Senior Policy Advocate

Position summary

Common Good Iowa seeks a full-time senior policy advocate to lead the organization’s work promoting equitable tax policy and adequate revenue for public services. The person in this position will exhibit a deep understanding of how to move a policy agenda that centers racial and economic equity, build effective relationships with lawmakers and advocates, and communicate data, analysis and values to promote effective policy.

Common Good Iowa is committed to building a diverse staff and encourages applications from candidates of color, multilingual individuals, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Common Good Iowa’s tax and budget policy work, working with senior staff to craft a policy agenda that promotes shared prosperity by funding strong public services, including great schools, robust health and human services and protections for workers and the environment.
• Develop and lead a multipronged campaign for equitably raised revenue that includes cultivating new champions for revenue and leading and participating in coalitions and partnerships related to the organization’s tax and budget priorities.
• Represent Common Good Iowa at the state Capitol, including engaging in administrative and legislative lobbying with other members of Common Good Iowa’s lobbying team.
• Analyze policy proposals, craft policy recommendations, and produce materials such as fact sheets, talking points and action alerts to promote Common Good Iowa’s priorities.
• Support Common Good Iowa’s financial health by writing and managing grants and occasionally participating in fundraising events.

Qualifications

• At least five years’ experience advocating, analyzing and communicating about policy that shows a commitment to social justice and the common good. Experience with tax and budget policy is highly desirable.
• A master’s degree in public policy or related field is preferred; a bachelor’s degree and additional experience in policy and advocacy will be considered.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex issues clearly.

Position setting

This hybrid position is based in Des Moines. The amount of in-office work can be negotiated based on work demands and personal preferences, but candidates should expect to work in the Common Good Iowa office a minimum of one day per week. The position requires the person to be present at the state Capitol during the legislative session. Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is also required.

Compensation

Starting annual compensation for this full-time position is $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience. Common Good Iowa offers excellent benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance; life and short- and long-term disability insurance; retirement contributions; and generous paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.

About the organization

Common Good Iowa is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 2020 from the merger of the Child and Family Policy Center and Iowa Policy Project. Our team of advocates and analysts leverage reliable data and collaborative relationships to craft people-centered policy solutions for our state's most pressing issues. Our vision is a just, equitable Iowa, where children and families are healthy and secure, workers thrive, and clean air and water mean a healthy future for all.

Equal opportunity

Common Good Iowa is an equal opportunity employer and takes affirmative action to ensure discrimination does not occur based on race, sex (including pregnancy and childbirth), religion, color, creed, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, ancestry or other characteristic protected by law.

To apply

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Executive Director Anne Discher by email at info@commongoodiowa.org. The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and how your experience and vision meet the qualifications outlined here. Finalists for the position may be asked to provide writing samples.