Policy Director

Job Title: Policy Director
Department: Policy
Supervisor: Executive Director
Status: Exempt, Full Time Salaried
Posted: January 23, 2026, open until filled
Anticipated Start: Mid-March

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

BikeWalkKC (BWKC) is seeking a strategic, community-centered Policy Director to lead our advocacy, public policy, and government relations work at a pivotal moment for transportation policy in the region.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Policy Director is responsible for shaping and advancing BWKC’s policy agenda across city, regional, and state levels. This high-impact role will lead advocacy campaigns, coalition building, and legislative strategies that promote safe streets, support Vision Zero initiatives, and champion equitable access to multimodal transportation options (walking, biking, transit).

The Policy Director serves as a senior organizational leader, managing the Policy team and collaborating closely with Program staff and Development/Communications to ensure advocacy efforts and policy objectives align with organizational strategies and impact goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Management

• Lead, coach, and manage the Policy team (currently one full-time Community Organizer, and occasional contractors and interns)
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable team culture.
• Set department goals, benchmarks, and performance expectations.
• Support staff development through mentorship, feedback, and evaluation.
• Collaborate with other Directors on organizational strategies and management.

Policy Strategy and Advocacy

• Provide strategic leadership for advocacy efforts related to:
  • Vision Zero, Complete Streets, traffic calming
  • High-quality, connected bike lane, trail, and sidewalk networks
  • Enforcement, maintenance, and access equity
  • Public transit
  • Intersection of transportation with equity, housing, public health, sustainability, economic mobility, and economic development

• Design and oversee legislative campaigns at local City Councils and the Missouri and Kansas state capitals.
• Lead delivery of our annual Community Transportation Academy.
• Lead our Transportation for All Coalition.
• Participate in national policy and program work in partnership with the League of American Bicyclists, the Safe Routes Partnership, the RE-AMP Network, and others.
• Provide policy-related technical assistance to schools through our Safe Routes to School program.
• Track, analyze, and respond to legislation, budgets, and regulatory changes.
• Produce policy reports, position papers, testimony, and briefings.

Equity-Centered Strategic Planning

• Advance equity-centered policy development with attention to demographic disparities.
• Evaluate existing campaigns through an equity lens and recommend strategic realignment.
• Develop future advocacy initiatives grounded in community needs and data.
• Strengthen how BWKC engages communities, partners, and decision-makers.

Government Relations and External Representation

• Serve as BWKC’s primary liaison to government agencies and elected officials at all levels.
• Represent our stakeholders on committees and task forces including Mid-America Regional Council, city, and county governments.
• Build and maintain relationships with public-sector and advocacy partners.
• Represent BWKC in public meetings, legislative hearings, neighborhood forums, and media.

Communications and Public Engagement

• Lead planning and content development for major policy-focused events and community presentations.
• Work with Communications staff on policy messaging, blogs, advocacy alerts, and social media.
• Respond to media inquiries related to transportation and public safety.
• Prepare presentations and materials for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with Development staff on storytelling about our mission for donors and funders.

Operations and Administration

• Track advocacy activities and outcomes using Salesforce, Asana, Quorum Grassroots, and other systems.
• Review constituent concerns related to infrastructure and policy.
• Review bike and pedestrian facility design plans, coordinate issue resolution.
• Support grant writing and reporting related to policy initiatives.
• Assist with departmental budgeting and resource planning.

Qualifications

Candidates with non-traditional career paths and relevant lived experience are encouraged to apply. If you don’t meet exactly the qualifications outlined below, please apply and describe in your cover letter how your unique experiences prepare you for this role.

• Preferred at least three years of leadership experience in policy, advocacy, program management, or related fields.
• Preferred degree in public policy, public administration, or political science; a degree in urban planning, public health, or related fields is also relevant.
• Subject matter expertise or experience in active transportation, urban planning, and public health is preferred but candidates who are quick learners are encouraged to apply.
• Proven experience supervising staff and managing complex projects.
• Strong understanding of equity principles and their application to public policy.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Cultural Competency

This position involves engagement with a broad range of communities across the metro area. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with communities experiencing a variety of economic, social, and infrastructure challenges. To be effective in this position, you will need to build relationships and collaborate with elected officials, stakeholders, and decision-makers across diverse viewpoints and community interests.

We encourage applicants from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to apply. Our organization values perspectives that promote fair and equitable access to transportation for all residents.

Additional Notes

• Employment contingent on background check:
  BikeWalkKC does not inquire about criminal history but requires a background check upon offer. Any results relevant to this position will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
   
• Work environment:
  Open office, highly collaborative, fun, and entrepreneurial. Evening/weekend work and some travel required.
   
• Tools:
  Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Quorum Grassroots, Asana, Slack.
   

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $65,000–$75,000, based on experience
• PTO, parental leave, health/vision/dental/life insurance, retirement, hybrid work, professional development, and other perks.

How to Apply

Apply online here with a resume and cover letter describing your interest and alignment with BWKC’s mission. BikeWalkKC encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

About BikeWalkKC
BikeWalkKC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to make the Greater Kansas City region a place where residents are not required to drive in order to thrive. We work to improve and expand transportation choices and safety through public policy, advocacy, education, urban planning, and coalition building.