Policy Director, Georgia

Southern Poverty Law Center•Atlanta, GA

10h•$164,300

About The Position

The SPLC is seeking a Policy Director for Georgia to advance its policy objectives through a multi-strategy advocacy agenda. The role develops and executes local- and state-level policy advocacy aligned with the organization’s priorities, including securing democracy, eradicating poverty, reimagining the youth and adult criminal legal system, and opposing hate and extremist ideologies that affect Black and Brown communities. The Policy Director works under the supervision of the Regional Policy Director and collaborates with colleagues in the Policy department, State Office, Communications, Legal, Learning for Justice, and Intelligence Project departments. The role supervises the Policy Associate, directs state contract lobbyists, and works with elected and appointed officials, agencies, advocacy organizations, direct service providers, community partners, and directly impacted community members. The position may be performed as Local Remote, with attendance at work-related activities at SPLC offices or in states where SPLC operates, or as Telework, with at least three days per week at an SPLC office and up to two days per week at an alternative work location. This is an exempt role with a minimum starting salary of $164,300 annually; salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits are available to SPLC staff. The position is performed under general office conditions and has no strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Requirements

At least five years of policy advocacy experience, including developing, managing, and implementing campaigns to pass or oppose legislation and government agency rules and regulations.
At least two years of experience in social justice or civil rights work.
At least two years of proven staff management experience, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, discipline, and mentoring.
Demonstrated leadership in building and maintaining an innovative and positive working culture, including commitment to JEDI principles within a policy department.
High school diploma or GED.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing public policy advocacy initiatives, including local and state strategies on democracy, poverty, criminal legal system reform, and opposing hate and extremist ideologies affecting Black and Brown communities.
Ability to develop, manage, and execute effective, data-driven local and state advocacy initiatives, assess opportunities, and develop workplans with clear goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to listen and communicate persuasively with diverse audiences.
Ability to manage time and competing, changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment and adjust priorities as needed.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds across internal departments, external organizations, and stakeholders.
Operational understanding of laws governing permissible lobbying activity by 501(c)(3) organizations and compliant time tracking.
Commitment to SPLC’s mission, vision, and values.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a deeply partisan environment.
Relevant policy advocacy work within Georgia is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a strategic workplan to achieve organizational objectives in Georgia through local- and state-level policy engagements.
Identify, secure, and respond to opportunities to influence local and state policy decisions; collaborate with federal and research policy colleagues; analyze the racial and economic impact of proposed legislation; seek introductions or provide comments on ordinances, legislation, and administrative rules; submit statements and letters; prepare advocacy materials; and meet with elected and administrative officials and staff.
Secure, draft, deliver, or coordinate legislative testimony, sign-on letters, and other advocacy materials to advance or defeat legislation at local and state levels, and partner with federal policy colleagues on opportunities at the federal level.
Manage the Georgia Policy team through mentorship, performance evaluation, coaching, hiring, and disciplinary actions as needed.
Oversee Georgia’s state-based lobbyists, including annual contract renewals, processing monthly retainers and expenses for payment, and directing their engagements.
Build and maintain coalition spaces and ensure diverse representation, including the voices of directly impacted individuals, on advocacy issues aligned with SPLC priorities and strategies.
Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials and their staff, allied organizations, direct service providers, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Represent SPLC’s Georgia policy priorities as a spokesperson in media interviews, conference presentations, roundtables, and other opportunities.
Prepare documentation for the Chief Policy Officer and Regional Policy Director, including workplan progress, information for board meetings, annual budgeting, and other assignments as directed.
Perform other duties reasonably within the scope of the job classification.