Job Title: Policy Coordinator

Classification: Full Time | Non-Exempt

Salary: Starting at $22/hour (depending on experience and qualifications)

Department: Organizing, Advocacy and Policy Department

Reports to: Policy Manager

Location: Telecommute currently offered with transition to CARECEN’s Los Angeles Office

Job Summary

CARECEN is in search of a creative and strategic public policy professional.  This position will develop and lead policy and advocacy efforts at the State level. The policy coordinator will also support coalition building efforts strengthening immigrant rights advocacy in California. The policy coordinator will work closely with the Organizing, Advocacy and Policy Department to further the organization's vision and mission supporting CARECEN’s policy agendas on education equity, immigrant worker’s rights, immigrant rights. This is a full-time position that can be based out of our Los Angeles main office with expected frequent travel to Sacramento and some local travel or based in Sacramento with some travel expected to Los Angeles.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Duties

• Continue the development of CARECEN’s state public policy agenda and presence in Sacramento in line with CARECEN’s mission
• Provide strategic guidance and develop legislative proposals to advance CARECEN’s goals and objectives
• Collaborate with the policy manager and director of organizing, advocacy and policy to coordinate the development and implementation of policy and advocacy agendas on priority issues for CARECEN
• Lead clearly defined policy projects within CARECEN’s state policy campaigns 
• Monitor, interpret, and summarize state legislative proposals and policies, and regional trends that impact immigrants on an ongoing basis
• Assist in drafting and implementation stages of pro-immigrant policies in state legislative and budgetary processes as needed
• Coordinate collaboration with immigrant rights networks and organizational partners to advance CARECEN’s policy priorities
• Play a critical role in state coalition spaces (e.g. One California Network) and provide necessary support on behalf of CARECEN in coordination with key team members 
• Coordinate and maintain strategic working relationships and communication with state policymakers, officials, key agencies and other stakeholders
• Coordinate periodic meetings and strategic engagements with legislators and officials and provide policy analysis to policymakers and their staff
• Serve as a representative for communicating CARECEN’s policy positions in committee hearings, legislative meetings, coalition spaces and efforts
• Initiate and implement advocacy strategies (e.g. lead in organizational advocacy coalition spaces or working groups, coordinate legislative visits efforts for advocacy days, lead call to actions such as letters and call-in campaigns, etc.) 
• Develop and maintain a local and state legislative interactions database, tracking systems, and advocacy program files
• Produce relevant educational materials including policy analysis reports, briefing documents, and fact sheets on local/state immigrant and immigration issues for different audiences (e.g. internal staff, community members, legislators) as needed
• Support CARECEN staff and coordinate community member engagement in legislative processes and advocacy efforts (e.g. legislative meetings, briefings, public hearings, press engagements, etc.) through training and workshops, leading working groups, providing political updates 
• Support writing statements, advocacy digital toolkits, talking points, sample letters, and other material to advance the CARECEN’s policy and advocacy agenda, inform the community of policy updates, and encourage community engagement 
• Represent CARECEN in political engagements, media involvement and other organizational efforts as needed
• Coordinate with external consultants and volunteers as needed
• Support the Organizing, Advocacy and Policy Department in other efforts as needed 

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy or a related field  

• At least 2 years of experience in State level public policy and advocacy field required  

• Experience working with directly impacted immigrant and refugee communities 

• Experience developing policy proposals and implementing advocacy strategies for campaigns 

• Comfortable and experienced in fast-paced environment and handling multiple deadlines  

• Strong research and writing skills to be able to learn, research, and communicate complex policy issue areas in a fast-paced environment    

• Must have the ability to plan, organize, and exercise good judgment with limited supervision to implement CARECEN’s policy plan 

• Bilingual and fluent (speaking and writing) in English and Spanish  

• Available some weekends and evenings 

• Be able to work in public or shared spaces per travel and role activities needs 

• Deep understanding of the current immigration political landscape - local, state, national 

Classification & Work Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, flexibility required based on the needs of the organization. The normal workweek for this position is 35 hours, equaling 7-hour workdays. Responsibilities may require working evenings and some weekends. The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position operates in a professional office environment and in the field for community activities. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand, as necessary.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel to CARECEN offices, other off-site locations, and Sacramento. Mileage reimbursement is available. Ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is preferred. 

Benefits

CARECEN offers a generous health insurance package that includes medical, vision, dental, life insurance and Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Supplemental insurance and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan are also available. Personal, vacation and sick time accruals are also provided along with 14 paid holidays.

Application Deadline

Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter, resume and three references to Alexandra Morales at [email protected]

Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish fluency in the cover letter. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants must apply directly. CARECEN will not consider applications through legal/staffing agencies. No inquiries or phone calls from applicants or legal/staffing agencies. 

CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.