About SoCal Grantmakers SoCal Grantmakers (SCG) is the regional association for philanthropists and Grantmakers working to make a difference in Southern California communities and worldwide. SCG's mission is to mobilize philanthropy to learn and take bold action by acting as a leadership hub for its members to connect, improve their grantmaking, and amplify their independent efforts through collaborative work. SCG is a philanthropy-supporting organization and nonprofit located in Downtown Los Angeles, California, that champions effective philanthropy across eight Southern California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Our community includes approximately 300 members representing the spectrum of philanthropy, including corporate giving programs, family foundations, public foundations, individual philanthropists, private, independent, operating and community foundations, philanthropic advisors, government Grantmakers, and grantmaking 501(c)3 organizations. SCG also is part of Philanthropy California, an initiative of Northern California Grantmakers, SoCal Grantmakers, and Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties. Our alliance's combined membership represents more than 700 philanthropic organizations investing billions every year to support communities across the state, the country, and worldwide. Internally, SCG strives to be an anti-racist organization. We recognize and support the leadership, well-being, and identities of our staff as our most valuable resource. SCG is governed by a 19-member Board of Directors and has 31 staff members. For more information, please visit our website at www.socalgrantmakers.org.

Our core values are:

Boldness :

We embrace taking risks and placing big bets.

Community :

We believe in the power of collaborating with our members and partners across sectors, viewpoints, and experiences.

Equity :

We work to address structural inequities and transform those barriers into opportunities for all people.

Impact :

We work to create meaningful and lasting change in the world around us.

Inclusion :

We believe in environments where all are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate.

Leadership :

We play a powerful role to advance community-led solutions, civic partnerships, and public policies for transformative change.

Learning :

We encourage curiosity and creativity as crucial tools that help us address and adapt to the complex, fast-changing challenges we face.

Racial Equity :

We explicitly consider and name race amongst other indicators of identity when exploring structural and root causes of disparities. The Opportunity The Director, Policy & Advocacy advances Southern California Grantmakers' public policy and advocacy priorities by translating strategy into coordinated action, managing key initiatives and partnerships, and engaging members and policymakers on issues affecting philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, and communities. The Director brings extensive policy knowledge, project leadership, and experience in the philanthropic sector, with the ability to move priorities from strategy to execution. The role represents SCG and, as appropriate, Philanthropy California with members, policymakers, public agencies, philanthropy-serving organizations, nonprofit partners, and other stakeholders. The Director will be part of the Philanthropy California Public Policy Team, and will collaborate with statewide colleagues on coordinated policy, advocacy, and government relations efforts. The Public Policy & Advocacy and Philanthropy California Team The Public Policy & Government Relations team consists of the Vice President of Philanthropy California & Public Policy, the Coordinator of Public Policy & Government Relations, and a Fellow in Public Policy & Government Relations. The team tracks, analyzes, and acts on legislation that affects the philanthropic sector and the communities it serves. They provide opportunities for SCG members to engage with policymakers and learn about advocacy efforts in which they can participate. Additionally, the team collaborates with policy and program staff across the state through our statewide alliance, Philanthropy California.

Required Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of policy expertise, strategic judgment, strong relationship building skills, and the ability to move seamlessly between strategy and execution.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education or professional experience required. 4 or more years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, government relations, legislative affairs, advocacy, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, government, or a related field. Residence in the SoCal region and have the ability to travel throughout Southern California, Sacramento, and periodically to Washington, D.C., and other locations as needed. Strong knowledge of the California legislative, regulatory, budget, and policymaking environment; experience with federal or local government policy is highly valued. Previous experience supervising staff, consultants, fellows, or other reportees.

Experience & Skills:

Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legislative and regulatory issues and translate them into strategic recommendations and accessible communications. Experience developing and executing policy advocacy agendas, government relations, legislative, regulatory, or public affairs strategies. Strong project leadership skills and demonstrated ability to move complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives from concept through execution. Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted thought partner and contribute constructively to strategic decision-making. Proven ability to effectively present information in one-on-one situations, group situations and public speaking engagements to persons or groups including elected officials, members, or other employees of the organization Excellent research, analytical, writing, editing, presentation, and verbal communication skills. Experience with the creation of public comments, position statements, and other persuasive correspondence in accordance with the organization's mission and values. Ability to quickly synthesize complex information for internal and external use and develop effective briefings, recommendations, talking points, and other materials. Experience working effectively with people and organizations representing diverse political, cultural, geographic, and institutional perspectives. Experience working in philanthropy or a membership, network, coalition, or intermediary organization is strongly preferred, but not required. Role Level & Competency Alignment This role is aligned to SCG's People Manager competency framework. This framework defines leadership expectations for roles with responsibility for supervising others at SCG, regardless of title. People Manager contributors at SCG are expected not only to perform their own work well, but to translate expectations into clear, equitable, and actionable team practices. For this role, strong candidates will demonstrate: Relational Leadership & Accountability Working Leadership Systems Thinking & Navigation Cross Functional Collaboration & Influence Equity in Practice Initiative in Ambiguity Key Specific Responsibilities Strategy, Leadership & Partnership Partner with the Vice President and Public Policy Team to develop and implement annual and long-term policy, advocacy, and government relations strategies aligned with SCG's mission, priorities, and values. Translate organizational priorities into actionable strategies, partnerships, member engagement opportunities, and workplans. Identify emerging legislative, regulatory, and policy issues and assess implications for SCG, its members, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector. Lead policy initiatives and special projects from strategy through implementation, coordinating with internal staff, members, and external partners. Serve as an internal policy and advocacy resource, helping integrate policy work across programs, communications, membership engagement, and other teams. Represent the Vice President and SCG in meetings, convenings, and policy-related discussions as appropriate. Support an organizational culture of collaboration, shared leadership, accountability, continuous learning, and equity. Public Policy, Advocacy & Government Relations Build and maintain relationships with state and local policymakers, public agencies, nonprofit and advocacy organizations, and philanthropic partners. Represent SCG and Philanthropy California, as appropriate, in legislative meetings, administrative proceedings, hearings, briefings, coalition meetings, and other public policy forums. Monitor policy developments and provide senior leadership and relevant staff with timely, accurate, and actionable information. Track SCG's policy priorities, agenda, engagement, and advocacy work, recommending strategy adjustments as circumstances evolve. Translate complex policy developments into clear communications for members and external audiences in coordination with SCG staff. Member Engagement through Policy Programming & Convenings Create opportunities and provide guidance for SCG members to understand and engage in public policy, advocacy, government relations, and philanthropy's role in systems change. Develop briefings, webinars, convenings, roundtables, written updates, policy newsletter content, and other resources that help members respond to emerging policy developments. Contribute substantively to SCG's annual Public Policy Conference, Annual Conference, public policy convenings, and other opportunities that bring together philanthropy, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and community partners. Co-lead Philanthropy in Sacramento Day and Foundations on the Hill, as well as other state and federal advocacy activities. Staff and support SCG's Public Policy Advisory Committee, including the creation of agendas, background materials, recommendations, and follow-ups. Collaborate with the Vice President and Membership team to identify members interested in becoming involved in policy work or funding policy work. Organizational Responsibilities Support the management of consultants, team members, or advocacy partners as assigned. Participate in the development and management of the Public Policy & Government Relations annual budget and work plan. Supervise policy staff, fellows, interns, or consultants as assigned. All other duties as assigned. Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $125,000 commensurate with experience and aligned with SCG's compensation practices.

SCG offers:

Hybrid/remote work opportunity 36-hour work week Paid vacation and sick leave Employer contribution to 403b plan Up to 100% employer-funded comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage 14 paid holidays, including two floating holidays Office closure from December 24 through New Year's Day Monthly wellness stipend Final salary placement within the posted range is based on role requirements, relevant experience, internal equity, and SCG's compensation practices. To Apply Please submit resume and cover letter as a single document to talent@socalgrantmakers.org with Director, Public Policy & Advocacy in subject line. No phone calls please. Applications must be received by October 15, 2026. Equal Opportunity Hiring Statement SCG is an equal opportunity employer. SCG is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application process or interview process, please contact Karen Freeman, Chief Operating Officer at karen@socalgrantmakers.org.