Policy Manager - OneAmerica (Seattle)

Job Description: Policy Manager

OneAmerica (formerly Hate Free Zone) is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the principles of democracy and justice at the local, state and national levels through building power in immigrant communities, in collaboration with key allies.  Since inception in 2001, OneAmerica has grown to become a nationally- and locally- recognized leader in advancing immigrant, civil and human rights.  The successful candidate will be someone who is excited to join a fast-paced, results-oriented, creative and strategic staff of 20+ people working to advance rights for immigrants. 

The Policy Manager will be part of the Policy and Advocacy department that reports to a Director of Policy and Advocacy and includes a State Policy & Legislative Manager, Education Policy & Research Associate, and English Innovations Program Manager. The Policy Manager will have primary responsibility for supporting Federal, state and local efforts to advocate for pro-immigrant policies. 

Responsibilities:

·         Identifies key immigrant issues for focus, implementing strategy to achieve those policy objectives, and working with other OneAmerica teams (organizing and communications, in particular) as well as external partners and allies to help move those issues forward.

·         Analyzes public policies on local, state and federal level to determine impact on immigrant communities.  Effectively and rapidly develops, writes and disseminates policy strategy and research materials for issue advocacy, including detailed legislative and policy reports, e-updates, fact sheets, letters to elected officials, community partners and other unusual allies. Conducts research on voting records of elected officials.

·         Strengthens and develops new relationships, including with business, labor, faith and community organizations to accomplish OneAmerica’s political and legislative issue goals and campaigns.

·         Advocates with and on behalf of community members on legislative issues and other policy issues.

·         Prepares testimony on policies impacting immigrant communities, prepares community members to testify, helps build relationships between OneAmerica members and legislators.

·         Develops policy expertise in key issues, including CIR, immigrant integration, racial profiling, among others.  Monitors, researches and interprets information on federal, local and state legislation and policy for internal and external distribution.

·         Works collaboratively with Policy and Organizing staff to utilize policy research to help advance organizing efforts and vice versa. 

·         Staffs national and state level coalitions and policy committees, as assigned. 

·         Represents OneAmerica, as assigned, on designated issues at public forums, field hearings and other outside organizational meetings and conferences.

·         With Development Director, writes and submits grant proposals and reports on a timely basis.

·         Supervises policy interns, utilizing skills for maximum learning and organizational impact.

·         Along with State and Legislative Policy manager, assist in implementing OneAmerica’s legislative agenda in Olympia during legislative session.

·         Coordinate logistics and implementation of Immigrants Day at the Capitol lobby day, working with State and Legislative Policy Manager for strategy and key contacts.

·         Performs other duties as required to support OneAmerica’s mission.

Job Qualifications:

·         Minimum of 2-3 years policy advocacy experience, ideally in social justice field (immigrant, refugee human or civil rights preferred).

·          Ability to synthesize information quickly, analyze legislation, interpret information for a broad audience of OneAmerica members and staff, and make sound, logical conclusions.

·         Understanding and respect for how organizing and policy work together; ability to communicate with wide breadth of audiences including elected, labor, faith, business, and regular members on the ground essential. 

·         Deep understanding of and commitment to immigrant rights issues; experience working intensively with communities of color.

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills and previous experience writing briefs or reports or giving presentations.  Ability to turn things around very quickly and work under pressure a must.  Attention to detail absolutely essential.

·         Strong coalition building experiences a plus. 

·         Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, with can-do attitude, ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

·         Strategic thinker, strong judgment, with ability to work with diplomacy and in complex and political situations.

·         Ability to use on-line research services, MSOffice Suite and information systems for advocacy and grassroots lobbying.

·         Comfort with e-data tools, databases and other electronic organizing and advocacy tools such as Salesforce and Salsa.

·         Degree (advanced a plus) in public policy, law or other relevant field, or equivalent experience desired.

·         Valid Washington State driver’s license, insurance and access to a car required.  Cell phone required.

·         Bi-lingual skills a plus!

This is a salary position with full benefits.
Women and people of color encouraged to apply.
Deadline June 1^st  2012
Email resume and cover letter to jobs@weareoneamerica.org