Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) is a non-profit corporation with a mission to advocate for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities. We provide legal advocacy and rights protection to a wide range of people with disabilities.

Our vision: Voices elevated. People empowered. Equity achieved.

Our values: Justice & Dignity / Informed Leadership / Unwavering Commitment / Fierce Advocacy / Access & Opportunities

---

 

Policy Director

Disability Rights Ohio is a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities. We provide a collaborative, supportive, mission-focused work environment. With a 35-hour work week, flexible scheduling, remote work opportunities, paid holidays, and generous paid time off, our organization promotes a healthy work-life balance. Our team members enjoy competitive health, vision, and dental insurance, along with a matching 401K plan.

We are seeking a Policy and Outreach Specialist to join our policy team. This role supports Disability Rights Ohio’s policy and advocacy work by analyzing data, trends, and community input to identify barriers facing people with disabilities and develop informed policy recommendations. The position coordinates outreach and engagement efforts, builds relationships with community partners, and supports participation in community events and coalitions. Responsibilities include preparing policy reports and communications, facilitating stakeholder collaboration, and tracking outreach activities to strengthen civic participation, voting access, and broader disability rights initiatives.

Position Summary:

The Policy Director serves as the organization’s leader in the development and implementation of public policy strategies that advance the rights of people with disabilities. This position works closely with the President and CEO and the Legal Advocacy Director to shape and carry out state and federal public policy initiatives.

The Policy Director plays a key role in educating and informing policymakers and collaborating with Board members, clients, and other stakeholders on issues impacting people with disabilities. This role requires considerable independence, sound judgment, and discretion in developing and communicating policy positions, working collaboratively with partners, and creating training and advocacy materials.

The Policy Director also provides leadership and strategic direction to the Policy Team, including supervising the Community Engagement and Advocacy Specialist and the Policy and Outreach Specialist, to advance the organization’s policy, advocacy, and community engagement goals.

Essential Functions:

• In consultation with President and CEO and Legal Advocacy Director, develops state and federal public policy strategies.
• Mentors DRO staff on effective policy advocacy and provides training on DRO’s policy strategies and best practices for rule comments, legislative testimony and meetings with policy-makers.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Community Engagement and Advocacy Specialist and the Policy and Outreach Specialist
• Oversees tracking and analysis of relevant state and federal legislation and budget issues, including attending legislative hearings and gathering other legislative resources.
• Works with the leadership team to support public policy advocacy in priority areas: develops and prepares for legislative testimony and rule comment; and prepares for face-to-face meetings with policymakers.
• Serves as liaison to legislators and legislative staff and develops and presents legislative materials, including conducting research, analyzing data, and drafting position papers on policy matters.
• Supports DRO collaboration on public policy advocacy coordinating with disability and ally organizations to strengthen advocacy efforts on public policy issues.
• Prepares and presents reports to President and CEO, Leadership Team, Board and advisory bodies on legislative and policy activities.
• In conjunction with senior management and the fiscal staff, develops and monitors the team’s budget as it relates to team activities, in particular monitoring lobbying budget and expenditures.Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Degree in public policy or a related field. (preferred).
• At least two years of experience in policy analysis, research, or community engagement (required).
• Strong commitment to the mission of the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system and to the civil rights of all people.
• Ability to identify tasks and resources needed to develop, communicate, and implement effective policy strategies.
• Understanding of and commitment to client-directed advocacy.
• Knowledge of disability policy issues.
• Training and public speaking experience.
• Experience working with coalitions and collaborative partners.
• Excellent listening skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and computer literacy.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Experience working on legislative and public policy issues.
• Experience communicating with legislative offices and elected officials.
• Ability to manage a wide variety of tasks and priorities.
• Must be able to engage in required statewide travel and periodic travel to Washington, DC, which is anticipated to occur at least annually.

Pay: Starting $74,000 annually, increases based on experience.

Schedule: Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid
Job Type: Full-time 35 hours per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid - Dental insurance, Life insurance, Vision insurance
• Health insurance
• Generous Paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• 401K Retirement plan
• Parental Leave

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to HR@disablityrightsohio.org.