Senior Associate, Policy

Position Supervisor: Assistant Director of Policy

Classification Level: Full-Time Exempt 

Location: Arlington, VA / Hybrid

Position Timeline: Permanent 

APHSA is recruiting new talent! We are seeking a policy professional to support our work on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), and other economic mobility priorities. This role will help state and local health and human services agencies navigate policy changes and advance solutions that support economic mobility and family well-being.

APHSA is an Association representing state and local agencies in the health and human services field. With and through these members, we work to advance solutions that are centered on administering, overseeing, and aligning programs to provide access to food, health care, employment, childcare, community support, and other key building blocks. 

Join a team of dedicated professionals who are results-oriented and are impacting systems across the nation!  Our team at APHSA is looking for a critical, strategic thinker who is action-oriented, comfortable facilitating communities of thought leaders and partners, and adept at working across teams and in a fast-paced environment. 

Your main focus will be managing policy projects, supporting communities of human services leaders, providing technical assistance, and developing practical resources for members. You will collaborate across internal teams and with federal, state, local, and community partners to connect policy priorities with the experiences of the agencies administering these programs and the people they serve.

Your direct supervisor and coach will be an Assistant Director of Policy. Your support will be the entire APHSA organization because we work best when we all work together!

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Associate serves a key role on APHSA’s policy team, managing projects and implementing initiatives aligned with APHSA’s mission and member priorities, with a primary focus on TANF,SNAP E&T, and other economic mobility efforts. The role provides direct member support through group facilitation, technical assistance, policy analysis, webinars, and program guidance.

Working with members and partners, this position translates policy developments, member-informed data, research, and emerging trends into practical resources and continuous improvement opportunities. The portfolio may expand to additional policy topics as capacity allows and organizational priorities evolve. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Lead and manage TANF and SNAP E&T policy portfolios, including project activities, grant management, and development and oversight of detailed work plans, timelines, and deliverables aligned with APHSA’s mission and member needs.
• Conduct research and analyze federal, state, and local policies and congressional and administrative developments that affect TANF, SNAP E&T and other economic mobility programs; translate findings into resources and technical assistance for members.
• Deliver technical assistance, training, webinars, practical program support, and user-friendly learning tools to help members and partners address implementation challenges and improve service delivery.
• Collaborate with APHSA staff, state and local agencies, and external partners to coordinate cross-functional projects and grant deliverables and produce high-quality, timely work products.
• Develop clear policy briefs, member updates, presentations, and project documentation that reflect member contributions, support knowledge sharing, and inform policy recommendations.
• Convene and facilitate member meetings, peer exchanges, workgroups, and partner discussions to gather insights, support shared learning, and advance key policy and program initiatives. Serve as staff liaison to APHSA affinity groups, peer communities, and other work groups within the portfolio. 
• Build and expand relationships with national, regional, and community partners to identify, pursue, and implement opportunities for joint work that benefits APHSA members.
• Contribute to grant planning and resource alignment, track key milestones and deliverables, and support compliance with project and grant requirements.
• Present APHSA work and policy developments at national conferences and convenings and lead the content creation and coordination of portfolio-related sessions at APHSA convenings.
• Analyze member-informed data and field trends to identify continuous improvement opportunities, strengthen program effectiveness, and support accurate reporting, decision-making, and impact measurement.
• Contribute to additional policy portfolios as capacity allows and organizational priorities evolve.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Public Health, Sociology, Human Services, Political Science, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 5–7 years of experience in the human services sector required, expertise in TANF, SNAP E&T, and/or related programs preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products 
• Knowledge of TANF, SNAP E&T, workforce development, and related human services systems, including the policy and operational environments in which administering agencies operate.
• Policy analysis, critical and strategic thinking, research, and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, practical materials.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and adapt to a changing policy environment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in policy interpretation, documentation, and the use of data and evidence.
• Demonstrated comfort and skill in building and managing internal and external relationships, facilitation of large and small groups, and navigating bipartisan environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20%.
• Competencies crucial for success in this role include: project management, collaboration, facilitation, time management, writing, problem solving, e-learning, change management, adaptability, and teamwork.

At APHSA, we value and support the health, well-being, and future of our staff. Our benefit package is based on improving employee morale, which fosters a work environment where staff feel they can thrive and feel accomplished. APHSA offers health, dental, and vision insurance. We also offer additional employee benefits and perks like these:

• Health, vision and dental insurance 
• Life and AD&D insurance 
• 401(k) or Roth with a 3% employer contribution 
• Generous paid leave 
• Hybrid/remote work environment 
• Flexible spending for health and dependent care 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Optional employee-paid legal, critical illness, accident and pet insurance

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.
 

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged  periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to work in an independent manner from a remote location

This employer participates in E-Verify for employment verification.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position; applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
 

The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is a bipartisan national membership association representing state and local health and human services agencies and the subject matter experts that help execute their mission to improve outcomes for people nationwide. Building on our long-standing relationships with health and human services leaders, we focus on generating pragmatic solutions that advance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.