Policy & Advocacy Analyst

The Policy & Advocacy Analyst will lead and operationalize United Way of Greater Houston's (UWGH) policy and advocacy efforts to advance inclusive, data-informed solutions for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. This role is critical to positioning UWGH as a leading voice on the challenges facing low-income individuals and families and the policies needed to create pathways to financial stability and mobility. The Analyst will translate research, community insights, and data into actionable advocacy strategies, working closely with the Strategy, Learning & Analytics team to inform policy priorities grounded in evidence and lived experience. This role will support and prepare UWGH's leadership, staff, volunteers, and partners to engage in advocacy efforts, while contributing to external engagement with coalitions and stakeholders. The position also plays a key role in building internal advocacy capacity and developing clear, compelling messaging that strengthens UWGH's voice and impact.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide day-to-day support and execution of UWGH's education, advocacy and policy efforts across local, state, and federal levels. Track legislative and public policy priorities and keep UWGH leadership, staff, and volunteers informed of key developments and opportunities for engagement. Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President of Strategy, Learning & Analytics to develop and implement advocacy strategies and calls to action aligned with UWGH priorities. Represent and support UWGH's engagement in coalitions, conferences, and task forces, and help prepare leadership for interactions with policymakers and community stakeholders. Develop and refine messaging and materials including action alerts, talking points, testimony, issue briefs, letters, press statements, op-eds, and reports that translate data and community insights into compelling narratives. Build and maintain relationships with community partners and coalition members to advance shared policy goals and strengthen UWGH's role as a trusted voice on ALICE issues.

Continuously improve knowledge and expertise:

Continuously build and apply knowledge of policy, research, and best practices impacting ALICE households. Seek out and synthesize literature, community insights, 211 data, and other local trusted data sources to stay informed on emerging issues, trends, and opportunities at the local, state, and national levels. Leverage this knowledge to inform UWGH's policy agenda, strengthen advocacy strategies, and provide strategic guidance to internal and external stakeholders. Translate complex information including real-time insights from 211 and UWGH's Integrated Client Journey (ICJ) data into accessible insights that educate and engage partners, staff, and the broader community, ensuring UWGH's policy and advocacy work remains relevant, data-informed, and impactful. Provide cross-functional collaboration for planning and implementation within Community Impact division and departments: Manage projects and collaborations with internal and external stakeholders. Lead various planning and development efforts within Community Impact division as directed.

Constituent Relationships:

Work with UWGH's Advancement team to identify, develop and implement opportunities to communicate work, UWGH goals and priorities to constituents. Be an effective and compelling communicator of the same to advance engagement and brand value.

Other:

Perform special assignments and other work, on an as-needed basis. Demonstrate a willingness to take on additional duties to ensure the success of the team. Evening and weekend work required on occasion.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university is required.

EXPERIENCE

Five (5) or more years of professional experience performing similar duties, with three (3) of the years being of governmental, legislative, regulatory, or related community relations experience. Working knowledge of the political and business dynamics across Greater Houston, including Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery, and Waller counties. Policy analysis and technical writing skills are required. Proven ability to translate highly technical specifications into clear non-technical requirements. Strong project management, public speaking, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships, resolve conflict constructively, think strategically, and manage a diverse group of organizations and community stakeholders.