Senior Associate – California State Policy

POSITION TITLE: Senior Associate – California State Policy

LOCATION: California

STATUS: Exempt

APPLY BY: Position Open Until Filled

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 Overview

PolicyLink is seeking a Senior Associate to support our growing portfolio of work to advance transformative policy change in California. Through focused policy advocacy, intentional development of community power and equity movement infrastructure, and a focus on transforming the systems that shape markets, this position will support PolicyLink efforts to secure a future where all Californians, regardless of race or income, participate in a flourishing multiracial democracy, prosper in an equitable economy, and thrive in healthy communities of opportunity.

We are searching for an individual to join our California team with deep knowledge of the policy change process and demonstrated experience working with diverse stakeholders to help advance our ambitious policy agenda. The ideal candidate will be a skilled policy advocate, effective coalition builder, and thoughtful policy researcher who brings an intersectional approach to issues of racial justice, urban planning, climate policy, and community development. They will have a passion for improving the lives of low-income communities and communities of color and should understand the complex and interconnected ways policies drive outcomes for these communities. The Senior Associate will be passionate, curious, team-oriented, able to work under tight deadlines, flexible, and dedicated to the PolicyLink mission.

Core Responsibilities

• Support state-level advocacy efforts on a broad set of equity issues including but not limited to community development, land use, housing, transportation, environmental and climate justice, and equitable taxation.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current discourse, policy debates, and political trends among policymakers and field partners on issues that affect our work in California and identify strategic opportunities for PolicyLink to engage and advance our agenda.
• Work closely with the Managing Director, other team members, and external partners to implement a suite of offerings (peer-learning opportunities, trainings, webinars, etc.) to support capacity building within the equity movement space in California, with a particular focus on community-based organizations working to advance structural change campaigns at the local, regional, or state level.
• Conduct policy research and data analysis and author research briefs, analyses, and articles, to inform policy development and make the case for proposed policy proposals being championed by PolicyLink and our partners.
• Cultivate, grow, and maintain strong effective relationships with policymakers, their staff, career employees in relevant government institutions, and other civic leaders.
• Build, support, and grow strategic alliances, partnerships, and coalitions to inform and advance our policy change agenda.
• Co-develop grant proposals and reports to support the ongoing fundraising for the PolicyLink work in California.
• When it is safe to do so, this position will involve regular travel to Sacramento and throughout California.

Qualifications/Skills

• Advanced degree in urban planning/policy, public policy, economics, environmental policy, or related social science and at least seven years of related experience, ideally in a fast-paced work environment characterized by multiple ongoing projects.
• Experience in policy development, urban planning and development, infrastructure finance, environmental justice, or place-based initiatives, including a focus on issues of racial justice.
• A demonstrated commitment to advancing racial justice and economic and social equity.
• Experience with direct civic engagement and organizing, working with grassroots partners, and supporting coalition building, and a well-developed practice of analyzing the equity impacts of policies, activities, and decisions on race, class, and other group identities.
• Experience building relationships with, and providing technical support to, community- based organizations and stakeholders.
• Self-starter with good time management skills and ability to effectively work on multiple projects and meet aggressive deadlines.
• Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce clear, rigorous, accessible, policy-relevant documents; and familiarity with research methods and design.
• Familiarity with public policy and the legislative process.
• Strong facilitation and public speaking skills and the ability to communicate complex policy issues in a manner that is clear, accessible, and compelling.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual starting salary range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000.

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. https://www.policylink.org/about-us/careers

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***