Director of Policy

Position Overview Daughters Beyond Incarceration (DBI) seeks a dynamic and mission-driven Policy Director – Policy Fellowship to lead, manage and implement the day-to-day policy operations and delivery of DBI's Policy Fellowship program. This role is responsible for implementing and teaching a DBI-designed curriculum that empowers high school girls impacted by parental incarceration to become informed advocates, civic leaders, and policy change makers. The Policy Director serves as the primary operational lead for the Policy Fellowship. This includes lesson planning and facilitation, supervising and mentoring fellows, managing externships, coordinating advocacy and legislative engagement activities, and ensuring that every aspect of the fellowship reflects DBI's youth-centered, trauma-informed, phenomenological approach — programming created by and for girls and women impacted by parental incarceration. The ideal candidate is a skilled educator with a deep commitment to youth impacted by the criminal justice system, established relationships in Baton Rouge, and expertise navigating the Louisiana legislative process. This person will work in close partnership with DBI's coalition allies and actively participate in the legislative process to advance policies that improve the lives of the 94,000 children in Louisiana affected by parental incarceration. Core Responsibilities: Curriculum Implementation & Teaching Implement, facilitate, and teach the DBI-designed Policy Fellowship curriculum, which covers critical civic topics including civic engagement, public policy, advocacy, the legislative process, and criminal justice reform. Develop detailed lesson plans, learning objectives, and session agendas aligned with the curriculum framework and DBI's program goals. Adapt curriculum content and teaching strategies to meet the developmental, emotional, and educational needs of high school girls impacted by parental incarceration. Create a supportive, trauma-informed classroom environment where fellows feel safe sharing lived experiences and developing their voices as advocates. Facilitate interactive learning sessions Monday through Thursday, using varied instructional methods (discussion, group work, project-based learning, role-play, and experiential activities). Assess fellow learning and progress through formative assessments, reflections, capstone policy projects, and participation tracking. Incorporate fellow feedback and lived experience to continuously refine and improve curriculum delivery. Coordinate guest speakers, workshops, and supplemental learning experiences that enhance curriculum content and expose fellows to diverse perspectives in policy, advocacy, and government. Prepare and organize all instructional materials, handouts, presentations, and resources needed for each session. Build trusting, mentorship-driven relationships with fellows, recognizing that many are navigating the emotional weight of parental incarceration. Fellow Oversight & Support Supervise, mentor, develop and support Policy Fellows throughout the six-month fellowship experience. Track fellow attendance, participation, progress, and program completion. Serve as the primary point of contact for fellows regarding program expectations, opportunities, and personal support needs. Connect with fellows' lived experiences as youth impacted by parental incarceration, fostering a culture of belonging, validation, and empowerment. Provide individualized guidance and support to help fellows develop confidence, leadership skills, and policy literacy. Policy Planning & Daily Operations Work with Executive Director to collaborate on daily operations of the Policy Fellowship, including scheduling, sessions, meetings, and program timelines. Develop and maintain a comprehensive calendar of fellowship activities, Louisiana legislative sessions, externships, and events. Ensure the policy operations delivery aligns with DBI's mission, values, and youth-centered, trauma informed approach. Manage logistics including transportation, venue coordination, materials preparation, and meal provisions for sessions. Work with the Executive Director and Dir of Programming in the planning and execution of the fellowship's opening Youth Day at the U.S. Capitol and other experiential learning trips. Legislative Engagement & Advocacy Actively participate in the Louisiana legislative process, including attending legislative sessions, committee hearings, and policy-related meetings at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge and in New Orleans. Demonstrate deep expertise in the Louisiana legislative system, including bill tracking, committee structures, session calendars, the legislative lifecycle, and advocacy pathways. Prepare fellows to engage meaningfully in the legislative process, including bill analysis, testimony preparation, meeting with legislators, and participating in Capitol visits. Track relevant legislation and policy developments affecting children of incarcerated parents, criminal justice reform, and youth advocacy in Louisiana. Support fellows in drafting policy recommendations and advocating against issues affecting children of incarcerated parents. Coalition Building & Community Partnerships Work closely with DBI's coalition partners to advance shared advocacy goals and strengthen the fellowship's relevance and impact. Represent DBI in coalition meetings, collaborative spaces, and community forums aligned with youth advocacy, policy, and civic engagement. Leverage established relationships in Baton Rouge to facilitate fellow access to legislators, state agencies, and advocacy networks. Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, schools, and government offices to support fellowship programming and externship placements. Public Speaking & Visibility Opportunities Research, identify, and coordinate public speaking, storytelling, and advocacy opportunities for fellows. Collaborate with the Dir of Programming to support fellows in preparing for panels, presentations, legislative testimony, and public forums. Coach fellows on effective communication, public speaking, and storytelling techniques. Data, Monitoring & Reporting Track program participation, outcomes, and engagement metrics. Maintain accurate records and contribute to reports for leadership and funders. Use data to support program improvements, curriculum refinement, and strategic planning. Document curriculum implementation, fellow achievements, and program milestones for organizational records and grant reporting. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in law, education, public policy, or political science. Equivalent lived or 4-8 years of professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Minimum of 2 years of teaching, facilitating, or educational programming experience, preferably with youth or young adults. Demonstrated ability to connect with and build trust with students impacted by parental incarceration, trauma, or involvement in the criminal justice system. Strong knowledge of the Louisiana legislative system, including the legislative process, committee structures, session calendars, and advocacy pathways. Established connections and relationships in Baton Rouge, particularly with legislators, state agencies, or advocacy networks. Experience working with coalitions, collaborative initiatives, or community partnerships. 3–5 years of experience in program coordination, youth programming, advocacy, or policy related work. Experience supervising or mentoring youth or young adults. Strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills. Ability to manage schedules, events, and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and basic data tracking tools. Valid driver's license and car insurance Travel within Louisiana regularly (Baton Rouge 2-3 times per week) and out of state potentially every other month. Preferred Juris Doctor degree strongly preferred Trauma-informed care training or certification. Direct experience with or connection to the issue of parental incarceration. Experience drafting bills and advocating legislation in Louisiana. Familiarity with restorative healing, mental health, and youth development frameworks. Bilingual (English/Spanish or Haitian Creole) a plus. Compensation and Benefits Salary Range: $90,000 – $100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, short term disability, paid time off, and holidays. How to Apply Submit a detailed cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, a current resume, a professional writing sample and 3 professional references to hr@dbi-nola.org. Please add Policy Director in the subject line. Send requested documents as attachments if unable to submit through the job board or website. Daughters Beyond Incarceration (DBI) provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees.  Formerly incarcerated, minority, bi-cultural, and LGBTQ are encouraged to apply.  All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, arrest or conviction record, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.