Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Policy and Community Resilience Strategies
at Race Forward
🏢 About Race Forward
Race Forward is a pioneering racial justice organization with over 40 years of experience, uniquely positioned at the intersection of policy, culture, and institutional practice. Since merging with the Center for Social Inclusion in 2017, it has deepened its commitment to shifting power and transforming institutions so that communities of color can thrive. Working here means contributing to a legacy of innovative strategies that advance multiracial democracy and equitable governance.
About This Role
As the Director of Policy and Community Resilience Strategies, you will lead a core portfolio within the Place, Policy, and Power department, focusing on climate and health justice as foundations for a multiracial democracy. You will drive community-rooted policy development, ensuring that governing decisions are informed by and accountable to communities of color. This role is pivotal in shaping Race Forward's impact on systemic change, directly influencing how public systems address resilience and equity.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve leading a strategy session with your team to refine a policy brief on climate resilience, followed by a call with community partners to co-develop advocacy strategies. You might also review grant proposals, prepare for a meeting with government officials, and mentor staff on effective community engagement. The role balances high-level strategy with hands-on collaboration, all aimed at advancing racial justice through policy.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Race Forward Is Looking For
- Extensive experience in policy development and advocacy, particularly at the intersection of climate justice, health equity, and racial justice, with a track record of translating community needs into policy solutions.
- Demonstrated leadership in managing complex portfolios and teams, with the ability to supervise staff, manage budgets, and coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives in a remote environment.
- Deep understanding of systemic racism and its impact on public systems, coupled with experience working alongside communities of color to build power and resilience.
- Strong strategic thinking and communication skills, capable of representing Race Forward in public forums, building coalitions, and influencing decision-makers at various levels.
📝 Tips for Applying to Race Forward
Tailor your resume and cover letter to explicitly highlight your experience in climate and health justice policy, as this is a core focus of the role. Use specific examples of policies you've developed or advocated for that center community voices.
Demonstrate your understanding of Race Forward's unique approach by referencing their merger with the Center for Social Inclusion and how it informs their work. Show that you've done your homework on their history and current initiatives.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and lead teams across geographies. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed remote projects and maintained strong team cohesion.
Connect your personal and professional commitment to racial justice in a way that aligns with Race Forward's mission. Avoid generic statements; instead, share specific experiences that drive your passion for this work.
If you have experience in fundraising or resource mobilization for policy initiatives, highlight it. While not explicitly stated, directors often contribute to sustainability efforts, and this can set you apart.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience in developing and advancing climate and health justice policies that are rooted in community leadership and racial equity.', 'How you have successfully led teams and managed complex projects, particularly in remote settings, and your approach to fostering collaboration and accountability.', 'Your understanding of the intersection between policy, culture, and institutional practice, and how you have leveraged this to drive systemic change.', "Your alignment with Race Forward's mission and values, including a clear articulation of why you are drawn to their unique approach and how you can contribute to their strategic goals."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Race Forward's recent reports, policy briefs, and blog posts to understand their current priorities and language around climate, health, and racial justice.
- → Learn about the merger with the Center for Social Inclusion and how it has shaped Race Forward's approach to policy and community resilience.
- → Research the backgrounds and work of the Vice President of Place, Policy, and Power and other leaders in the 3P department to understand their perspectives and leadership styles.
- → Explore Race Forward's key campaigns and initiatives, such as their work on equitable governance, to see how the Community Resilience Strategies portfolio fits in.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid using generic language about racial justice without demonstrating a deep understanding of systemic racism and how it operates in policy. Race Forward will expect nuanced and informed perspectives.
- Do not overlook the climate and health justice focus. If your experience is primarily in other areas of racial justice, make sure to draw clear connections and show your ability to ramp up quickly in these domains.
- Avoid failing to mention remote work experience. Since the role is remote, not addressing how you thrive in a remote leadership position could raise concerns about your fit.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!