Legislative and Political Action Manager

Make the Road•Perth Amboy, NJ

6d•$72,474 - $94,062•Hybrid

About The Position

Make the Road States (MRstates) is the national home for the second-generation Make the Road family of organizations in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Nevada, this in addition to New York, that serves to uplift the voices of working-class, immigrants, women, LGBTQIA people, and people of color across the Make the Roads umbrella. From an operational spectrum it serves as the Finance and Human Resources Compliance Officers for the umbrella at large. Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) builds the power of immigrant and working class communities to achieve dignity and respect through community organizing, the provision of high quality legal and support services, transformative education and policy innovation. MRNJ is a project of Make the Road States. Founded in 2014, MRNJ operates centers and organizing hubs in Elizabeth, Passaic, Perth Amboy and Newark, NJ that reach thousands of immigrant and working class people of color each year. Our member-led organizing committees -- which work on the issues named above-- implement strategies to combat shared problems, and develop leadership and the capacity for civic participation. In the past four years, MRNJ has won more than 10 pro-immigrant and pro-worker policies, including the nation's first guaranteed severance law, landmark anti-wage theft legislation, occupational and drivers’ license for undocumented immigrants and a $15 minimum wage. We also provide an array of high-quality bilingual services including ESOL, legal services in the areas of immigration and workplace rights, workplace safety training and college access. Current Opening: The Legislative and Political Action Manager will be responsible for managing a department that includes 501(c4) electoral canvass capacity and communications to press, elected officials, allies, members and coalition partners. The LPA Manager shall also be the lead in lobbying, accountability, and political actions supporting MRNJ’s policy, legislative and budget goals. The LPA Manager shall work directly with the State Director and political directors from allied labor, community and advocacy organizations to build power for MRNJ, and New Jersey’s progressive advocacy community.

Requirements

Eligible to work in the US
At least 3-5 years experience in issue advocacy, community organizing, labor, and/or related fields required; experience organizing with immigrant and/or working class communities is strongly preferred
At least 2 years experience managing organizing, political, professional staff, campaign, communications and organizing teams, from recruitment to retainment
Knowledge of the New Jersey Legislature preferred
Demonstrated commitment to social justice and immigrant rights. Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges facing immigrant communities, communities of color, and low-and moderate-income families; Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse population as well as with community members, co-workers, and the public
Strong leadership, coaching, public speaking, and facilitation
Microsoft Office or Google Suite proficiency, including working knowledge of spreadsheets, and using a database to run reports
Proficiency or fluency in Spanish and English is required
Associate degree or higher
Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, writing, interpersonal, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills; emotional maturity
Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events and meetings, as needed
Desire to work collaboratively
Self-motivated; detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to prioritize assignments and workload under strict deadlines with minimal supervision, including managing shifting priorities and unexpected challenges effectively
Short-term and long-term strategic planning skills
Must be able to clearly articulate the mission and political context for MRNJ’s work
A valid driver's license and the ability to commute for regular presence in Trenton are standard requirements

Nice To Haves

Experience organizing with immigrant and/or working class communities is strongly preferred
Knowledge of the New Jersey Legislature preferred

Responsibilities

Oversee All Electoral Work: Develop and manage the process of evaluating candidates’ requests for political endorsements; Coordinate MRA-NJ’s involvement in federal, state and local races, including independent expenditure; Direct the work of the Canvassing Manager to support MRA-NJ’s electoral and policy goals; Brief staff on political program and goals; Create and oversee the organization’s electoral and policy budget; Delegate responsibility and manage assigned staff.
Coordinate Legislative Program: Serve as the point of contact for all legislative work; engage elected officials, labor, and community to support MRNJ’s issues and campaigns; Serve as registered lobbyist to monitor and influence state and local bills; Build political support for the organization’s campaigns, including organizing political field activities; Advocate for members in the annual budget process in state and local governments where members work and live; Draft legislation on behalf of members and work with elected officials to pass legislation; provide political and organizing support for locally based initiatives; Participate as MRNJ representative in strategic coalitions with labor, community, and advocacy partners to build statewide power; Direct the work of the Communications Manager preparing and executing communications to further strategic campaigns; Prepare research reports as needed for background; prepare for and participate actively in campaign strategy meetings; develop messaging for political communications; Collect, track and supervise the recording of c(3) and c(4) time and expenditures to remain in compliance with IRS regulations at all times; Train staff to move the political and legislative agenda of MRNJ, develop member leadership in political and legislative work, support turnout, issue development, and visibility/power; Stay informed on local, state and national politics, organizational programs, campaigns, and operational developments to ensure accurate and consistent communication with members, partners, and the public. Proactively engage in continuous learning and application of movement principles as well as other critical concepts that underscore our organizational approach to building power.
Organizational Support: Participate in team and department meetings and take on a leadership role in meetings as needed. Attend, participate in, and facilitate organizational meetings, trainings, events, and cross-functional initiatives as required; Ensure compliance with organizational policies, protocols, and data management practices, including accurate and timely data entry; Oversee the monitoring, transportation, maintenance, and return of organizational equipment and communications materials; Model and uphold MRNJ’s mission, values, and organizational culture in all areas of work and leadership; Maintain organized, professional, and functional workspaces and shared areas; Perform additional leadership and operational responsibilities as assigned to advance the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
Engage Member Leaders in Political and Legislative Agenda: Grow the MRA-NJ committee of members who vet candidates for endorsements; Work with field staff to recruit members for lobby days and electoral work.