Public Policy Specialist

Responsibilities:
Serve as agency liaison with key political bodies including City Council and City Administration, the state legislature and Governor’s office, and federal elected official Research and evaluate existing promising practices, tools, and strategies. Coordinate all agency policy and legislative priorities. Develop and manage policy communication calendar and serve as key author of policy-related communication, including social media. Develop and/or revise policy-related organizational operational policies. Develop and implement processes to ensure the voices of survivor feedback in all stages of policy work.

Assist with various tasks related to the implementation of the coordinated community response (CCR) and other systems change efforts Serve as “key convener” of internal stakeholders for review of legislative proposals, including regular collaboration with the WAA Legal Center team. Support policy-related projects as needed including those delegated by the Legal Center Director. Represent the agency in various forums internally and externally, including participating as a vocal leader on PCADV Public Policy Committee, Policy Subcommittee on Equity and Racial Justice and systems change efforts such as Shared Safety. Create, compile and distribute systems change related communications and resource materials Manage data entry and program benchmarks for the department, and coordinate reporting functions as needed. Support staff and volunteers in lobbying efforts.

Collaborate with other program administration staff in the development and achievement of strategic plan goals. Ensure continuous communication about agency Public Policy initiatives and information, including providing pertinent legislative and budget updates to staff, board, etc. Serve as a standing co-chair of the WAA Advocacy Committee Manage overall administrative functions of the Policy department, including maintaining contact lists, routine correspondence, making inquiries and research, responding to requests for information internally and/or externally; maintaining all files and filing systems, etc. Maintains professionalism, sensitivity, and confidentiality at all times. All responsibilities are implemented according to our mission and values, and according to Agency standards, including our vision for racial justice & equity, and our model of trauma-informed care.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, communication, public health, social work, education or a similar field.
• A minimum of four years Public Policy or systems change advocacy experience required.
• Demonstrated proficient skills with Microsoft Office Suite software, including Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are required.
• Proficiency in Spanish language is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to organize time and detail, including keeping of records.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population is required; preferably experience in an urban setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member is required.
• Will be required to attend JARS Domestic Violence Advocate Training, post hire.
• Employment offer and continued employment are contingent upon satisfactory child abuse, criminal and FBI clearances required (all related fees will be paid by Women Against Abuse). The clearances will be re-run periodically and must remain satisfactory.