California Policy Manager

Drug Policy Alliance • Sacramento, CA

120d • $80,000 - $88,000

About The Position

The Policy Manager works with the California State Director in developing and shaping strategy, goals, and communications efforts for the California office. Responsibilities include developing and managing campaigns focused on (but not exclusive to) policy reform related to criminalization of drugs, substance use disorder treatment, overdose prevention, harm reduction, and other health- and addiction-related services, including strategy, partnerships, written materials and action plans; educating and lobbying elected officials, advocacy organizations, and community leaders; leading advocacy and communications work on their legislative campaigns; speaking publicly and representing DPA in the media; and more. The Policy Manager also works with the larger DPA policy department to contribute to the development of DPA’s national policy agenda. The successful candidate must be a self-starter and a risk taker, with a high degree of confidence and energy. Excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for racial and social justice are essentials for success.

Requirements

• A minimum of five years of experience or equivalent in public policy advocacy, community organizing, legislative work, and/or government relations.
• Experience building and/or participating in coalitions in pursuit of an activist agenda with measurable results.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse partners, including community-based organizations and community members/constituents.
• Strong analytic ability and superior communication skills, including writing and public speaking to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial and social justice and equity.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity, and a good sense of humor.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Deep familiarity with drug policy, particularly reforms focused on substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, and other health- and addiction-related services.
• Commitment to harm reduction, racial and social justice, and drug policy reform principles.
• Familiarity with legislative process at the state or federal level, preferably in California.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in public policy/administration, public health, law, or related field preferred.
• Enthusiasm and motivation to lead on cutting-edge issues.
• Availability to travel as may be required.
• Entrepreneurial outlook.

Responsibilities

• Managing state level legislative campaigns.
• Organizing community groups and advocacy organizations in support of DPA’s federal agenda.
• Meeting with and influencing legislators, advocates, and community groups.
• Educating the public and policymakers on the need to treat drug use as a health issue instead of a criminal issue.
• Co-managing DPA’s legislative and advocacy agenda at the state level.
• Independently managing campaigns focused on policy reform related to criminal legal system reform, substance use disorder treatment, overdose prevention, harm reduction, and other health- and addiction-related services.
• Seeking out and identifying opportunities to promote DPA’s core priorities at the state level.
• Supporting and strengthening team efforts across campaign areas.
• Building, managing, and/or working with coalitions in support of legislative campaigns.
• Lobbying members of the state legislature, state agencies, and other policymakers and their staff.
• Monitoring and tracking legislation in support of the goals of the California office.
• Drafting, editing and disseminating fact sheets, backgrounders, policy reports, and other materials.
• Developing and implementing communications strategies and tactics to support California legislative and communications campaigns.
• Creating and maintaining solid relationships with diverse partners.
• Actively seeking to include people most impacted by the war on drugs in policy campaigns and decision-making.
• Contributing to DPA fundraising activities.
• Serving as DPA’s representative at community events, conferences, and other forums.
• Assisting with the recruitment, training, and supervision of consultants, student fellows, interns, and volunteers.
• Planning policy forums, rallies, press conferences, and other events.
• Assisting the Director with annual budget and work plan development.
• Performing other duties as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance and coverage (including dental and vision).
• 403b retirement plan with 10% employer matching contribution after completion of one-year.
• Paid time off including 20 days of vacation, plus national holidays, sick days, organizational closure at the end of December, and year-round early dismissal on Fridays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree