Policy and Advocacy Specialist

General Purpose

Under general supervision of the Chief Impact and Policy Officer, this role performs legislative and programmatic advocacy and lobbying at the federal, state, and local levels regarding community development programs and policies that impact rural and Indigenous communities throughout the western United States. Advocates through in-person and virtual meetings for legislative and regulatory changes to improve programs and laws that affect RCAC and the communities we serve. Provides insights, analysis and recommendations on legislative and regulatory proposals. Drafts comment letters on issues of concern to the organization. Manages coalition relationships on behalf of the organization. Develops materials to support the organization’s advocacy efforts.

Specific job goals, objectives, and tasks are established for each employee as part of the annual evaluation and work plan process. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify and track legislation and regulatory proceedings that align with RCAC’s mission and goals.
• Provide timely and insightful analysis of proposed legislation and regulations and their potential impact.
• Manage RCAC’s participation in coalitions and collaborative initiatives and/or support other RCAC team members who participate in coalitions.
• Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with external organizations to amplify RCAC’s advocacy impact.
• Represent RCAC with external organizations, legislatures, and coalitions.
• Prepare materials to support the organization’s advocacy efforts in collaboration with RCAC’s Communications team and subject matter experts.
• Plan and coordinate RCAC’s participation in one annual legislative fly-in in Washington, DC.
• Develop and manage relationships with key members of state and federal legislature, legislative staff, and committees.
• Present or testify about RCAC’s policy positions in committee hearings, industry network events, internal meetings and trainings, and coalition meetings.
• Track and report on ongoing advocacy efforts.
• Track RCAC’s membership in coalitions and ensure membership dues are paid timely.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Necessary Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience. Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, or a related field preferred.

License/Certification: Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements ($100,000/$300,000) of RCAC corporate liability policy.

Experience: One to three years of applicable experience in government relations, legislative affairs, public policy, advocacy, or similar field. Commitment to rural and Indigenous communities, community development, and/or alleviating persistent poverty. Must pass a criminal background investigation and fingerprint check prior to employment. May be required to register as a lobbyist in one or more state(s).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state legislative and regulatory processes
• Knowledge of rural and tribal community culture and social norms
• Knowledge of community development finance, affordable housing, community economic development, and/or environmental infrastructure policies and programs
• Skill in managing external relationships
• Skill in reading, interpreting, and analyzing legislative bill language
• Skill in writing comments for rulemaking proceedings
• Skill in articulating complex policy language in layperson’s terms
• Skill in public speaking in live or video settings
• Skill with personal computers, including cloud computing and Microsoft Office
• Skill with video conferencing platforms
• Facilitation, mediation, and meeting management skills
• Organizing and coordinating skills
• Ability to understand and predict the potential impacts of proposed legislation and regulations on RCAC and the communities we serve
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials
• Ability to work independently and effectively prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to maintain composure and diplomatic dialogue when others disagree with policy positions

Preferred Requirements

• Advanced degree or training in public policy, public administration, or other relevant field
• Experience working for a legislative body or an elected legislator
• Experience with Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) programs, regulations, and policy issues

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in an office with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Travel may be required.

RCAC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employees and job applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status, or any other status protected by law. RCAC strives to reflect the diverse constituencies that the organization serves.

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