Vice President of Public Policy

The Vice President of Public Policy is a dynamic leadership role that shapes and advances Philanthropy Ohio's public policy strategy at the state and federal levels. As the organization's primary policy advocate, this leader will engage, convene and mobilize Philanthropy Ohio's diverse membership to identify shared policy priorities and amplify the collective voice of philanthropy across Ohio.

Background

Philanthropy Ohio is a statewide membership association that leads and equips Ohio philanthropy to be effective partners for change in our communities. Working towards a vision of a just and vibrant Ohio through impactful philanthropy, our dedicated staff helps members achieve their charitable goals by advocating, educating, convening and collaborating – all while centering equity.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Public Policy is a dynamic leadership role that shapes and advances Philanthropy Ohio's public policy strategy at the state and federal levels. As the organization's primary policy advocate, this leader will engage, convene and mobilize Philanthropy Ohio's diverse membership to identify shared policy priorities and amplify the collective voice of philanthropy across Ohio.

Working at the intersection of policy, relationship-building and member engagement, the Vice President will cultivate constellations of public policy work across the state – connecting foundations, community leaders and partners around common issues and opportunities for impact. Through these networks, the Vice President will foster collaboration, elevate member voices and help transform local expertise into statewide influence. The Vice President will guide interested members along the advocacy engagement spectrum, meeting them where they are and helping them take meaningful next steps that complement their funding priorities through active advocacy.

This role provides strategic vision and oversight for all public policy initiatives, leads member-driven policy affinity groups, serves as Philanthropy Ohio's primary registered lobbyist and manages the staff and consultants who support its advocacy efforts. The Vice President also collaborates closely with coalition partners to advance shared policy priorities and takes on special projects that further the organization's mission and strategic goals.

This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the President & CEO. The position may be based anywhere in Ohio, with regular travel to Columbus and statewide to engage with legislators, state leaders, Philanthropy Ohio members and key partners.

Primary Responsibilities

Public Policy Strategy & Advocacy

• Shape and advance Philanthropy Ohio's state and federal public policy agenda, advancing policies that strengthen Ohio's communities and the charitable sector.
• Serve as the organization's primary public policy expert and advocate. Translate complex legislative and regulatory developments into timely, practical guidance including policy briefs, action alerts and educational resources for members in collaboration with the Public Policy and Grants Director.
• Represent Philanthropy Ohio before state and federal policymakers, legislative bodies and sector partners, including providing testimony, engaging with contract lobbyists and serving as the organization's lead spokesperson on public policy issues.

Member Engagement & Field Leadership

• Activate and mobilize members through meaningful opportunities for learning, advocacy, leadership and collective action.
• Working with the Network Engagement Director, cultivate member networks, committees and coalitions that elevate shared priorities that strengthen the philanthropic sector and advance shared policy priorities.
• Lead signature advocacy initiatives, including Foundations on the Hill in Washington, D.C., Philanthropy at the Statehouse in Columbus and other public policy events.

Partnership & Coalition Building

• Build and sustain strategic relationships with policymakers, government agencies, philanthropy-infrastructure organizations, coalition partners and other stakeholders to amplify philanthropy's collective voice and advance shared policy goals.

Organizational Leadership

• Provide leadership across the organization as a member of the Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, organizational priorities, revenue generation and culture.
• Lead and develop the public policy team and external consultants by setting departmental priorities and stewarding resources to maximize impact.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Work closely with the Communications & Membership team to develop compelling policy communications, advocacy campaigns and member engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with the Programs & Learning team to design educational offerings, convenings and learning opportunities that help members understand and engage in public policy and advocacy.

Preferred Qualifications for this Position

• Deep experience in philanthropy and understanding of how different types of foundations can legally engage in public policy and advocacy work.
• Specific knowledge of public policy issues in Ohio and the U.S. (including health, education, housing, democracy, charitable giving and sector issues.)
• Deep experience understanding in how policies are formed, influenced, adopted and implemented.
• Experience in navigating the political system to achieve desired outcomes.
• Experience in a membership association.
• Supervisory experience.
• Four-year college degree preferred.

Qualifications Common to all Positions at Philanthropy Ohio

• Commitment to our core values of Community, Courage, Voice, Integrity and Equity.

• Experience with organized philanthropy.

• Attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality, timely work products.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of settings and styles.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to be flexible in working remotely and on-site.
• Use time and resources well and ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Approach responsibilities creatively and innovatively with the goal of continuous improvement.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Zoom, Slack, Salesforce and project management tools.

Salary & Compensation

At Philanthropy Ohio, we believe great work happens when people are supported both professionally and personally. The pay band for this role is $95,000-$115,000. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 3 weeks of vacation
• 2 weeks of office-wide closures for rest & reset (1 week each in July and December)
• 15 days of accrued sick leave
• 8 paid holidays
• Half-day Fridays all year long
• 8 weeks of parental leave benefits
• 401k retirement benefits
• Paid parking
• Employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision and disability & life insurance.

As a remote-first organization, this position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere in Ohio while staying closely connected to colleagues, members and partners through meaningful in-person engagement and travel across the state as needed.

Application:

Apply by sending your cover letter and resume to employment@philanthropyohio.org by August 28.

Philanthropy Ohio is an equal opportunity employer. There shall be no discrimination of persons on the basis of race, age, sex, marital status, disability, citizenship, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation or belief with regard to hiring, assignment, promotion or other conditions of staff employment.