TITLE Chief Policy Officer
Supervisor President & CEO
Description
This position provides strategic leadership to shape and advance the organization’s policy agenda, ensuring alignment with its mission and long-term vision. They lead policy development, advocacy, and government relations while serving as a key advisor to MNA Senior Leadership Team. The role also strengthens the organization’s influence by fostering partnerships, guiding research, and representing the organization as a trusted policy expert.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Develop and lead the organization’s overall policy strategy in alignment with the mission, long-term vision, and strategic plan.
- Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and risks across the policy landscape to guide organizational priorities.
- Serve as an advisor to the Board, and leadership team on policy matters.
Policy Development & Advocacy
- Direct the creation, analysis, and refinement of policy positions, legislative proposals, and regulatory responses.
- Oversee advocacy strategies at the local, state, and federal levels; ensure alignment across campaigns.
- Build strong relationships with lawmakers, government agencies, coalitions, and key stakeholders.
- Provide expert testimony, public statements, and high-level representation on policy issues.
Government Affairs & External Relations
- Represent the organization in legislative hearings, meetings, coalitions, and key policy forums.
- Maintain proactive engagement with policymakers to advance priority initiatives.
- Collaborate with communications teams to ensure policy messaging is consistent, compelling, and strategically timed.
Internal Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead and mentor policy, research, and government affairs staff.
- Partner closely with communications, legal, program, and development teams to ensure policy priorities are integrated across the organization.
- Translate complex policy issues for internal audiences and support organizational readiness around policy shifts.
Research & Data-Driven Decision Making
- Oversee policy research, data collection, and analysis to ensure positions are evidence-based.
- Evaluate the impact of existing and proposed policies on key populations or operational areas.
- Ensure timely production of policy briefs, white papers, and stakeholder resources.
Compliance & Accountability
- Monitor compliance with relevant state and federal regulations.
- Anticipate regulatory changes and guide organizational adaptations.
- Ensure board and leadership team are informed through timely updates and reports.
Organizational Representation & Thought Leadership
- Act as a public-facing policy expert through media, conferences, op-eds, and thought-leadership platforms.
- Strengthen the organization’s reputation as a trusted, credible voice in its policy domain.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Seasoned professional and confident communicator, with experience managing communications and serving as a spokesperson for high-profile leaders or organizations.
- Enthusiastic advocate for the nonprofit sector, with a deep commitment to advancing MNA’s mission, values, and impact.
- Strong communicator with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, including board members, policymakers, and elected officials.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, ensuring high-quality, equitable outcomes in all areas of work.
- Strategic and innovative thinker with a proven record of translating big ideas into actionable plans and measurable results.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and deliver excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative leader and self-starter who thrives in an entrepreneurial, evolving organization and contributes to a positive, solutions-oriented team culture.
- Flexible, diplomatic, and dependable, with sound judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism and discretion.
- Strong analytical, project management, and interpersonal skills, coupled with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Effective listener and communicator, known for responsiveness that is thoughtful, timely, and tactful.
- Comfortable working in a diverse, hybrid team environment, maintaining accountability and professionalism whether working independently or collaboratively.
- High integrity and ethical standards, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for results.
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship management skills, with the ability to represent the organization externally and influence key audiences.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-sector initiatives and advancing organizational visibility, reputation, and impact.
Workplace & Organizational Culture
- We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every employee feels they belong, are respected, and are valued for who they are. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
- At MNA, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice guide our hiring practices. We know our team is stronger when it reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, which drives better ideas, solutions, and impact.
- We take pride in a culture that supports work–life integration, helping our team thrive both personally and professionally.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in external affairs, public relations, public policy, government affairs, or stakeholder engagement, preferably at a senior or leadership level.
- Proven success building and managing strategic relationships with policymakers, funders, media, and community or corporate partners.
- Experience working within nonprofit, philanthropic, or membership-based organizations is strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree required in public administration, communications, public policy, journalism, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
SUPERVISORY ROLE
EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT
- This position is classified as exempt and does not receive overtime pay compensation.
LOCATION
- Candidates must reside in Michigan or be willing to relocate to the state.
- This role requires regular, predictable in-person participation and cannot be performed fully remotely.
- In-person responsibilities will take place statewide across Michigan, with a strong focus in the Lansing area.
- MNA also hosts periodic in-person gatherings that bring the full team together for collaboration, connection & planning.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE – MNA believes great work deserves great support
- Salary Range – $115,000 - $125,000
- Comprehensive Benefits- a package that supports your health, well-being and future, including:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care & Dependent Care options)
- Life insurance, plus short- and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) with employer match and 403(b) retirement plan options
- Generous vacation, paid time off (PTO, paid holidays, and a flexible work schedule to support work-life integration.
- Professional Growth: Annual funding is provided to support your ongoing learning, training, and development opportunities.
If you’re excited about this opportunity and want to learn more about joining the Michigan Nonprofit Association team, we’d love to hear from you!
How to Apply
HOW TO APPLY
- Please submit your resume and cover letter to Beckie Hawes-Baggett at hr@mnaonline.org.
- MNA is accepting resumes through JANUARY 30, 2026