Policy Fellow, California

Drug Policy Alliance

1d•$65,000 - $75,000•Remote

About The Position

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. We advocate for a holistic approach to drugs that prioritizes health, social supports, and community wellbeing. DPA opposes punitive approaches that destabilize people, block access to care, and drain communities of resources. We believe that the regulation of drugs should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives. DPA has 40 staff across the U.S. an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, and 200,000 members, activists, and supporters. The organization has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles. Recognizing the broad reach of the drug war, DPA works across issue areas to engage more deeply with organizations and leaders in immigration, family policing, education, reproductive justice, housing, and other aligned spaces. This commitment to building power across movements and building a base contributes to and works in tandem with DPA’s work on policy and legislative change. DPA seeks a highly motivated, collaborative, and result-oriented Policy Fellow to support the development and implementation of public policy campaigns. The Policy Fellow will play a key role in advancing health-centered policy approaches to drugs with a primary focus on legislative and organizing initiatives in California Reporting to the California State Director, the Policy Fellow will monitor and track legislation, engage in partnership development, and communicate about DPA’s policy priorities and organizing efforts.

Requirements

At least three years of relevant experience in public policy advocacy, community organizing, and/or government relations.
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Ability to build and cultivate relationships with people and organizations of various orientations and backgrounds.
Successful track record in building community and political support for policy change.
Familiarity with the legislative process (preferably in California)
Excellent writing, speaking, and analytic skills.
A demonstrated passion for issues DPA addresses.
Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity and a good sense of humor.
Excellent writing, speaking, and analytic skills.
Willingness to travel for occasional meetings and events.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience relevant to the drug war is preferred.

Responsibilities

Advocate with members of California Legislature and their staff on legislation, regulations, and other policy issues.
Maintain relationships with advocates working on racial justice, health, criminal justice reform, immigration, civil liberties, anti-poverty, and other issues.
Participate in, strengthen, and support coalitions on behalf of DPA in support of major drug policy reform.
Draft and send communications to members of the Legislature and their staff on legislation, regulations, and other policy issues.
Educate the public and policymakers on health-centered drug policies.
Represent DPA at public meetings and as needed at conferences.
Partner with communications staff in drafting and editing email alerts, web page content, and social media messaging.
Track legislation in support of strategic priorities and coordinate with DPA staff and allies to respond to proposed legislation and represent DPA in hearings.
Identify opportunities for advancing drug policy reform at the state level.
Assist with communications, including drafting press releases, opinion editorials, and letters to the editor.
Assist in planning and hosting policy panels, briefings, and other events.
Draft and disseminate coalition sign-on letters, fact sheets, policy reports, and other lobbying materials.
Perform other duties as required.