Pursuit is a social impact organization consisting of a 501c3 non-profit and a Public Benefit Corporation, focused on creating economic transformation for high-need, high-potential adults through technology. We are a mission-driven organization that goes beyond technical instruction to offer coaching, career development, and employer partnerships that help our Fellows secure high-paying software engineering jobs and thrive in their new careers. 

We are One Big Team

The passionate and collaborative team at Pursuit gives its all to achieve our mission. And it’s not just staff. We work with employer partners that love hiring our Fellows because they are so well prepared, ranging from big financial firms to scrappy startups, and everything in between. We also activate and engage hundreds of volunteers that come from all areas of the tech industry. These experts and professionals help keep our curriculum fresh and our standards for achievement high by participating in our admissions process, as well as program-specific activities such as interview training, DemoDays, Hackathons, and Capstone projects. 

Pursuit is looking for a VP of Policy & External Affairs to shape and execute our Policy strategy and plan and implement critical initiatives within our governmental affairs. Reporting to the CEO, you will partner with the leadership across the organization to turn legislative strategy into execution and define organization-wide goals and success metrics. You’ll have the opportunity to work across all business units at Pursuit and have a direct and immense impact on our mission.

As the VP of Policy & External Affairs you will: 

  • Lead Pursuit’s efforts to drive broader economic transformation for high-need communities by leveraging partners to bring about policy change.  
  • Build a department focused on government and community relations specifically driving the agenda around tech, fintech, and mobilizing social financing.
  • Help elevate Pursuit as key player in NYC community orgs (e.g. CUNY, NYCHA) to drive business/funding opps and raise awareness of tech possibilities in underserved communities.
  • Work closely with Pursuit’s leadership team to examine the fluid external environment, strategically assess opportunities/challenges/threats in this landscape, and creatively work with external partners in smart ways to further Pursuit’s mission.
  • Oversee and lead execution of Pursuit’s government engagement - on a Federal, state and local level - to educate, organize and engage elected officials to support Pursuit’s priorities.
  • Lead and oversee Pursuit’s team efforts to build strategic partnerships with a broad range of Pursuit’s partners - community nonprofits, government, business, philanthropy, academia and other stakeholders - to identify business/funding opportunities, support its priorities, and raise awareness of tech’s possibilities.

What you need to be considered for this role: 

  • At least 3 years in an organizational leadership role, exercising strategic judgment and weighing in on overall organizational issues
  • At least 5 years experience in an advocacy, external affairs/government relations, or government field  
  • Experience working directly to engage elected officials to enlist support for key priorities  
  • Demonstrated success in building coalitions and recruiting new partners and allies
  • Knowledge of, and curiosity around political, nonprofit, and business landscape in New York City and New York State 
  • Strong written communications abilities including ability to draft strategy memos, assess and edit documents, materials and decks
  • Strong oral communications, and ability to persuade a wide variety of stakeholders to work with Pursuit and move its priorities forward
  • Ability to successfully manage and drive multiple projects and priorities
  • Track record of driving outcomes
  • Systems oriented, ability to create process and systems around external affairs, including database and task management systems.  
  • An early adopter or fan of innovation and disruptive technologies
  • Strong preference for someone from or with a passion for the technology and or Fintech sectors 

Where you’ll work: Hybrid: 2 days a week in our HQ in Long Island City and 3 days wherever you work best. 

Compensation: Total Compensation will range from $175,000-$225,000

Pursuit offers: 

    • Great culture where transparency, respect, teamwork, and kindness are valued
    • Competitive compensation in base, plus bonus and a full benefits package
    • Unlimited PTO and an all-Pursuit week-long holiday the last week of December

Pursuit Values Diversity

Our team has a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and we value the richness that diversity brings to our organization. We welcome new perspectives and affirm that all employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, familial or marital status, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuit is an equal opportunity employer.



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