Senior Associate, Policy and Advocacy

Rural Economic Development•Raleigh, NC

22d

About The Position

The Rural Center seeks an experienced Sr. Associate, Policy and Advocacy who is passionate about rural communities and committed to collaboratively developing policies that will create stronger economies and a higher quality of life for all in North Carolina. The position will report to the Senior Director of Policy, Advocacy and Innovation and will be responsible for working with diverse networks of state and federal policymakers, local leaders, and rural champions to research, develop, and advocate for innovative nonpartisan policy solutions to rural North Carolina’s biggest economic development challenges. The ideal candidate is comfortable with a variety of economic development policy areas and would be ready and willing to learn about new issues as they arise. Strong research and communication skills are required, as well as an ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders holding a broad spectrum of political views. In a fast-paced work environment with competing deadlines, strong time management skills are second only to good humor and enthusiasm for the work of the Rural Center.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and three to five years of work experience, preferably in a government relations, policy development setting, community engagement, communications, or other related field
Strong understanding of and interest in broad-based economic development policy, including education, healthcare, digital and physical infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and small-business development
Ability to quickly learn about other policy issues and legislation, as well as broader economic and demographic trends
Outstanding written and oral communication skills
A dynamic understanding of the rural narrative and how best to foster its assets to inform policy change at the state and federal levels
Discretion, tact, professionalism, and the ability to act independently with good judgment in representing the Rural Center to the general public and policymakers, and the ability to function as part of a team working toward a common objective
Experience managing multiple competing priorities and complex assignments
Ability to relate easily to diverse individuals and groups, form and lead coalitions, and foster consensus
Willingness to work nontraditional hours during legislative sessions and to occasionally travel across North Carolina

Responsibilities

In conjunction with the research team, conduct policy research and development efforts for the Rural Center’s advocacy program
Track and analyze state and federal policy developments and legislation related to Rural Center’s legislative priorities
Collaborate with Rural Center research team on original research and analysis of relevant policy proposals from other states, think tanks, and advocacy organizations
Convene state policy experts and advocacy leaders for the purpose of collaborative policy development
Create, maintain, and coordinate relationships with a wide array of policy and advocacy officials from across the state
Provide regular updates to the NC Rural Center Board of Directors on divisional advocacy efforts, relationships, policies and lobbying activities
Represent the Rural Center on various policy-related task forces, committees, and coalitions (as appropriate)
Provide coordination and supervision to government relations consultants, freelancers, and contractors, as appropriate
Provide coordination and supervision to advocacy interns and other policy and research team members as assigned
Develop and maintain strong, trusted working relationships with legislative and executive staff and leadership at the state and federal levels; inform and advise policymakers on preferred courses of legislative and regulatory advocacy and action
Attend relevant state government meetings, including but not limited to NC General Assembly committee meetings, state regulatory board meetings, public information sessions, and press conferences
Represent the Rural Center on various policy-related task forces, committees, and coalitions (as appropriate)
Share regular policy updates with Rural Center advocates via email newsletters and presentations
Manage the development of policy-related communications materials for distribution to external audiences (toolkits, videos, social media messages, factsheets, issue briefs, talking points, etc.)
Manage online advocacy tools (action alert system, legislative tracker, etc.)
In collaboration with other advocacy team members, manage network engagement activities, including trainings and events
Collaborate with Rural Center communications staff to share policy proposals and best practices through whitepapers, issue briefs, and other creative media strategies
Coordinate engagement opportunities between Rural Counts advocates and state and federal policymakers
Respond to policy inquiries from Rural Center staff members and partners
Support planning and execution of Rural Center policy-advocacy events, including but not limited to Rural Summit, advocacy days, legislative visits, webinars, and regional forums