The National Puerto Rican Coalition, Inc. (NPRC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) advocacy organization established in 1977 that brings together community leaders and organizations to address public policy issues and to provide visibility and awareness of Puerto Rican issues at a national level. Our mission is to systematically strengthen and enhance the social, political, and economic well-being of Puerto Ricans throughout the United States and in Puerto Rico with a special focus on the most vulnerable. NPRC provides leadership in health, education, environment, social investment and economic development.

NPRC is seeking a Manager of Public Policy who will be responsible for the organization's overall public policy research, analysis and advocacy efforts. NPRC's public policy initiatives focus on educating community advocates, elected and appointed officials, and the mainstream community on issues affecting the social fabric and safety net of the most vulnerable populations in our communities.

Job Description:

This position leads the Public Policy Department in its efforts to influence federal, state and Commonwealth policy and programs. It develops and maintains working relationships with government entities and other non-profits. Specifically the Manager of Public Policy will:

- Monitor federal legislative and regulatory activities.

- Conduct research and analysis of, key issues that may impact the Puerto Rican and Latino community related to health, education, environment, social investment and economic development.

- Reach out to target audiences to educate them about issues, and to form partnerships and strategic collaborations.

- Advocate on behalf of the Puerto Rican and Latino community in front of Congress and the Federal Executive.

- Manage relationships with key Congressional and Executive Branch offices and staff.

- Represent NPRC at various coalitions, events and meetings.

- Monitor developments of relevance to NPRC in Puerto Rico and states with significant Puerto Rican populations.

- Recruit, train and manage policy interns.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: The Manager of Public Policy will report directly to the President & CEO. Their duties and responsibilities include:

- Building and maintaining contacts and relationships on Capitol Hill and at key federal agencies.

- Arranging and managing meetings with key legislative and regulatory staff.

- Identifying legislative and regulatory activities of interest to NPRC.

- Promoting and contributing to NPRC's public policy agenda.

- Monitoring/attending major hearings and providing summaries to NPRC leadership.

- Collaborating with other national organizations and involve grassroots in affecting federal policies on issues of concern to Puerto Ricans.

- Assisting in the development of key messages and distribution of key publications.

Additional Responsibilities: Other projects or duties as designated by the President & CEO, including but not limited to:

- Assisting in the planning and coordination of NPRC's special events and activities including the Annual Policy Agenda Summit, Día de Reyes Celebrations, thematic forums and meetings.

Qualifications:

- BA/BS degree in political science, public policy or sociology

- Master's degree preferred

- 3-5 years of related work experience in advocacy, federal legislative and regulatory matters

- Commitment to and knowledge of the Puerto Rican community

- Excellent research and analytical skills

- Comfortable with public speaking

- Excellent interpersonal skills, including tact and cultural sensitivity

- Strong managerial, organizational, supervisory and problem-solving skills

- Highly-organized self-starter with the ability to set, manage, and implement priorities

- Attention to detail

- Proficiency with MS Office applications

- Excellent oral and written English and Spanish communication skills

- Spanish Fluency preferred

Location of the position: Washington, DC

Instructions on How to Apply:

Please submit by email a letter of interest, resume and a brief writing sample by July 17, 2009 to George Laws García at glaws (at) nprcinc (dot) org with the subject heading - Manager of Public Policy position. Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. For more information about NPRC, please visit our website at www.nprcinc.org.

NPRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.