United States of America: Policy Advocacy Coordinator

Status: Full-Time

Application Deadline: January 3, 2018

For consideration, please attach your cover letter and resume to the online application.

Summary of Principal Responsibilities

AFSC’s Policy Advocacy Coordinator brings the voice of AFSC's program experience and connection to impacted communities to bear in efforts to achieve policy-related goals and objectives through direct advocacy with the U.S. government. This includes public education; research and policy analysis; support for organizational learning on effective impact strategies; and coordinated work with AFSC staff, colleague organizations, and supporters.

This role will work to balance independent initiative and close collegial consultation in a dynamic policy environment, employing creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking to achieve AFSC’s public policy goals.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities: The key responsibilities of the Policy Advocacy Coordinator include the following:

1. Coordinating organization-wide policy strategies - Engage with AFSC’s regional program staff in the U.S. and internationally to develop and implement integrated approaches to policy education and advocacy using our full range of institutional capacities and expertise;
2. Policy tracking and analysis - Keep abreast of current political developments and contextual realities on issues related to AFSC’s programs, analyzing information from internal and external sources to develop integrated policy impact strategies;
3. Writing and materials development - Produce education and communication materials such as position papers, op eds, talking points, action alerts, newsletters, and content for the website in consultation with the Communications department and manage the process for review;
4. Coalition and partner engagement - Play an active role in key coalitions and advocacy groups to advance specific policy goals and actively seek opportunities to collaborate with organizations, professional groups, institutions, etc. that will expand the reach and maximize the effectiveness of the AFSC;
5. Direct education and advocacy– In consultation with constituents and affected communities, undertake direct advocacy and education to communicate AFSC’s experience-based perspectives and recommendations with policymakers and opinion leaders;
6. Event coordination and public speaking - Coordinate and participate in briefings, public actions, press outreach, and other events in Washington, D.C. on key areas of concern to AFSC;
7. OPPA team involvement - Assist in coordination of interns and support for general office functions.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus but not required.

Experience: A minimum of four years of professional experience working in public policy advocacy, preferably in areas related to AFSC’s strategic priorities, including efforts to challenge militarized and coercive foreign policy, end mass incarceration, or support racial and economic justice.

Other Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the principles and philosophy of the American Friends Service Committee including non-violence and the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
2. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns, and considerations, of AFSC in regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
3. Close familiarity with federal policymaking institutions and processes and experience in developing effective strategies to impact public policy at the national level.
4. Demonstrated experience working in direct advocacy and grassroots organizing contexts on issues of concern to the AFSC, including a proven ability to reach out collaboratively to individuals, groups and organizations.
5. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including proficiency in distilling complex information into digestible forms for diverse audiences.
6. Aptitude for critical listening, observation, and information-gathering from a range of sources.
7. Demonstrated capacity to exercise sound judgment and creativity in advancing AFSC perspectives with policymakers, coalition partners, and grassroots groups.
8. Ability to work positively and effectively with diverse staff, partners, and program constituencies.
9. Comfort with both self-direction and constructive collaboration in developing, advancing, and effectively implementing strategies and initiatives to influence public policy.
10. Ability to successfully juggle multiple advocacy issues and competing demands in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment.
11. Demonstrated ability to carry out and complete both short-term tasks and long-term projects in a timely fashion.
12. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
13. Flexibility to attend evening and weekend meetings and accommodate occasional travel, both within the U.S. and internationally as needed.
14. Ease in navigating all standard computer applications and facility employing web-based communications, advocacy and research tools and methods.
15. Ability to connect with diverse audiences and influence situations using tact and diplomacy—both internally and externally.

Compensation:** Salary range starts at $58,762 –Exempt – Comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, accident and salary continuation insurances, defined benefit pension plan, plus fringe benefits; participation in unemployment and worker’s compensation and social security.

The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity**,** sexual orientation or disability.

AFSC’s Central Office and some of its offices in the U.S. are unionized workplaces. This position is not represented.

The American Friends Service Committee is a smoke-free workplace.

To apply, please visit https://www.afsc.org/job-center and complete an online application.