacy projects.

Duties

- Monitor federal, state, and local policy and legislative activity related to children, youth, and families.

- Analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and funding opportunities and summarize their potential impact.

- Prepare policy briefs, reports, and talking points for staff, board, and external stakeholders.

- Build and maintain constructive, nonpartisan relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, state agencies, and community partners.

- Represent The Children's Cabinet at policy meetings, hearings, task forces, and coalitions.

- Educate policymakers and stakeholders on The Children's Cabinet's services, data, and community impact.

- Partner with the CEO, COO, CPO and Leadership Team to align policy work with organizational priorities.

- Develop communication strategies to elevate The Children's Cabinet's policy priorities while maintaining compliance with 501(c)(3) guidelines.

- Draft external communications, including policy statements and legislative updates.

- Provide timely policy updates to leadership staff.

- Train staff on advocacy rules for nonprofits to ensure compliance.

- Support cross-department collaboration to strengthen data-informed policy recommendations.

- Represent The Children's Cabinet at community and partner events, ensuring alignment with organizational values and mission.

- Actively participate in agency-wide initiatives, staff meetings, and cross-functional teams.

- Perform other duties as requested by the CEO to support the mission and strategic direction of The Children's Cabinet.

Minimum Qualifications Needed:

Skills and Knowledge:

- Exceptional research, writing, and policy analysis skills.

- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory processes.

- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with executives, staff, elected officials, community partners, and funders.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with data systems and policy research tools preferred.

- Ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear, actionable information for diverse audiences.

Ability to:

- Represent The Children's Cabinet with professionalism in legislative, community, and public settings.

- Build and sustain positive, collaborative relationships with policymakers, stakeholders, and coalitions.

- Communicate complex policy and program issues clearly, both verbally and in writing.

- Anticipate organizational policy needs and proactively provide analysis, strategies, and recommendations.

- Troubleshoot challenges in fast-paced legislative and community environments.

- Maintain discretion and confidentiality in sensitive discussions with policymakers and leadership.

- Cultivate trust and credibility as a nonpartisan policy voice for children and families.

Special Requirements:

- Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.

- At least 3 years of experience in policy, government relations, public affairs, or related work in a nonprofit, government, or advocacy organization.

- Must have a reliable vehicle to get to and from work, events, and meetings.

- Must possess a valid Nevada driver's license, proof of insurance for utilizing a personal vehicle for company business, and a clean driving record.

- Must be capable of fulfilling all physical aspects of the job including but not limited to: being able to lift and carry 25 lbs.; able to walk up and down stairs, repetitive keystroking (initiating and responding to e-mails; drafting reports, etc.).

- Ability to work evenings and weekends, particularly during legislative sessions and community events.

- Extensive travel to Carson City, NV required during Nevada's legislative session and special session, which may include being based in Carson City for extended periods of time.

- Some travel required throughout Nevada; occasional national travel for training or conferences.

Benefits

Eligible to receive Children's Cabinet benefits for full-time staff.

The Children's Cabinet is an equal opportunity employer and encourages persons to apply regardless of their race, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, color, religion, national origin, age, handicap, familial status, political affiliation or beliefs.

It is the policy of The Children's Cabinet, Inc. that all employees are employed at will of both the employee and The Children's Cabinet.