Policy Manager

The Policy Manager at the Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud (IDJ) plays a central role in advancing evidence-based public policies to reduce child poverty and improve economic mobility for families with children and youth across Puerto Rico. This role serves as a bridge between research, advocacy, and action—leading policy analysis, translating evidence into actionable recommendations, and supporting the execution of advocacy strategies at the local and federal levels. Working closely with the Advocacy Director and in coordination with the Research and Data, and Communications teams, the Policy Manager helps ensure that IDJ’s policy agenda is rigorous, timely, and positioned to influence decision-making and generate measurable policy wins.

ESSENTIAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the development and advancement of IDJ’s policy agenda by managing policy analysis and implementation activities, and by supporting the design and execution of advocacy strategies, to advance evidence-based solutions that reduce child poverty and strengthen family economic security.
• Conduct policy research and analysis on issues related to child poverty, economic mobility, workforce development, education, safety net programs, fiscal policy, and related areas, at both the Puerto Rico and federal levels.
• Develop and author policy products, including policy briefs, memos, background documents, and analytical summaries, translating complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers, advocates, funders, and other key audiences.
• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and budgetary developments at the local and federal levels, including appropriations processes, fiscal plans, state plans, and policy proposals, and assess their implications for children, youth, and families in Puerto Rico.
• Support advocacy strategy execution by providing timely policy analysis, background research, and strategic insights that inform advocacy tactics, messaging, and engagement efforts led by the Advocacy Director.
• Support and coordinate relationships with key stakeholders, including the Puerto Rico Legislature, the Governor’s Office, government agencies, the U.S. Congress, and the Financial Oversight and Management Board, by preparing policy materials, briefings, and technical inputs for meetings and advocacy engagements.
• Participate in and support policy coalitions in Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., contributing policy expertise, analysis, and coordination support to collective advocacy efforts focused on children’s wellbeing and family economic security.
• Contribute to coalition-building efforts that advance IDJ’s policy priorities, helping align partners around shared policy goals and evidence-based recommendations.
• Develop and deliver policy education and capacity-building content to strengthen policy understanding among IDJ staff and partners, supporting alignment, shared analysis, and informed advocacy.
• Collaborate closely with IDJ’s Research and Communications teams to ensure that policy analyses and recommendations are research-informed, strategically framed, and communicated clearly and consistently across audiences and platforms.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Educational Background

• A master’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, law, or a related field is preferred.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in government, nonprofit, advocacy organizations, policy think tanks, and/or legislative or congressional settings.
• Demonstrated experience conducting policy research, drafting policy briefs and analytical reports, and translating research into actionable policy and advocacy strategies.
• Strong understanding of Puerto Rico and U.S. federal legislative and policy processes.

Technical and Analytical Skills

• Strong policy analysis and research skills, including the ability to assess complex legislative, regulatory, and fiscal issues.
• Ability to synthesize data and research into clear policy recommendations and decision making tools.
• Strong judgment and prioritization skills in fast-moving policy environments.

Communication and Relational Skills

• Fluency in Spanish and English (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate complex policy concepts and research findings to diverse audiences.
• Strong relationship-building skills with policymakers, advocates, community organizations, and institutional partners.

Contextual Knowledge

• Understanding of Puerto Rico’s social, economic, and political context.
• Experience working on issues affecting low-income families and communities, with sensitivity to structural inequities and lived realities.
• Commitment to community-informed and equity-centered policy approaches.

Adaptability

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced organizational environment and respond to evolving priorities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Comfort working with ambiguity and adapting strategies as policy contexts evolve.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Normal internal office environment.
• Frequent interaction with staff across the organization.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES:

• Alignment to the IDJ’s core values and commitment to an organizational culture that is ethical, empathetic, and focused on action and impact.
• Commitment to improving the well-being of low-income families.
• Respect for the people we serve.
• Attention to detail and rigor in project execution.
• Implacable, not give up easily in achieving our goals.
• Results driven.
• Transparency in data and results.
• Leads with respect, empathy, clarity, and collaboration.
• Strategic and focused on our mission and goals.
• Ability to work at the intersection of strategic thinking and efficient task completion.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to info@juventudpr.org. Please include the position title in the subject line of the email.

Tipo de puesto: Tiempo completo

Lugar de trabajo: Empleo presencial