Director of Global Advocacy

Organization

Founded in 1968, the Guttmacher Institute is a global leader in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through a unique and interrelated program of high-quality research, evidence-based advocacy and strategic communications, the Institute works to generate new ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development; its overarching goal is to ensure the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people worldwide. The Institute is engaged in building a more inclusive, transparent and equitable organization.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Global Research and Advocacy, the Director of Global Advocacy (DGA) will lead the Guttmacher Institute’s global advocacy strategy to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) worldwide. This position sits within the Institute’s International research and Global advocacy division and will lead the development of the Institute’s strategy for translating Guttmacher’s evidence base into compelling advocacy campaigns and policy narratives, and strategic engagement with global, regional, national, and sub-national level decision-makers.

The DGA will serve as one of the Institute’s primary representatives at key international forums—including at the United Nations, the World Health Assembly, and regional intergovernmental bodies—and will build and steward strategic coalitions with multilateral agencies, NGOs, international, and national level civil society organizations, and regional advocacy coalitions. They will work to mobilize financial resources to sustain and expand Guttmacher’s global advocacy footprint and will coordinate across the Global Research and advocacy division to ensure that advocacy is firmly grounded in the Institute’s scientific work.

The DGA will serve as a member of the Research Division (and Institute’s) Management Team and will also be part of the Global Management team program group, a cross-divisional body responsible for aligning Guttmacher’s global research, advocacy, and fundraising priorities.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned global health and rights advocate with deep expertise in SRHR knowledge translation and advocacy and a proven track record of influencing policy outcomes at the international level. They have a deep understanding of United Nations processes, policy processes of multilateral agencies, and have strong networks and relationships across coalitions, civil society, governments, and NGOs in diverse regional/national contexts. They excel at strategic forecasting and planning in different areas of SRHR policy, translating complex research findings into accessible, action-oriented advocacy material, and are skilled at building and sustaining coalitions across diverse stakeholders. They are a culturally competent advocate, compelling communicator, an effective manager, and a collaborative leader who thrives in a cross-functional, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Lead Global Advocacy Strategy

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine Guttmacher’s comprehensive global advocacy and communications strategy, in partnership with the Vice President,ensuring it is grounded in the Institute’s research and aligned with institutional priorities.
• Identify, prioritize, and strategically engage with partners to identify key global, regional and, where appropriate, national policy opportunities where our high-quality,evidence-based collateral can be impactful.
• Monitor global political and policy developments related to SRHR and advise senior leadership on strategic implications and response priorities.
• Lead Guttmacher’s contribution to global efforts to shape the post-2030 development agenda, with particular attention to SRHR indicators, targets, and accountability mechanisms.
• Ensure close coordination with the Director of International Research to align advocacy strategies with the Institute’s research agenda.

Represent Guttmacher in Global and Regional Fora:

• Serve as one of Guttmacher’s primary spokespeople and delegates at major international and regional conferences, intergovernmental meetings, and high-level convenings such as CPD, World Health Assembly (global and regional convenings), etc.
• Build and maintain high-level relationships with UN agencies (including UNFPA, WHO, UN Women, and UNICEF), bilateral and multilateral donors, and regional bodies such as the African Union and the European Union.
• Engage with government delegations and member state representatives to advance evidence-based SRHR positions and promote adoption of Guttmacher’s evidence into policy recommendations.

Build and Sustain Strategic Coalitions and Partnerships:

• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with SRHR-focused NGOs, civil society networks, and advocacy coalitions operating at the global, regional, and country levels.
• Expand Guttmacher’s visibility and influence among Coalitions and NGOs in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and other key actors that play central roles in regional SRHR advocacy and service provision to establish new partnerships and ensure that Guttmacher evidence is useful and responsive to the SRHR movement.
• Represent Guttmacher in multi-stakeholder coalitions and collaborative advocacy initiatives, ensuring the Institute’s evidence and positions are well-integrated into shared advocacy agendas.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with organizations working across SRHR, gender equality, global health, and adjacent domains to ensure the integration of SRHR in local health agendas, and expand advocacy reach and impact.
• Develop mechanisms for regular information-sharing and joint planning with partner organizations.
• Negotiate and formalize strategic partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding with key global advocacy partners, where appropriate.

Translate Research into Advocacy:

• Work closely with colleagues working in the Research division to identify research findings with high advocacy salience and develop strategies to maximize their policy impact.
• Lead the development of advocacy-ready materials, including data dashboards,policy briefs, advocacy toolkits, talking points, position papers, and stakeholder presentations that translate complex data into clear calls to action.
• Have an in-depth understanding of the international media ecosystem and networks(including staying up to date on narratives around global health, development, human rights, and SRHR),and demonstrates experience engaging with global and regional media outlets and identifying media opportunities that support advocacy goals.
• Oversee Guttmacher’s participation in global advocacy campaigns, awareness events, and digital advocacy initiatives, working closely with the Director of Digital Communications and team to plan and execute content.
• Ensure that Guttmacher’s research findings are systematically brought to bear in global policy deliberations and incorporated into intergovernmental documents and resolutions.
• Support the Global advocacy team in developing and refining the Institute’s formal policy recommendations for multilateral agencies, bilateral donors, and governments.
• Contribute to the development of Guttmacher’s evidence-based positions on emerging SRHR policy issues, in coordination with colleagues across divisions.
• Review and provide substantive input on externally facing communications products related to global SRHR advocacy.

Contribute to Resource Mobilization for Global Advocacy:

• In close coordination with the Vice President for Global Research and Advocacy, the Director of Institutional Giving and the Development Division,identify and cultivate bilateral and multilateral donors who support global SRHR advocacy.
• Serve as a trusted liaison to key advocacy funders,representing the Institute’s advocacy portfolio and its strategic value.
• Conceptualize new funding opportunities aligned with Guttmacher’s advocacy priorities and support the development of compelling proposals and budgets in collaboration with the Development Division.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the global donor landscape for SRHR advocacy and advise on strategic positioning.

Supervision & Mentorship:

• Supervise and mentor global advocacy staff, which will include direct reports and consultants, providing guidance,overseeing the development of team workplans and workload,providing timely and regular feedback and conducting yearly performance evaluations, and supporting professional growth.
• Foster a team culture grounded in collaboration, intellectual rigor, accountability, and commitment to SRHR.
• Serve as a multi-evaluator for relevant policy and research staff.

Qualifications and skills

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in global advocacy, international policy, or a closely related field,working in Africa or Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific region,with substantial focus on more than one area of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Experience building and leading coalitions and multi-stakeholder partnerships in diverse regional and cultural contexts,particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Demonstrated success influencing SRHR policy outcomes at the international,regional and national level, including through engagement with United Nations processes, multilateral agencies, intergovernmental bodies, and/or national/sub-national governments and CSOs.
• Deep and current network of relationships with key stakeholders across the global SRHR field, including NGOs, civil society coalitions, multilateral agencies, and bilateral donors.
• Proven ability to translate research evidence and data into compelling advocacy narratives, campaigns, and policy-facing materials.
• Prior leadership experience directing teams and managing staff across organizational levels, with a track record of mentoring and motivating high-performing professionals.
• Organizational skills, including developing integrated workplans and advocacy initiatives with cross-divisional implications.
• Financial management skills, including budget development, oversight, and reporting for advocacy programs.
• High standards of professionalism, excellence, accountability, and confidentiality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience cultivating and maintaining a strategic media list and serving as a public spokesperson and media representative.
• Proven ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, value systems, and perspectives, and to cultivate an inclusive team culture.
• Experience living and/or working in low- and middle-income countries preferred; fluency in more than one language (especially French or Spanish) highly valued.
• Up to 30% international travel required on an annual basis.

Education:

Master’s degree in public policy, international relations, human rights, public health, international development, or related field required.

Salary and benefits

The salary range for this position is between $188,800 to $217,100 and will be commensurate with experience. This range is specific to the New York and DC area, and base pay may vary depending on a wide range of factors. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum to midpoint of the salary range posted depending on knowledge, skills and experience, and qualifications. Internal equity considerations will be reviewed before making a final offer. The Guttmacher Institute practices a hybrid work schedule, requiring in-office attendance currently 4 days per month.   

We offer excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; vacation, personal, and sick time; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; commuting subsidy; and a 401(k) plan with employer match. 

Guttmacher Institute strives to provide the training and support for staff needed to be successful in their positions and to grow professionally.