Policy Associate

## POLICY ASSOCIATE

NAPABA is seeking a passionate and skilled advocate to advance NAPABA’s standing as the national voice for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) legal and broader community. The ideal candidate will have the ability to execute programs and initiatives from start to finish, a passion for civil rights, and experience working with local, state, and national stakeholders.

The ideal candidate should have knowledge of, and a demonstrated commitment to, AANHPI issues relevant to the community (e.g., hate crimes, immigration, voting rights, language justice) and be a proponent of achieving meaningful representation and influence of AANHPI attorneys in every facet and at every level of the legal profession and beyond. The ideal candidate also must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, communicate effectively, exercise judgment, and be responsive to breaking events affecting the AANHPI community.

—

## SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

The Policy Associate will work under the supervision of NAPABA’s Deputy Executive Director to advance NAPABA’s advocacy, policy, and other strategic initiatives. Some examples include protecting the rights and interests of the AANHPI community, promoting the advancement of our community members to positions of leadership and influence, and advancing public policy issues important to our community.

Responsibilities include program management and execution, tracking relevant legislation and government actions, conducting outreach and advocacy to congressional offices and policymakers, policy analysis, research and writing, and the maintenance and strengthening of external relationships with local and national bar associations, community allies, coalition partners, and legislators.

—

## ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

### POLICY AND ADVOCACY

– **Respond to developments** — Respond to fast-breaking developments in the civil rights and other legal arenas.
– **Develop policy recommendations** — Develop recommendations on policy positions, an advocacy agenda, and programs (e.g., hate crimes, immigration, voting rights, and language justice) that support the organization’s strategic goals.
– **Write and edit materials** — Write and edit letters, press releases, action alerts, congressional testimony, briefing memos, op-ed pieces, blog posts, and other materials necessary to advance NAPABA’s legislative and policy priorities.
– **Support amicus participation** — Support NAPABA’s participation as amicus curiae in legal cases involving important legal issues and issues of concern to the AANHPI community.
– **Coordinate resolutions** — Coordinate the development and adoption of new resolutions proposed by the membership to the Board.
– **Research DEI issues** — Research and analyze issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession.

—

### RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

– **Represent NAPABA** — Represent NAPABA at meetings with congressional staffers, advocacy groups, coalition partners, and other stakeholders.
– **Cultivate relationships** — Cultivate relationships with elected and appointed officials, policymakers, and government leaders.
– **Engage committees** — Work with NAPABA committees and affiliated bar associations to deepen engagement and involvement in substantive issue areas.

—

### PROGRAMS

– **Plan advocacy programs** — Plan and execute advocacy programs such as NAPABA Lobby Day, which involves issue-specific training and meetings with Congressional offices for NAPABA members from around the country.
– **Execute grant deliverables** — Execute policy and advocacy deliverables outlined in NAPABA grant commitments, including proposal research, development, application submission, monitoring, and award oversight.
– **Support educational content** — Provide input related to the substantive content of webinars, presentations, and other continuing education programs, including at the NAPABA Convention and other meetings.
– **Other duties** — Other duties as assigned.

—

## QUALIFICATIONS

We are a fast-paced, high-energy organization with a staff that is highly motivated to deliver quality member service. This position may experience high-level work demands under tight timelines. The ideal candidate has a degree in public policy, political science, business, nonprofit, or a related field and two or more years of project management and customer service experience. An undergraduate degree is a plus, but not required.

– **Project management skills** — Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently.
– **Member-oriented communication** — Excellent member-oriented ethic and ability to interact positively and effectively with a variety of audiences using written, verbal, and nonverbal communication.
– **Legislative experience** — Experience on Capitol Hill preferred; other legislative experience (statehouse, city council) considered.
– **AANHPI experience** — Experience working on issues affecting the AANHPI community strongly preferred.
– **Writing and research** — Exceptional writing, editing, and research skills.
– **Interpersonal skills** — Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
– **Analytical skills** — Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
– **Public speaking** — Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
– **Strategic thinking** — Ability to think critically and strategically.
– **Work under pressure** — Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure and with multiple deadlines.
– **Attention to detail** — Strict attention to detail.
– **Adaptability** — Capacity to adapt to new issues and deadlines as they emerge.
– **Judgment and independence** — Ability to use good judgment and work independently in a multi-task position.
– **Professional interaction** — Ability to interact professionally and effectively with staff, membership, the public, the board of governors, and volunteers.
– **Technical fluency** — Fluency or ability to develop fluency with Microsoft Office, Slack, Asana, Box, and other tools.

—

## LOGISTICAL REQUIREMENTS

– NAPABA operates on a 37.5‑hour work week with flexible hours and remote workdays.
– Ideally, the candidate should reside in the DC metro area, but regardless of residency, must commit to regular in‑person work in NAPABA’s DC office.
– Presence is required throughout the NAPABA Convention and other events.
– Periodic travel required (estimated two to three weeks per year).

—

## SALARY

$65,000–$70,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

—

## BENEFITS

Full-time employees may participate in NAPABA’s benefits program after meeting eligibility requirements. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, health reimbursement account, 401(k) with up to 6% match, generous leave time, and observance of all federal holidays.

—

## TO APPLY

– Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
– Writing Exercise: Submit a one-page organizational statement on a current issue of importance to the AANHPI community using one of NAPABA’s policy resolutions as the foundation.
– Submit your resume, cover letter, three references, and writing exercise in a single PDF to **[email protected]**.

—

## ABOUT NAPABA

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. NAPABA fosters professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.