Policy Researcher and Organizer

### About Mother’s Outreach Network

Mother’s Outreach Network, Inc. (MON), based in Washington, DC, is a non-profit, tax-exempt, racial justice and antipoverty advocacy organization that pursues the inclusion and empowerment of Black mothers in the struggle for family preservation by transforming government income and child welfare laws, policies, and practices from punitive to empowering.

MON uses movement-lawyering strategies that build parents’ power to transform systems and aid in harm reduction against impacted constituents. MON does so through three primary programs:

• The legal program provides representation, advice, and referrals for mothers facing adverse administrative decisions, focusing on matters before the DC Child and Family Services Agency that negatively impact family preservation and economic security.
• The advocacy program seeks to transform income and child welfare/family regulation system policy at the local and federal levels.
• The community engagement program includes outreach events, know-your-rights workshops in law and civic activism, as well as community-driven research and mutual aid.

### Position Description

The Policy Researcher and Organizer role combines in-depth research on policy issues with active grassroots mobilization to advocate for policy changes. Responsibilities include gathering data, analyzing legislation, supporting coalitions, and leading grassroots campaigns to influence policy decisions at the local, state, or federal level.

Reporting directly to MON’s Executive Director, this person plays a key role in implementing MON’s policy research and writing, as well as working with MON’s clients, coalitions, and community-based programs. Current projects include:

• The D.C. Guaranteed Income Coalition
• The Mother Up Guaranteed Income Research Project
• Researching and drafting policy memoranda
• Legislative tracking
• Community organizing in support of program campaigns

The Policy Researcher and Organizer coordinates with MON’s teams and constituents and produces comprehensive monthly written reports for the Executive Director. They work with leadership to set strategic goals and objectives for programs.

### Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct thorough research on priority policy areas, including reviewing literature, analyzing data, and conducting surveys/interviews.
• Identify key stakeholders and analyze their positions on policy issues.
• Draft policy reports and briefs summarizing research findings and providing evidence-based policy recommendations.

Policy Advocacy and Organizing

• Build relationships with MON clients, policymakers, community leaders, and advocacy groups to support policy changes.
• Develop grassroots mobilization strategies, including organizing meetings, petition drives, and letter-writing campaigns.
• Coordinate outreach efforts to educate the public on policy issues and encourage action.
• Prepare MON mothers and others to lobby elected officials and advocate for policy positions.

Communication and Public Engagement

• Develop communication materials such as fact sheets, press releases, and social media content to raise awareness.
• Present research findings and policy recommendations to diverse audiences, including community groups and policymakers.
• Manage and maintain relationships with key stakeholders through regular communication and outreach.

### The Associate Legal Director May Be Required To:

• Represent and provide legal services to mothers undergoing investigation by the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) or those with open in-home family cases.
• Represent parents placed on DC Child and Family Services Agency’s Child Protection Register, including conducting outreach, client intakes, interviews, investigations, mediations, and hearings.
• Provide brief legal services to parents in advice clinics and community education programs.
• Coordinate and engage in community education, outreach, and communications related to legal programs and clinics.
• Manage the legal program’s full-time staff attorney.
• Recruit and supervise pro bono attorneys and legal volunteers.
• Assist with grant applications and reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

### Qualifications & Requirements

• Commitment to MON’s mission and culture.
• Candidates must reside in Washington, D.C.
• Research: Strong analytical skills, ability to collect and analyze data, and proficiency in research methodologies.
• Policy Analysis: Understanding of policy development, legislation interpretation, and policy implications.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks.
• Political Savvy: Understanding of the political landscape and ability to build relationships with policymakers.
• Community Organizing: Experience in mobilizing grassroots support, coalition-building, and engaging diverse communities.
• Ability to maintain a positive rapport with the CEO, initiate discussions, and accept constructive advice.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including staff, volunteers, and constituents.
• Experience working with individuals living in poverty is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to learn, take direction, and accept feedback.

### Compensation

This is a full-time salaried position. The salary is competitive with other small nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C., and will align with the candidate’s relevant experience and knowledge.

A health, dental, and vision benefits package is provided, with 100% health insurance coverage for employees and available for dependents. MON observes all federal holidays, all holidays observed by the District of Columbia, and the week between Christmas and New Year.

### To Apply

If you are interested, please email the following to Melody Webb at [email protected]:

• A resume
• A list of three professional references
• A writing sample
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position and how your work history and goals relate to the role

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position remains open until filled.

Mother’s Outreach Network is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and insist on equity and inclusion in our work environment and beyond. If you have a passion for our mission and possess the relevant skills, we welcome you as you are.

For more information about the organization, visit https://www.mothersoutreachnetwork.org.