Department: Program
Reports to: Director, Infrastructure and Transportation Justice
Status: Termed Full-Time
Location: Puerto Rico; Must reside in Puerto Rico and be authorized to work in the United States of America
PolicyLink is a research and action institute working to advance a nation that truly governs for all. We advance structural solutions, shape conditions, build connections, and strengthen the field infrastructure needed to deliver on the promise of a nation where all can thrive. We are relentlessly focused on delivering results at a scale that matches the challenges — and the potential — of this country.
To achieve this vision, we concentrate our efforts in five key arenas that shape how the nation governs and delivers for its people:
The legal and regulatory systems that shape our democracy and economy, including amending and advancing the U.S. Constitution
Federal agencies, which are the engines of public policy and implementation that must deliver results
State and local governments that deliver the benefits of citizenship to our everyday lives in the cities and states where we live
We the People — whose collective consciousness and action must be activated toward everyone’s thriving
The institutional leaders, decision makers, and capital allocators who hold disproportionate influence over how the nation governs
Across these arenas, we are working to awaken a shared consciousness that embraces the humanity of every person; to shape government to deliver results for all; and to align the full force of our public, private, and civic resources to realize this future.
PolicyLink is seeking a Deputy Director, Puerto Rico Strategies to join its Puerto Rico Strategies team and serve as the central bridge between high-level project strategy and day-to-day implementation across PolicyLink's Puerto Rico portfolio.
Please note that this is a termed position ending in May 2029 with the possibility of being renewed, dependent on funding and program needs.
The Puerto Rico Strategies team advances systemic solutions that support equitable, self-determined development for the archipelago's communities. Working alongside partners in Puerto Rico and throughout the diaspora, the team deploys advocacy and coalition-building strategies, data and research methodologies, and storytelling to shift power and decision-making from central government to municipalities and communities. The team is growing PolicyLink's Puerto Rico-based presence, supporting NGOs and community-based groups that are reimagining development approaches with the ultimate goal of self-determination for the people of Puerto Rico.
Reporting to the Director, Puerto Rico Strategies, the Deputy Director translates vision into action by managing day-to-day implementation, cultivating relationships across sectors, and centering community solutions and stories in driving local change. The Deputy ensures PolicyLink is a responsive, values-aligned partner on the ground through consistent engagement and demonstrated follow-through. Success includes: handling implementation questions and internal coordination with minimal bottlenecks; strengthening PolicyLink's position as a trusted collaborator; aligning Puerto Rico work within the organization's Nation Building Agenda; and building a high-performing team culture grounded in clarity, care, and accountability.
This is a remote position. Candidates must reside in Puerto Rico.
Program Leadership and Execution
Exercise sound judgment and delegated decision-making authority in day-to-day implementation, ensuring alignment between program execution and organizational priorities.
Serve as the senior internal lead for Puerto Rico Strategies, resolving bottlenecks, clarifying priorities, and driving effective execution across the portfolio.
Supervise staff and consultants as assigned, building team cohesion, supporting professional growth, and fostering effective collaboration.
Coordinate across internal teams—programs, communications, development, operations, and leadership—to ensure operational flow and strategic alignment.
Support development goals, manage against grant deliverables, and track budgets and spending alongside the Director.
Serve as designated proxy for the Director, representing the Puerto Rico Strategies team in internal and external settings and providing leadership continuity as needed.
Partner with the Director and organizational leadership to shape Puerto Rico-specific strategy that responds to local conditions while aligning with PolicyLink's Nation Building Agenda and institutional priorities.
Lead implementation of advocacy campaigns, research initiatives, and storytelling projects that advance power-shifting and community-led solutions.
Support and strengthen relationships with NGOs, community-based organizations, and grassroots partners, providing strategic guidance and ensuring PolicyLink's work is responsive to community priorities.
Strategic Collaboration
Serve as a trusted thought partner and relationship manager to the Director, translating big ideas into implementable projects and campaigns.
Steward organizational alignment and problem-solving alongside strategy consultants, escalating critical issues as needed.
Build and sustain partnerships grounded in shared values and results, representing PolicyLink with local partners, funders, and stakeholders to advance program goals.
Comfortable with results-based accountability and learning.
Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time, including to all-staff convenings and organizational events.
Deep understanding of the social, political, and economic context that impacts Puerto Rico and the U.S., including expertise across housing and community development, inclusive economic development, climate justice, and racial equity.
Familiarity with Puerto Rico's local movement and organizing ecosystems.
Strong research and analytical skills, particularly in Puerto Rico-related topics.
Exceptional cross-programmatic, cross-issue strategic thinking and collaborative skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects at one time in ways that are impactful, adaptive, and persuasive.
Excellent writing, speaking, and facilitation skills—in English and Spanish—and tact to communicate complex ideas across a variety of audiences.
Proven ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional and multicultural teams.
Minimum 8-10 years of experience in campaign strategy, policy advocacy, or social movement leadership, preferably related to democracy, economic justice, or community development.
Demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder efforts and executing advocacy campaigns with clear, measurable outcomes.
Experience with grant management, reporting, and funder relations.
Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in public policy, political science, community development, or related field preferred.
PolicyLink offers competitive salaries commensurate with the experience and skills of our employees. The starting salary range for this position is $110,000–$130,000.
Additionally, PolicyLink provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
100% medical coverage for the employee and all dependents, including domestic partners.
6% of salary designated as a retirement allowance.
18 paid holidays.
Generous PTO policy available to all employees.
The position will involve leading and participating in frequent remote video and telephone conferences. It is a 100% remote position, though travel will be required.
We accept online applications only. Please note that the application includes two required written prompts. Candidates should provide thoughtful and complete responses to the prompts; incomplete applications will not be considered.
No phone calls please. Only those selected to participate in our hiring process will be contacted.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
PolicyLink strongly values equity and believes in a just and fair society where all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. We work toward a more inclusive world and as such we are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. PolicyLink is committed to maintaining a diverse and multicultural working environment.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.
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