Director for Emerging Leaders & Engagement

Director for Emerging Leaders & Engagement

The Director for Emerging Leaders & Engagement serves as Washington Policy Center's statewide lead for making WPC's ideas relevant, accessible and compelling to Washingtonians in the first half of their careers. This person will assess WPC’s existing Young Professions Program (for 19-to-39-year-olds) to grow this audience by translating WPC's research and recommendations into engaging, segmented content and experiences that connect public policy to how younger adults in our state live, work, build businesses, raise families and participate civically.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director will expand WPC's statewide impact through digital engagement, strategic partnerships, educational opportunities and select in-person experiences. Working collaboratively across WPC's Communications, Development, Marketing, Operations and Research teams, the Director will help cultivate and empower Washington's next generation of free-market civic, community and business leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Build Washington's Next Generation Free-Market Leadership Network

Develop and execute a strategy to build WPC's statewide community of leaders in the first half of their careers:

• Identify and engage distinct audience segments based on life and career stage, interests, concerns, media habits and geography.
• Build strategic relationships with employers, business and trade organizations, colleges and universities, civic groups, creators, entrepreneurs and other trusted voices that expand WPC's reach and engagement.
• Determine the value and future role of WPC’s Young Professionals Program, which currently features 25+ events each year, a volunteer advisory board and dues-based membership.
• Grow WPC's long-term pipeline of participants, advocates, volunteers and donors.

Lead Digital Engagement & Community Growth

Develop compelling video, podcasts, webinars, newsletters, social media, virtual learning and other content and experiences that educate and engage emerging leaders:

• Work with WPC's policy directors and Marketing & Communications teams to translate complex research and free-market ideas into accessible content relevant to the personal, professional and civic interests of younger Washingtonians.
• Consistently identify the human and economic relevance of WPC's work.
• Experiment with formats, platforms and distribution strategies, using audience data to expand what works and adjust what does not.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for WPC through public speaking, media and on-camera educational content.

Advance Free-Market Thought Leadership

Develop educational opportunities for citizens and those interested in public service that demonstrate how free-market principles expand opportunity, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthen communities through accountable government:

• Equip emerging leaders to understand and apply free-market ideas in business, civic leadership and public service, including those interested in nonprofit leadership, appointed positions or elected office.
• Foster respectful dialogue focused on practical solutions, intellectual curiosity and constructive civic engagement rather than political activism.
• Organize and deliver events that foster understanding, networking and community while expanding WPC’s reach and enhancing its reputation with new generations.

Organizational Leadership

Collaborate across WPC to advance audience engagement, strategic partnerships, statewide visibility and organizational growth:

• Manage assigned budgets, CRM activity, projects, personnel and other responsibilities consistent with WPC policies.
• Track performance metrics including reach, engagement, audience growth and conversion into deeper involvement with WPC.

Qualifications

• ENTHUSIASM!
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Relevant experience in digital communications, content development, social media strategy, audience engagement and analytics, partnership development or related fields, including familiarity with contemporary content-production tools and emerging digital and AI technologies.
• Strong editorial instincts and intellectual curiosity, with the ability to understand complex policy issues and translate them into accurate, accessible and engaging content.
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal and public speaking skills, including a strong on-camera presence.
• Strong strategic, organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM or information management software.
• Ability to travel throughout Washington, including limited evenings and weekends.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Candidates are welcome to provide examples or a portfolio of relevant content, campaigns or audience-building work.

Details/Benefits

• Full-time position based in Washington.
• Competitive salary and performance incentive.
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave.
• Expense reimbursement and other benefits consistent with WPC policy.

About WPC

Washington Policy Center is a nonpartisan, free-market think tank dedicated to advancing affordability, accountability and opportunity through independent research, civic engagement and practical policy solutions. WPC equips policymakers, business leaders, media and citizens with fact-based ideas that strengthen communities, expand opportunity and improve the lives of all Washingtonians.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to Washington Policy Center. Your cover letter should describe your interest in helping build Washington's premier free-market leadership network and advancing WPC's mission. Candidates may also include examples or a portfolio of relevant content, campaigns or audience-building work.