Policy Director

Job Description

Title: Policy Director

Reports to: Deputy Director

Salary: $75,000 – $90,000 (Based on experience)

Work Schedule: Full Time, Exempt

Location: Remote

ABOUT NATIONAL BLACK WORKER CENTER:

In response to disproportionately high levels of unemployment and low wage work in Black communities, the National Black Worker Center Project (NBWC) – a national network of Black worker centers – launched in 2011. We support and incubate worker centers who empower Black workers to advance their rights and improve the quality of jobs in key employment sectors. We provide education about the impacts of low-wage work and unemployment on Black communities and work to prevent racial discrimination in hiring and other employment practices and policies. Through our network we intervene in the labor market to improve racial and economic employment conditions. Partnering regional Black worker centers are in Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; New Orleans, LA; Baltimore, MD; Raleigh-Rocky Mount, NC; Greenville, MS; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA; and Oakland, CA. Our network consists of membership-based and member-driven organizations that utilize a combination of leadership development, organizing, policy advocacy, and strategic communications to build power to address the Black job crisis.

OVERVIEW:

The Policy Director will provide vision and strategic direction for the National Black Worker Center’s (NBWC) national policy and advocacy agenda to achieve our mission. Tasked with contributing to the development of the overall NBWC political, legislative and grassroots program, this position will help to design, manage and implement:

• Legislative Analysis
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Policy Development
• Strategic Planning
• Public Speaking

This position will work with local governments and municipalities, as well as participate in federal policy and advocacy where appropriate. The Policy Director position will work in collaboration with other staff, particularly the leadership team, and organizing team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct NBWC’s policy and advocacy at the state, local and federal levels, including identifying and participating in strategic opportunities to create and advance NBWC’s policy agenda.
• Analyze trends, forecast potential impacts, develop comprehensive policy strategies and track legislation that affects the Black worker community; drafting model legislation; attending legislative hearings as appropriate; and providing written and/or oral testimony in legislative hearings.
• Seek opportunities for coalition work with movement partners that will advance Black worker justice and equality, including sitting on roundtables, coalitions and task forces; participating in and/or coordinating letter sign-ons as appropriate; and attending public events and rallies in support of movement partners.
• Create, develop, and deliver policy briefs, fact sheets, talking points, website content, action alerts, social media posts and blogs on priority policy issues to engage members, build community power and move constituents to action, in collaboration with the policy coordinator and communications director.
• Respond to media requests on policy issues, represent NBWC at community events, and submit op-eds and letters to the editor in collaboration with the executive director and communications director.
• Increase NBWC’s political, community strength through developing and enhancing working relationships with advocacy groups, local Black Worker centers, Black community organizations and unions.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure policy initiatives are integrated into broader organizational plans and practices.
• Manage the policy department’s budget, resources, and staff, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within allocated resources.
• Represent the organization in public forums, conferences, and media appearances to advocate for policy positions.
• Provide training and public education on policy issues to diverse audiences.
• Advise executive director and other key staff on priority policy issues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA and JD preferred along with previous policy experience. Racial justice, worker rights experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative and administrative policy, law, and regulation processes.
• An excellent understanding of the industry and market conditions for Black workers and have strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Previous experience examining the efficacy of existing policies and laying out the groundwork for new programs and legislation to meet objectives and goals.
• Ability to set long-term objectives and outline the steps to accomplish them involves a thorough comprehension of policy ramifications and the foresight to identify potential hurdles and opportunities. Ensures that policy initiatives are both groundbreaking and in line with the organization’s mission, driving effective transformation.
• Passion for the mission and vision of NBWC.
• Skills relating to analysis, research, writing and public speaking on complex issues, and the ability to communicate effectively about policy to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including collaborative coalition work with community partners to develop shared strategy, coordinate internal and external communication, and navigate political dynamics among coalition members.
• Commitment to collaborative teamwork to achieve common goals.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, cross-cultural competency and humility, and the ability to work with a variety of audiences (legislators, policy makers, community members, partner organizations, businesses, researchers, internal staff, etc.).
• Ability to stay organized and focused in a fast-paced environment where multiple priorities may have to be managed simultaneously and updated to adjust to demands that change quickly and frequently.
• Willingness and ability to register as a lobbyist and maintain associated ethical standards.
• Ability to manage and assess multiple high-priority programs and priorities in different states.
• Possess effective oral and written communications.
• Ability to work long hours during the legislative session and to travel as needed.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

Salary range is $75,000 – $90,000 depending on experience.

National Black Worker Center Project is a project of and fiscally sponsored by NEO Philanthropy. NEO Philanthropy provides a robust benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term disability, and pet insurance. NEO also administers FSA, Commuter benefit, and 401k retirement plans and has generous Paid Time Off and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

NBWC is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected status. Women, people of color, LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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