Director of Policy Initiatives

About us (and you)At State Policy Network, we're building an America where personal freedom, innovation, and opportunity empower everyone to thrive. We’re a national nonprofit—but more than that, we’re the connector and champion behind a growing movement of state-based think tanks and partners working toward a freer society. That’s where you come in. In this role, you won’t just be a spectator—you’ll be in the thick of it, working alongside bold leaders to ignite durable, state-level freedom movements. Together, we’ll help high-performing, independent think tanks make a real impact—one state at a time. How you’ll make impact: State Policy Network is seeking a Director of Policy Initiatives to build and lead proactive, multi-state issue campaigns. You’ll turn knowledge of state policy and political landscapes into coordinated strategies that help affiliates win durable policy change.

The right person knows how issue advocacy succeeds, earns the trust of state leaders, and offers counsel that partners put into practice. You’ll bring affiliates, coalition partners, and SPN colleagues around a shared plan, building a repeatable approach to active campaign coordination.

Your Day-to-Day:

• Develop a working assessment of the policy landscape, mapping affiliate activity, legislative and regulatory fights, opposition strategies, and key stakeholders.

• Design a campaign strategy for multiple states, securing leadership approval and stakeholder alignment all along the way.

• Build trusted relationships with affiliates and coalition partners, understand their priorities, and align their strengths around shared policy goals.

• Establish a regular coordination rhythm with Communications and the Center for Practical Federalism so campaigns have sustained internal support.

• Partner with the Senior Director of Policy and Vice President of Programs to turn research and campaign plans into compelling funding narratives.

• Review and manage contractor scopes, deliverables, and execution, redirecting capacity as campaign priorities take shape.

TLDR? We’re looking for...

• At least eight years of relevant experience in issue advocacy, policy, or government affairs, with a strong understanding of how state-based organizations achieve policy wins.

• Strategic judgment: the ability to read political dynamics, identify the opportunities that matter most, and turn a complicated landscape into a practical campaign plan.

• Relationship skills that earn trust across organizations, bring competing interests into alignment, and influence people who do not report to you.

• An entrepreneurial self-starter who takes initiative, follows through, and owns outcomes.

• Experience with an SPN affiliate or another state-based advocacy organization. Political strategy, campaign experience, or work with elected officials is a plus.

Are YOU a good fit?

• Are you Mission-Bound? Everything we do at SPN is in service to the restoration of individual rights and self-governance. We pursue excellence in our work and set aside our pride and differences to commit ourselves to this end.

• Are you Candid and Humble? We give and receive honest and respectful feedback with the assumption of positive intent. We deal with problems and conflict directly with the individuals involved. We are open to challenges, eager to learn, and willing to acknowledge mistakes to improve.

• Are you Entrepreneurial?We seek opportunities, embrace innovation, and take prudent risk with a bias toward action. We test, fail small, and scale our successes. We’re resilient but also nimble, looking for the potential in every challenge.

• Are youRelational? Trust and respect are built over time through competence, reliability, and integrity. We establish credibility through meaningful relationships, demonstrating value before expecting influence or partnership.

Sound lik...