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Policy Analyst, Democracy

Policy Analyst, Democracy
Organization: Southern Poverty Law Center
Location: Atlanta, GA | Jackson, MS | Miami, FL | Montgomery, AL | New Orleans, LA | Washington, D.C.
Date Posted: 05/21/2024

The SPLC is seeking a Policy Analyst

The SPLC is seeking a Policy Analyst who is committed to advancing political participation and civic engagement!

SPLC Policy team works to advance the SPLC’s agenda with government officials, advocating policy, legal, and legislative recommendations in alignment with the SPLC’s Impact Statement. Reporting to the Policy Research Director, The Policy Analyst, Democracy is dedicated to creating compelling assets that build the case for an inclusive democracy that challenges voter suppression measures, developing novel theories to expand the franchise and political power for communities of color that have been historically excluded from the political process, and ensuring representational diversity in the Deep South and beyond. Reporting to the Director of Research and working closely with the SPLC’s federal and state policy teams and other internal stakeholders, the Policy Analyst, Democracy is responsible for conducting fact and policy research; producing excellent written policy research products, reviewing and analyzing data; and cultivating partnerships and collaborations with think tanks, academic institutions, and community partners to develop and advance policies to protect voting rights and expand democracy.

Who You Are

Experienced
Demonstrated experience in public policy with knowledge and advocacy expertise on issues related to democracy, civic engagement, voting rights, and political participation.

Effective Communicator
Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.

Thoughtful and Analytical
Ability to formulate research strategies and analyze data.

Efficient
Ability to effectively manage time while working in a fast-paced environment. Pivoting from one assignment to another to accomplish goals and the complete assignments.

Collaborative
Demonstrated ability to work with internal departments, external organizations, and stakeholders to execute specific policy research strategies to advance the work of the policy department.

Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment
Demonstrated awareness for SPLC’s mission and vision; and a commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and fostering an anti-racist work culture and antiracist principles and learning.

What You’ll Do

  • Formulate the research strategy for SPLC’s democracy policy analysis in our states and at the federal level, ensuring high-quality data analyses, development of evidence-based policy options, and effective public and policy-maker education efforts aimed at changing state and federal law, policy and practice.
  • Produce high-impact publications (reports, white papers, etc.) related to trends in voting rights and democracy policy and evaluations of policy reforms.
  • Collaborate with federal/state policy teams, the voting rights litigation team, Learning for Justice, the Intelligence Project, and other internal stakeholders to identify needs, develop strategies and implement work plans.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Research and federal/state policy teams, cultivate productive relationships and communication with a wide range of constituencies interested in voting rights and democracy policy, including policymakers, government officials, researchers and advocates.
  • Support legislative advocacy by tracking and analyzing the impact of policy proposals and interpreting research and data for policymakers in coordination with other policy staff.
  • Provide real-time support to the SPLC’s policy team to deliver quick, accurate answers to emerging voting rights and democracy policy research questions.
  • Collaborate with federal/state policy teams, the Communications Department, SPLC programs, and internal stakeholders to develop communication strategies around campaigns and serve as spokesperson upon request.
  • Represent SPLC in various fora, including before community groups, policymakers, and agencies upon request.
  • Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the center and department’s goals.
  • Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in public policy, with a demonstrated knowledge in voting rights and democracy policy, with a combination or experience, education and training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and abilities required; and
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy or related field.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $94,793 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where and How You’ll Work

This role has the following work designations options:

Local Remote
Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.

Telework
Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.

Other Special Considerations

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.

Disclaimer

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.

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