Job | Policy Director: Voices Of Community Activists & Leaders (VOCAL-NY)

Policy Director: Voices Of Community Activists & Leaders

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/W65fKNcKPjNp/

The Policy Director will lead public policy analysis, research and communications activities for grassroots campaigns around HIV/AIDS and drug policy. Policy issues may include HIV/AIDS housing, overdose prevention, syringe access, hepatitis C, harm reduction, methadone, police reform and broader social justice issues like progressive taxation.

The position requires experience in public policy analysis, legislative advocacy, communications and coalition building. The Policy Director will work collaboratively with a team of seven community organizers and our grassroots members to analyze data, develop policy change and legislative strategies, lobby government officials, coordinate with allies and deepen public awareness about our policy goals. The Policy Director reports to the Lead Organizer.

The primary responsibilities of the position are:

• Support ongoing advocacy and legislative campaigns, including creating campaign materials, training members, coordinating with allies and meeting with elected officials.
• Engage in direct and grassroots lobbying around policy objectives and support communications for campaigns, including earned media, online communication and regular updates for members.
• Monitor the city, state and federal budget and legislative process around our core issue areas, especially HIV/AIDS housing, overdose prevention, syringe access, hepatitis C, harm reduction, methadone and police reform.
• Work with VOCAL-NY members to prepare testimony for legislative, policy and budget proposals that impact them.
• Provide regular updates to VOCAL-NY’s individual members, HIV/AIDS Housing Network member organization and our allies about budget and policy issues.
• Monitor research and government data regarding HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, drug use, criminal justice and related issues in New York.
• Support participatory research by VOCAL-NY’s individual members around our core issues.
• Assist with fundraising efforts from foundations and individual donors, including preparing grant applications and reporting.
• Promote membership involvement and directly participate in relevant coalitions. Prepare written reports, meeting summaries and related materials as required.

This is a full-time position that will begin sometime in January. The position will report to the Lead Organizer, will be part of the Senior Staff Team, and will work collaboratively with the Executive Director and Community Organizers on staff.

The position will be based in Brooklyn, will require regular travel to Albany, and will also require other out-of-NYC travel, and occasional overnight travel, as well as attendance at evening and weekend meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement. An advanced degree in public health, public policy, law or other relevant discipline (or equivalent work experience) is preferred.
• Willingness to work long hours and occasional weekends.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• At least three years’ experience at the national or local level in policy development or community organizing, and experience in New York City and state politics is preferred.
• Knowledge of New York City and State budget and legislative process is preferred.
• Demonstrated substantive strength in one or more key areas of VOCAL-NY’s work, e.g. harm reduction or HIV/AIDS, is desired.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and trainings, coordinate coalitions, and develop partnerships among a wide and diverse array of stakeholders.

How to apply