Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs

About Mova

MOVA is an independent state agency governed by the Victim and Witness Assistance Board. MOVA strives to advance victim rights by ensuring all victims and survivors of crime across the Commonwealth are supported and empowered through access to high-quality services that are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and reflective of diverse communities. MOVA achieves this through survivor-informed work, advocacy for enhanced victim rights and services, partnerships with agencies and individuals, and a commitment to providing funding and services for underserved and marginalized communities. 

Job Overview

The Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs is a member of MOVA’s leadership team and reports to the Deputy Chief of Staff. This position has primary responsibility for the strategy development, management, and execution of MOVA and the Victim and Witness Assistance Board’s (VWAB) state and federal policy and legislative priorities to support victims of crime, including advocacy for victim service funding initiatives.  This role forges effective relationships with legislators, legislative staff, and external stakeholders to promote engagement on policy matters impacting victims and survivors of crime in the Commonwealth. Candidates should have demonstrated understanding of the Massachusetts legislative process, with proven experience developing and leading policy initiatives, building and maintaining strong relationships, and leveraging a current network of legislators and policy stakeholders.  

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop policy solutions to address the needs of crime victims and create a strategy to ensure implementation  
• Develop and implement MOVA’s federal and state budget advocacy efforts in conjunction with MOVA’s Executive Director and other senior staff 
• Serve on MOVA’s Leadership Team by contributing to MOVA’s policy development and strategic planning, budgetary decision-making, setting team goals and accountability for goal attainment, and furthering MOVA’s mission 
• Build and maintain relationships with federal and state elected officials and policy makers, and policy and advocacy stakeholders in the victim services community  
• Track daily activity in the legislature to anticipate key timelines and identify emerging issues that impact MOVA’s priorities, victims of crime, and victim services 
• Lead engagement with policy makers/elected officials and their staff about the impact legislation, regulation, or other policy may have on crime victims and witnesses 
• Identify, analyze, and track legislative, regulatory, and other policy initiatives in federal and state government that impact crime victims and witnesses and make recommendations for MOVA action 
• Responsible for drafting legislative language, testimony, reports, and other agency communications, as assigned 
• Educate policymakers about the Victim and Witness Assistance Board, MOVA, and the rights available to crime victims and witnesses in MGL Chapter 258B    
• Develop educational materials including briefing documents and fact sheets on MOVA’s priorities for different audiences, as needed 
• Communicate timely updates to MOVA leadership, staff, the Victim and Witness Assistance Board, and the victim services provider and survivor communities about policy issues impacting crime victims 
• Coordinate periodic meetings and strategic engagements with legislators and officials to support MOVA’s policy agenda and identified priorities 
• Serve on and/or provide staff support for taskforces, workgroups, or other groups as directed by the Executive Director, Chief of Staff, or Deputy Chief of Staff 

Additional Information

• Submit cover letter, resume, and any accommodation requests to MOVAHR@mass.gov 
• MOVA is an equal opportunity employer and strives to ensure that those working in our office reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.  MOVA encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions. 

• Non-Managerial, Exempt Position

• Salary range of $100,000 – $110,000 annually 
• This position is hybrid and requires working in the MOVA Boston office at least two days per week as well as attendance in office for specific work related to team and agency priorities

• Minimum of eight years of relevant professional work experience, including experience in a leadership role; a degree may substitute for up to four years of professional work experience 
• Minimum of four years of professional experience working in the Massachusetts State House  
• Demonstrated understanding of the Massachusetts legislative process  
• Proven experience developing and leading policy initiatives   
• Proven experience building and maintaining professional relationships with policy stakeholders 
• Proven current network of legislators and policy stakeholders 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including policy writing and advocacy materials 
• Ability to interact and collaborate successfully with many different personality types and to effectively develop and maintain strong working relationships across all levels within the agency and outside the agency  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively solve problems 
• Proven ability to work under pressure, establish and meet deadlines, and meet deliverables 
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment, take initiative, be self-motivated, resourceful, and flexible 
• Exceptional attention to detail and overall organizational skills 
• Ability to establish and meet deadlines and effectively problem solve 
• Understanding of victim or another human services field 
• Commitment to furthering the agency’s overall mission 
• This position is hybrid and requires working in the MOVA Boston office at least two days per week as well as attendance in office for specific work related to team and agency priorities 
• This position requires routine and regular in-person meetings at the Massachusetts State House to maintain policy stakeholder relations   
• Valid driver’s license. Travel throughout Massachusetts required.