Policy Advocate

ABOUT CAUSE:

Founded in 2001, CAUSE's mission is to build grassroots power to advance social, economic and environmental justice for the people of the Ventura and Santa Barbara counties region through policy research, leadership development, organizing, and advocacy.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

CAUSE is currently seeking a Policy Advocate responsible for analyzing and advocating for local, state, and federal policies and programs and communicating messages using traditional and digital media. The position will be supervised by the Policy and Communications Director and will work closely with CAUSE’s organizing team to provide them with policy analysis and communications support for organizing campaigns around local social, economic, and environmental justice issues.  CAUSE Policy Advocates work on a range of issues from immigrant rights to environmental justice to workers’ rights, but this position will have a special emphasis on local and statewide environmental justice policy and farmworker rights.  The position will be based in our Oxnard office.

The Policy Advocate’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Producing research briefs for publication on social, economic, and environmental justice policy issues to share with policymakers, reporters, and allies

• Providing research and policy support for CAUSE organizers’ campaign needs

• Producing written and multimedia content for CAUSE’s online presence including mass emails, webpages, social media posts, etc.

• Graphic design of flyers, posters, infographics, fact sheets, etc. to support CAUSE organizers

• Writing press advisories, press releases, and op-eds; organizing press conferences and working with local reporters to increase regional media coverage of social, economic, and environmental justice issues

• Assisting CAUSE staff and grassroots leaders with preparation for media interviews and speaking in public forums

• Translating complex policy documents into accessible presentations, fact sheets, and trainings for CAUSE grassroots leaders and community members

• Working with local partner organizations and state and national coalitions on behalf of CAUSE

• Participating in some grassroots fundraising and occasional grant writing and reporting

JOB REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish required at a level of proficiency to translate policy documents and be interviewed by Spanish-language media

• Bachelors Degree or equivalent required

• Prior employment and/or intern experience including policy analysis and advocacy around social, economic, and environmental justice issues preferred

• Demonstrated commitment and passion for social, economic and/or environmental justice

• Strong written and verbal communications skills including large-group public speaking and formal writing for publication

• Experience with using Microsoft Office computer programs (Word, Powerpoint, Publisher, and Excel) as well as web-based Google applications (Gmail, Google Docs)

• Multimedia skills such as graphic design and video production a plus

• Familiarity with accessing public databases such as Census data a plus

• Experience with and desire to work with diverse cultures and the ability to engage people from a variety of backgrounds

• Ability to interact professionally with elected officials, donors, board members, leaders of ally organizations, and news reporters

• Strategic and analytical approach to political issues

• Able to work independently and as part of a team

• Able to set own work priorities, manage responsibilities and time

• Flexibility and willingness to sometimes work long hours and weekends, and be able to travel throughout region, state and nation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid drivers’ license and dependable access to a car to drive for work required.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position has flexible hours and may sometimes include evening and weekend work.  CAUSE provides every other Friday off to staff as a perk in addition to flexible paid time off and holidays.
 

COMPENSATION

Starting pay for this position is $45,760 per year. Compensation includes paid holidays, vacation, sick time and comprehensive health benefits including medical and dental, as well as a monthly stipend for use of cellphone and car.

APPLYING

CAUSE will be accepting resumes through Friday, July 9th.  Interview process will include two rounds with CAUSE senior staff.  Please e-mail resumes with cover letter to Lucas Zucker at [email protected]. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not receive a response.

CAUSE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. WOMEN AND PEOPLE OF COLOR ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.