Director of California Strategy

Position Announcement

POSITION TITLE: Director of California Strategy

LOCATION: California

STATUS: Exempt

APPLY BY: Rolling

Organization Overview

This position, available immediately, is an exciting opportunity to join the staff at PolicyLink. PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing racial and economic equity by Lifting Up What Works®. We are dedicated to improving the lives of the 100 million people in America who live in or near poverty, particularly those facing the barriers of structural racism. We are currently working remotely.

Please visit our website at: www.policylink.org.

Position Summary

The California Director will be responsible for shaping our broader Winning on Equity in Places strategy in California — designed to support multi-issue statewide campaigns and coalitions to advance racial equity. The Director will work to ensure that California is a model for PolicyLink evolving portfolio for state-based work around racial equity, inclusive development, infrastructure, and civil engagement. The person in this role will help integrate a statewide strategy that strengthens the power of community-based organizations, networks, and coalitions to disrupt traditional economic and infrastructure development, placing communities in the driver’s seat around policy decisions that accelerate public investments in community serving infrastructure; quality jobs; permanently affordable housing; and climate resilience. The position is an engaging and energizing role that supports communities throughout California to improve racial and economic equity across the state. The Director will oversee the development and execution of PolicyLink California programming; lead research, policy, legislative, and coalition building work in California; and coordinate and manage fundraising and funder relationships, in partnership with the Development team. They will play a central role in leveraging and strengthening internal and external research, advocacy and civic engagement partnerships with a broad range of institutional and community partners across the state to advance a racial equity governing agenda that centers the needs of the 15 million people living in California that are at 200 percent or below of the poverty line.

The Director will work with the Executive Leadership team and staff on development and fundraising goals and steps to achieve them, as well as coordinate donor relations. In close partnership with the Executive Leadership team, the director will support the growth, strategy, and concurrent priorities of PolicyLink work in California. The Director will also drive a critical research and policy agenda that shifts conversation with legislators, funders, and local leaders, and engages communities at the grassroots level. After a year, a successful effort will have advanced the Winning on Equity in Places strategy so that it supports multi-issue statewide coalitions and campaigns to advance racial equity. The Director will take on a coaching role to internal staff and external stakeholders, serving as an advocate and organizer and motivating staff and stakeholders to understand their power, realize common goals, and redirect existing policy and funding programs toward equity and recovery.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the PolicyLink California program team and work laterally with other directors across our program areas to advance the implementation of the Winning on Equity in Places strategy in
• Partner with the Executive Leadership team to inform the evolution of PolicyLink broader, cross-cutting Winning on Equity in Places strategy and outcomes framework.
• Direct the analytical work of project teams to conduct policy research, data analysis, and author research briefs, analyses, and articles, to inform policy development championed by PolicyLink and our partners.
• Execute projects by coaching staff and guiding stakeholders to impacts important to
• Cultivate, grow, and maintain strong, effective, and enduring relationships internally and with policymakers, their staff, career employees in relevant government institutions, and other civic
• This position will involve regular travel to Sacramento and throughout

Desired Qualifications and Experience

Skills

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to inspire confidence and passion with both internal and external audiences including movement leaders, government officials, and corporate actors.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills applied to major grants and advocacy campaigns across internal and external partners.
• Exceptional cross-programmatic, cross-issue strategic thinking and collaborative They must have the demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects at one time in ways that are impactful, adaptive, and persuasive.

Knowledge

• Proven expertise in statewide legislative advocacy and community organizing landscape, including the ability to work and maintain deep partnerships with local, regional, and statewide equity advocates, organizing, and coalition building efforts.

• Have a deep understanding of the social, political, and economic context that impacts California. This includes deep knowledge and issues expertise across housing and community development, inclusive economic development, climate justice, and racial equity.

• Fluency with results based accountability (RBA) frameworks and data, including an understanding of its limitations, a commitment to using RBA to quantify the ways in which inequity persists in cities, and as an analytical tool to measure the impact of new policies and programs.

Background

• Bring a strong background and/or foundation in public policy, economic development, city government, political campaigns, or nonprofit management as an important reference point for our work.
• Leadership in a relevant field and/or a leadership setting within a social justice-focused organization, campaign, or state/local government agency.
• Possess substantial writing, speaking, and facilitation skills, sufficient poise, and tact to communicate complex ideas across a variety of audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree in business, real estate, public policy, urban planning, finance, law, or similar area of study preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in public policy, urban planning in
  • Minimum 10 years of management

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $125,000 - $160,000 dependent upon experience.

Additionally, PolicyLink provides a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401k match, ancillary benefits, access to Flexible Spending Accounts, commuter expenses, and generous leave benefits.

How To Apply:

We accept online applications only.

Please note: 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 towards 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.

***Please check your spam folder for correspondence related to this position***