Senior Policy Analyst

Chinese American Service League•Chicago, IL

4d•$79,000 - $87,000•Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to shape public policy that advances equity for Asian American and immigrant communities? Join CASL as our Senior Policy Analyst, where your expertise will transform community needs into strategic advocacy, strengthen equity-centered policy solutions, and help shape legislative and budget priorities that create lasting impact. Your Mission: The Senior Policy Analyst drives policies that advance equity for Asian American and immigrant communities by transforming community needs into strategic advocacy action. This role conducts rigorous analysis, translates insights into policy solutions, and helps shape CASL’s legislative and budget priorities. Through collaboration with internal teams, elected officials, and community partners, the Senior Policy Analyst ensures CASL’s advocacy efforts are aligned, impactful, and grounded in community voice. Founded in 1978, CASL is the largest and most comprehensive community-based organization in the Midwest, with deep roots in serving Asian Americans and a commitment to welcoming all. With over 45 years of experience, CASL supports individuals and families across four essential areas: health, human services, education, and advocacy. From early learning and senior care to legal assistance, housing support, and citizenship services, CASL helps thousands of Chicago-area residents build healthy, stable, and empowered lives. Reporting to the Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy, the Senior Policy Analyst plays a key role in advancing CASL’s policy agenda across local, state, and federal levels. Success in this role means producing high-quality policy analysis and solutions, strengthening CASL’s presence in coalition and stakeholder spaces, and informing advocacy strategies that elevate community needs. Your work will directly shape CASL’s legislative priorities, strengthen partnerships, and position the organization as a trusted policy leader.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, or related field required.
Minimum of three to five years of professional experience, preferably in government affairs, public policy, advocacy, and/or community engagement.
At least two years of direct experience in public policy or government affairs required.
Strong policy analysis and research skills with attention to detail and political nuance.
Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate policy trends, identify advocacy opportunities, and propose creative solutions.
Self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment with minimal supervision.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex policy information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, effectively managing multiple high-priority projects while exercising sound judgment in setting priorities and meeting deadlines.
Strong drafting and editing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality briefs, memos, and policy materials.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
Ability to travel locally and within the state for meetings and events.
Ability to occasionally lift or carry materials up to 20 pounds.
Work is performed during standard business hours, Monday through Friday (9:00 am–5:00 pm).
Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends as needed for legislative sessions, public hearings, or community meetings.
Occasional local and state travel required for government affairs, advocacy events, and stakeholder engagements.
Occasional national travel may be required for conferences, convenings, or advocacy-related engagements.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctorate or advanced degree (MPA, MPP, or related) preferred.
Basic understanding of Salesforce or similar data management systems or willingness and ability to learn.
Experience working with diverse communities and multi-stakeholder environments.
Experience with coalition-building, grassroots advocacy, or legislative engagement.
Familiarity with the Asian American, immigrant, or Chicago policy landscape.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of CASL’s Government Affairs Strategic Plan by working closely with the Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy to advance key policy and advocacy priorities
Conduct in-depth policy research and analysis and prepare reports and background briefings to inform CASL’s policy positions and advocacy strategies
Develop and co-author CASL’s annual advocacy agendas, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, priorities, and community needs
Monitor and track local, state, and national policy developments on a weekly basis to position CASL for timely advocacy and proactive engagement
Draft policy proposals, legislation, and talking points for consideration by government officials and coalition partners
Monitor and prepare detailed state and federal government budget analyses and prepare materials to support CASL's engagement in public hearings and public comment opportunities, including: Summary memos of proposed and enacted budgets; Oral and written testimonies on behalf of CASL for submission to government entities; Monitor weekly public hearings and recommend which hearings the Director or a senior leader should attend to provide in-person testimony; and Recommendation on which policies to support or oppose for CASL
Contribute to the development of CASL’s overarching Strategic Government Engagement Plan, as well as the level-specific engagement plans for local, state, and federal government. Collaborate across departments to integrate programmatic insights and data into these strategies, ensuring alignment with CASL’s mission and broader community impact goals.
Cultivate relationships with state and congressionally elected officials and community organizations and leaders to elevate organizational objectives, working closely with CASL’s community engagement employees
Represent CASL in certain coalitions, task forces, and stakeholder meetings - independent or jointly with the Director, contributing policy expertise and advocating for equitable solutions
Lead and help organize regular internal and external community events to gather input related to government affairs and organizational priorities, including event logistics, agenda development, marketing materials, and attending the events
Provide support on CASL impact projects, including research, data analysis, and contributions to organizational initiatives such as Impact Reports and Data Equity Summits, as appropriate.