Public Policy Associate
About The Position
The Public Policy Associate supports and advances Jewish Family Service LA's public policy, advocacy, and government relations initiatives. The role conducts policy research and analysis, monitors legislative and regulatory developments, develops advocacy materials, coordinates stakeholder engagement, and represents the agency in public policy forums and coalitions. The Associate exercises independent judgment and discretion in evaluating policy issues, developing recommendations, coordinating advocacy efforts, and supporting strategic initiatives that further JFSLA's mission and priorities. The position works under the direction of the Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Relations and collaborates with agency departments, government representatives, coalition partners, community organizations, volunteers, and other stakeholders. It also provides project coordination and operational support for public policy initiatives, including meetings, events, communications, records, and follow-up activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Strong interest in social services, poverty, public policy, and social justice issues.
- Ability to conduct research, analyze complex information, and prepare concise written reports and recommendations.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, project management, and time management abilities.
- Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with diverse constituencies, including government officials, community partners, volunteers, and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Must successfully pass a criminal background check (Live Scan fingerprinting) prior to employment.
Nice To Haves
- Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Work, Communications, Law, or a related field.
- Two or more years of experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations, community engagement, nonprofit administration, legislative affairs, or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Advance JFSLA advocacy initiatives related to agency priorities, social services, and government partnerships under the direction of the Senior Director.
- Research and analyze legislative, regulatory, and funding issues affecting JFSLA programs and clients.
- Monitor and report on federal, state, and local legislation, public policy developments, and government funding opportunities.
- Draft policy briefs, fact sheets, legislative summaries, advocacy materials, letters, reports, and presentations.
- Develop recommendations on policy positions, advocacy strategies, and stakeholder engagement opportunities.
- Help implement advocacy campaigns and community engagement efforts supporting agency priorities.
- Maintain and cultivate relationships with government agencies, elected officials, legislative staff, coalition partners, and community organizations.
- Represent JFSLA at coalition meetings, legislative briefings, community events, public forums, and other advocacy-related activities.
- Engage and mobilize community stakeholders, volunteers, and advocates on behalf of JFSLA clients and programs.
- Collaborate with internal departments to identify policy issues affecting programs, clients, and service delivery.
- Assist with policy-related communications, including newsletters, action alerts, social media content, presentations, and external communications.
- Prepare briefing materials, research summaries, talking points, and presentations for agency leadership, committees, and external stakeholders.
- Support the Senior Director in developing and implementing strategic public policy initiatives and advocacy priorities.
- Organize legislative briefings, stakeholder meetings, advocacy events, site visits, and community engagement activities, including associated logistics and preparation.
- Develop and maintain legislative tracking systems, advocacy databases, stakeholder contact lists, and public policy records.
- Monitor advocacy activities and outcomes and prepare reports, summaries, and updates for agency leadership.
- Participate in coalition meetings as assigned by the Senior Director and follow up with strategic actions.
- Follow up with government agencies, coalition partners, and community stakeholders to ensure timely completion of initiatives.
- Organize Public Policy Committee meetings, including developing agendas, preparing and distributing materials, coordinating meetings, documenting key discussions, and tracking action items.
- Support scheduling, travel coordination, correspondence, records management, and other departmental operational activities.
- Prioritize assignments, identify issues requiring attention, and recommend appropriate follow-up actions using independent judgment.
- Provide operational support to the Senior Director, including organizing public policy folders, preparing briefing materials, maintaining records and contact databases, tracking advocacy activities, processing correspondence and check requests, and performing other assigned duties.
- Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Nurturing environment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
