​FOTP Position Available: Advocacy and Policy Manager
Posted May, 2025

Friends of the Parks seeks an Advocacy and Policy Manager to carry forward its mission.

Position Description 
The Advocacy and Policy Manager is responsible for leading the organization’s advocacy efforts, including developing, advancing, and implementing the organization’s policy priorities, coordinating with coalition partners, and activating our base of members and supporters. The Advocacy and Policy Manager reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates with and supports program staff and consultants.  
 
The following list of responsibilities will be prioritized according to a work plan established in collaboration with the Executive Director.

Policy Priorities and Research  

• Developing and implementing policy priorities that align with the organization’s goals and objectives. 
• Leading the organization in researching, analyzing, and synthesizing complex information to draft policy proposals, reports, and recommendations. 
• Researching and analyzing laws, regulations, and trends to make informed decisions when creating policies. 
• Work collaboratively with communications staff to deliver media and communications that complement advocacy and policy initiatives. 

 
Advocacy and Coalition Building  

• Develop successful advocacy campaigns and lead grassroots coalitions that align with the organization’s policy priorities  
• Ensure strong relationships between the organization and our community partners that centers inclusion, justice, and equity.  
• Serve as a liaison with Park Advisory Councils 
• Develop and manage relationships with elected officials and government officials 
• Attend meetings, events, conferences on issues related to the policy and advocacy agenda of the organization. 
• Staff the Advocacy Committee of the Board of Directors.  

 
Building Grassroots and Organizational Power 

• Implement both grassroots/base-building strategies and grasstops strategies to win campaigns, bring new leaders into the organization, and build the power of the organization.  
• Develop and coordinate advocacy opportunities for members to organize in support of our campaigns and issues.  
• Expand our membership and develop meaningful ways for members to engage and organize around our policy issues and campaigns.  
• Identify opportunities to increase funding for advocacy and policy engagement objectives. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant potential donors for our advocacy and policy engagement work. 

**Other Duties as Assigned 
 
Qualifications 

• Three or more years of professional experience in advocacy, policy, grassroots organizing or related fields, preferably in the environmental and conservation field.  
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, conservation, public policy, political science, communications, or a related field; a J.D. or other advanced degree a plus. 
• Strong knowledge of Chicago politics, parks, and communities. 
• Knowledge of land use, conservation, and other policy and legal issues related to park advocacy.  
• Proven expertise in policy translation, making complex policy issues accessible and actionable for diverse audiences.  
• Experience leading grassroots campaigns, with a track record of mobilizing communities to take meaningful action. 
• Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire action across diverse audiences. 
• Strong writer that can convey complex ideas in a way that educates, engages, and 
• mobilizes our stakeholders.  
• Demonstrated organizational skills, with experience managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and setting priorities.  
• Experience working in diverse communities and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• Well-organized, self-starter, and takes initiative while being and flexible, adaptable, and enthusiastic working in a dynamic team environment. 
• Willing and able to attend community events throughout the city, including those on evenings and weekends.  
• Access to a car is beneficial, transportation costs reimbursed.  

Compensation  

• Salary range for this position between $60K and $65K commensurate with experience 
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage 
• Comprehensive health, life, and disability coverage 
• Two weeks paid vacation (with an increase over time), plus sick leave 

​
FOTP is currently working on a hybrid schedule of at least two days in the downtown office. 
This policy may change in the future.  

​To apply:
Send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references to [email protected]. This position open until filled.

Friends of the Parks believes that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognizes and values the intersecting identities that staff members bring to our organization. FOTP is committed to providing equal employment consideration without discrimination based on race, gender, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.