Public Policy Manager Jobs
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Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC)
Florida | Full-Time | Remote Hybrid Eligible
Influence Policy. Champion Advocacy. Drive Lasting Systems Change.
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) is seeking an accomplished, mission-driven Director of Public Policy & Advocacy to help advance public policies and advocacy initiatives that improve the lives of Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced public policy and advocacy professional to work at the intersection of government relations, disability rights, legislative education, and statewide systems change. Working closely with the Executive Director, Council members, policymakers, advocacy organizations, and community partners, the Director will help shape policy priorities, strengthen collaborative relationships, and advance initiatives that promote independence, inclusion, self-determination, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Florida.
About FDDC
FDDC is Florida's federally funded Developmental Disabilities Council, established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act). The Council identifies pressing needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and advances innovative programs, public policy initiatives, advocacy efforts, and collaborative partnerships designed to improve Florida's systems of services and supports.
FDDC's work is guided by a comprehensive Five-Year State Plan and a commitment to ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have opportunities to participate fully in their communities and make informed choices about their lives.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy plays an important role in advancing FDDC's legislative education, public policy, and advocacy priorities at the state and federal levels.
The Director serves as a key resource to Council leadership on emerging legislation, regulatory developments, and policy issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities. This position develops and maintains relationships with government officials, legislators, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders while coordinating efforts that strengthen the Council's voice and influence in public policy discussions.
The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of the legislative process, the ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable strategies, and a genuine commitment to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Key Responsibilities
The Director of Public Policy & Advocacy will:
- Advance public policy priorities by working with the Executive Director and Public Policy Committee to identify, develop, and coordinate advocacy initiatives aligned with FDDC's Five-Year State Plan.
- Build influential relationships with Florida legislators, legislative staff, executive branch officials, government agencies, disability organizations, and community partners.
- Monitor and analyze legislation and policy developments at the state and federal levels, evaluating their potential impact on individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and Council priorities.
- Serve as a trusted policy resource by preparing legislative briefings, policy analyses, educational materials, and recommendations for Council leadership, stakeholders, and policymakers.
- Coordinate legislative education and advocacy activities, including meetings with elected officials, stakeholder forums, Disability Awareness Day activities, and disability policy seminars.
- Strengthen grassroots advocacy by supporting self-advocates, families, caregivers, and Council members in developing the knowledge, communication skills, and confidence to participate effectively in public policy discussions.
- Facilitate collaborative partnerships with advocacy coalitions, legislative consortia, task forces, and other organizations to identify shared priorities and opportunities for systems change.
- Support the Public Policy Committee through meeting coordination, policy updates, research, and implementation of committee priorities.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state requirements governing legislative education, lobbying, and advocacy activities.
The Ideal Candidate
FDDC is looking for a knowledgeable, relationship-driven professional who combines public policy expertise with a passion for advocacy and meaningful systems change.
The strongest candidates will demonstrate:
- Extensive knowledge of Florida's legislative and executive processes, public policy development, and government relations.
- A strong understanding of intellectual and developmental disability issues, services, supports, and advocacy priorities.
- Demonstrated success developing relationships with legislators, government officials, advocacy organizations, and diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience analyzing complex legislation, developing policy strategies, and communicating policy implications to varied audiences.
- A proven ability to coordinate grassroots advocacy initiatives, build coalitions, and engage individuals and families in advocacy efforts.
- Exceptional written communication, public speaking, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Sound judgment, political awareness, professionalism, and the ability to navigate complex policy environments.
- A collaborative approach that values the perspectives, experiences, and voices of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
- The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and effectively represent organizational interests.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of eight years of professional experience in disability policy and grassroots advocacy.
- Registered lobbyist or ability to become registered upon employment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of legislative processes, public policy analysis, and advocacy strategies.
- Ability to participate in meetings, legislative activities, conferences, and stakeholder events as required.
Why This Role Matters
Public policy decisions shape access to services, opportunities, independence, and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
As FDDC's Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, you will have an opportunity to help influence those decisions, elevate the voices of individuals and families, and build partnerships that advance meaningful and sustainable improvements in Florida's systems of services and supports.
This is more than a public policy position. It is an opportunity to turn advocacy into action and help create lasting change across Florida.
For a professional who is passionate about disability rights, public service, legislative engagement, and collaborative advocacy, FDDC offers an opportunity to make a meaningful statewide impact.
Location: Tallahassee, Florida | Hybrid Eligible
Position: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director
Recommended Salary Range: $93,232–$116,540 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and encourages qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to apply.
Florida Public Records Disclosure
In accordance with Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine and Public Records Laws, applications and supporting materials submitted for this position may be subject to public disclosure under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Applicants should be aware that information submitted as part of the recruitment and selection process, including resumes and other application materials, may be available for public inspection upon request, unless otherwise exempt or confidential under applicable law.
Pay: $92,232.00 - $116,540.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
- disability policy and grassroots advocacy: 8 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
Director of Public Policy & Advocacy
Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC)
Florida | Full-Time | Remote Hybrid Eligible
Influence Policy. Champion Advocacy. Drive Lasting Systems Change.
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC) is seeking an accomplished, mission-driven Director of Public Policy & Advocacy to help advance public policies and advocacy initiatives that improve the lives of Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced public policy and advocacy professional to work at the intersection of government relations, disability rights, legislative education, and statewide systems change. Working closely with the Executive Director, Council members, policymakers, advocacy organizations, and community partners, the Director will help shape policy priorities, strengthen collaborative relationships, and advance initiatives that promote independence, inclusion, self-determination, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Florida.
About FDDC
FDDC is Florida's federally funded Developmental Disabilities Council, established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act). The Council identifies pressing needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and advances innovative programs, public policy initiatives, advocacy efforts, and collaborative partnerships designed to improve Florida's systems of services and supports.
FDDC's work is guided by a comprehensive Five-Year State Plan and a commitment to ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities have opportunities to participate fully in their communities and make informed choices about their lives.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy plays an important role in advancing FDDC's legislative education, public policy, and advocacy priorities at the state and federal levels.
The Director serves as a key resource to Council leadership on emerging legislation, regulatory developments, and policy issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities. This position develops and maintains relationships with government officials, legislators, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders while coordinating efforts that strengthen the Council's voice and influence in public policy discussions.
The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of the legislative process, the ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable strategies, and a genuine commitment to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Key Responsibilities
The Director of Public Policy & Advocacy will:
- Advance public policy priorities by working with the Executive Director and Public Policy Committee to identify, develop, and coordinate advocacy initiatives aligned with FDDC's Five-Year State Plan.
- Build influential relationships with Florida legislators, legislative staff, executive branch officials, government agencies, disability organizations, and community partners.
- Monitor and analyze legislation and policy developments at the state and federal levels, evaluating their potential impact on individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and Council priorities.
- Serve as a trusted policy resource by preparing legislative briefings, policy analyses, educational materials, and recommendations for Council leadership, stakeholders, and policymakers.
- Coordinate legislative education and advocacy activities, including meetings with elected officials, stakeholder forums, Disability Awareness Day activities, and disability policy seminars.
- Strengthen grassroots advocacy by supporting self-advocates, families, caregivers, and Council members in developing the knowledge, communication skills, and confidence to participate effectively in public policy discussions.
- Facilitate collaborative partnerships with advocacy coalitions, legislative consortia, task forces, and other organizations to identify shared priorities and opportunities for systems change.
- Support the Public Policy Committee through meeting coordination, policy updates, research, and implementation of committee priorities.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state requirements governing legislative education, lobbying, and advocacy activities.
The Ideal Candidate
FDDC is looking for a knowledgeable, relationship-driven professional who combines public policy expertise with a passion for advocacy and meaningful systems change.
The strongest candidates will demonstrate:
- Extensive knowledge of Florida's legislative and executive processes, public policy development, and government relations.
- A strong understanding of intellectual and developmental disability issues, services, supports, and advocacy priorities.
- Demonstrated success developing relationships with legislators, government officials, advocacy organizations, and diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience analyzing complex legislation, developing policy strategies, and communicating policy implications to varied audiences.
- A proven ability to coordinate grassroots advocacy initiatives, build coalitions, and engage individuals and families in advocacy efforts.
- Exceptional written communication, public speaking, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Sound judgment, political awareness, professionalism, and the ability to navigate complex policy environments.
- A collaborative approach that values the perspectives, experiences, and voices of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
- The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and effectively represent organizational interests.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of eight years of professional experience in disability policy and grassroots advocacy.
- Registered lobbyist or ability to become registered upon employment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of legislative processes, public policy analysis, and advocacy strategies.
- Ability to participate in meetings, legislative activities, conferences, and stakeholder events as required.
Why This Role Matters
Public policy decisions shape access to services, opportunities, independence, and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
As FDDC's Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, you will have an opportunity to help influence those decisions, elevate the voices of individuals and families, and build partnerships that advance meaningful and sustainable improvements in Florida's systems of services and supports.
This is more than a public policy position. It is an opportunity to turn advocacy into action and help create lasting change across Florida.
For a professional who is passionate about disability rights, public service, legislative engagement, and collaborative advocacy, FDDC offers an opportunity to make a meaningful statewide impact.
Location: Tallahassee, Florida | Hybrid Eligible
Position: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director
Recommended Salary Range: $93,232–$116,540 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and encourages qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to apply.
Florida Public Records Disclosure
In accordance with Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine and Public Records Laws, applications and supporting materials submitted for this position may be subject to public disclosure under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Applicants should be aware that information submitted as part of the recruitment and selection process, including resumes and other application materials, may be available for public inspection upon request, unless otherwise exempt or confidential under applicable law.
Pay: $92,232.00 - $116,540.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
- disability policy and grassroots advocacy: 8 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
Public Policy Manager Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Public Policy Manager JobsPublic Policy Manager Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Google13
- Amazon11
- Meta8
- TikTok7
- Intuit4
Top Industries Hiring
- Education10
- Technology & Software2
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in public policy manager jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field
- Experience developing and advancing policy positions with government agencies or legislative bodies
- Strong written communication skills including policy briefs, regulatory comments, and white papers
- Ability to build and manage relationships with elected officials, regulators, and external coalitions
- Familiarity with federal or state regulatory processes, rulemaking, and compliance frameworks
- Experience monitoring legislation and translating policy developments into organizational strategy
Tips for Your Public Policy Manager Job Search
Tailor your resume to the sector
Government agencies, corporations, and nonprofits each use different language for the same work. Mirror the policy vocabulary from each job posting in your resume, whether that's 'regulatory affairs,' 'government relations,' or 'public affairs,' so hiring managers recognize your fit immediately.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists public policy manager openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Quantify your legislative or regulatory wins
Policy resumes often read as activity logs rather than impact records. Wherever you can, name the bill, rule, or initiative you shaped, describe what changed because of your work, and note the scope, such as a statewide regulation or a federal comment period you led.
Target your portfolio of writing samples
Most policy manager interviews involve a writing or memo exercise. Come with three to four samples ready: a policy brief, a regulatory comment, and an internal stakeholder memo. Choose samples that match the policy domain listed in the job description, not just your strongest general pieces.
Prepare for the stakeholder scenario question
Interviewers routinely ask how you'd manage conflicting interests from legislators, executives, and community groups simultaneously. Prepare two concrete examples where you navigated competing demands and reached a workable outcome, keeping the policy goal intact.
Negotiate using scope, not just compensation
Public policy manager offers at mission-driven organizations often have compressed salary bands. If compensation is limited, negotiate for portfolio ownership, direct access to senior leadership, or a defined path to a senior policy role within a set timeframe.
Public Policy Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most public policy managers?
The companies hiring the most public policy managers right now include Google, Amazon, and Meta, with the largest share of openings in District of Columbia, California, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Technology companies, healthcare systems, and large nonprofits have been among the most consistent hirers of this role in recent years.
How many public policy manager jobs are remote?
About 80% of public policy manager openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though many roles tied to active lobbying or government relations work require proximity to Washington D.C. or a state capital. Roles focused on policy research, regulatory analysis, and internal compliance tend to offer the most location flexibility.
How do you become a public policy manager?
Most public policy managers start with a degree in public policy, political science, law, or economics, then build experience through roles in government, advocacy, or regulatory affairs. Moving into a manager-level position typically requires demonstrating that you've shaped a policy outcome end to end, not just supported one. Building a network among legislative staff, agency officials, and industry coalitions accelerates the path considerably.
Can you get a public policy manager job with little experience?
Breaking into a public policy manager role with limited experience is possible if you can show relevant exposure through internships, legislative fellowships, or policy-focused graduate programs. Employers weight demonstrated writing ability, familiarity with a specific policy domain, and relationships with government stakeholders more heavily than years on a resume. Targeting smaller advocacy organizations or think tanks is often an effective entry point before moving to larger institutions.
What does the public policy manager interview process look like?
Public policy manager interviews typically move through a recruiter screen, a hiring manager conversation focused on your policy background and stakeholder experience, and then a panel interview with cross-functional colleagues such as legal, communications, or government affairs teams. Many organizations include a written exercise, often a policy memo or briefing document responding to a current issue relevant to their work. Final-round conversations usually test how you'd represent the organization's position under pressure.
Where can I find and apply to public policy manager jobs?
You can find and apply to public policy manager jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Find roles that match your background and policy focus, then apply directly to each listing from the page.
See All 151+ Public Policy Manager Jobs
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