Public Policy Associate

Job Title: Public Policy Associate

Job Status: Full-time

Job Summary: Under general supervision, the Public Policy Associate supports the execution of ACCESS’ public policy agenda through research, analysis, relationship building, and participation in relevant democracy building and advocacy initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct bill analyses, draft and edit legislative recommendations, position papers, briefing materials, develop formal comments on proposed policies and regulations, author letters to members of Congress and agency officials, create reports and other policy materials
• Develop fact sheets on a range of public policy issues (including education, healthcare, immigration and other issues impacting the Arab American community)
• Analyze political landscapes and environments regarding particular policy issues
• Support the National Network for Arab American Communities team and its members to organize and facilitate trainings, workshops, webinars and/or seminars
• Draft and distribute materials to advocacy partners and ACCESS’ public policy network to raise the profile of agency’s policy work and keep stakeholders informed and engaged
• May gather and identify messaging, design and content for print and electronic communications
• May research, write and edit communication pieces designed to promote and enhance the program including writing press releases, news briefs, e-newsletters, e-mail, program website and other materials in conjunction with the Communications and Marketing department
• May assist in researching and writing of grant proposals to foundations, government agencies and corporations
• Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Intermediate concepts, principles and practices of public policy and advocacy
• Arab/Middle Eastern issues, culture and languages a plus

Skill in:

• Policy analysis and writing
• Cultivating relationships with potential community partners
• Strategic thinking
• Public speaking
• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office

Ability to:

• Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives
• Read, interpret, analyze and apply information from current events and pending legislation
• Maintain ACCESS brand integrity throughout all work performed
• Write and edit effective and efficient communications
• Gather information, identify linkages and trends and apply findings to assignments
• Incite enthusiasm and influence, motivate and persuade others to achieve desired outcomes
• Organize, manage and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
• Handle stressful situations and provide a high level of customer service in a calm and professional manner
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Degree Required:

• Bachelor’s degree

• Required Disciplines:
  • Social Work, Political Science, Public Policy or a related field

~and~

• At least 2 years of experience working in public policy, legislation, government, or nonprofit advocacy
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training approved by Human Resources

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire:
  • None

Working Conditions:

Hours: On Call- employee is available for work when their employer contacts them

Travel Required: Local and national travel, up to 20%

Working Environment: Climate-controlled office environment