Policy Advocacy Strategist

Department: Political

Reports to: Policy Advocacy Manager

Schedule: Full-time

FLSA: Exempt

Location: Atlanta, GA

Career Level: Lead Contributor

Summary:

The Policy Advocacy Strategist at the Asian American Advocacy Fund (AAAF) is responsible for supporting and advancing the organization’s integrated advocacy and electoral programs, while taking a lead in one or more areas. Specifically, the Policy Advocacy Strategist plays a key role in advancing AAAF's mission by contributing to the development and implementation of advocacy strategies, researching policy issues impacting the Asian American community, and engaging with community partners to promote positive change.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Research and Political analysis (35%)

• Conduct in-depth research on local, state, and federal policies that affect the Asian American community, in line with AAAF’s strategic priorities. Stay informed about legislative developments, policy trends, and potential impacts, while suggesting opportunities for AAAF’s involvement.
• Draft, conduct research for, and help to develop content for reports, fact sheets, talking points, issue memos, and other materials to be used to advance AAAF’s goals
• Collaborate and implement plans for comprehensive, multifaceted policy plans contained within the organization’s integrated advocacy
• Monitor legislative sessions, local council and commission meetings, and relevant events. Keep the organization informed about key developments and opportunities for engagement. Take the leading role in representing AAAF in coalitions and issue-based campaigns, as needed.
• Collaborate with the team to develop effective strategies for influencing policy decisions. Provide input on legislative priorities and contribute to the development of advocacy campaigns.

Relationship and coalition building (30%)

• Build trusted and effective working relationships with Georgia advocates, legislators, agency decision-makers, staff, and other stakeholders by providing clear, fact-based analysis and resources.
• Represent AAAF in meetings, hearings, and events related to policy matters, and work with other members of the AAAF team to develop talking points relevant to our community’s needs and perspectives
• Identify opportunities for public education and support on AAAF issues, and collaborate with teams to host educational sessions
• Attend legislative hearings and participate in policy-related workgroups, coalitions and meetings
• Help develop strategies and work in partnership with allied organizations, individuals and diverse coalitions.
• Work with the organizing team to be present in community spaces and coordinate policy advocacy
• Strategically plan, recruit, and train community leaders and other volunteers to speak about the AAAF’s integrated advocacy agenda, and on behalf of our campaigns and key policy issues before community groups and in schools/universities; work with organizing team to connect community leaders with ongoing issue-based campaigns

Co-building endorsement processes (35%)

• Lead the establishment and implementation of an endorsement process aimed at supporting candidates and policies aligned with the goals of the Asian American Advocacy Fund.
• Collaborate with internal team members to research and define criteria for endorsing candidates and policies. Ensure that these criteria align with AAAF's mission, values, and the interests of the Asian American community.
• Facilitate discussions and gather input from community members to understand their priorities and preferences for endorsements. Integrate community insights into the development of endorsement criteria.
• Develop clear and transparent documentation outlining the endorsement process, criteria, and decision-making procedures. Ensure that the process is well-documented and easily understandable by internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with community leaders, activists, and organizations to build partnerships and seek collaborative opportunities in the endorsement process. Foster inclusivity and diversity in the selection of endorsed candidates and policies.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the process, making adjustments as needed to improve its impact and relevance.
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop strategies for effectively communicating endorsed candidates and policies to the public. Ensure that communication efforts align with AAAF's messaging and goals.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of three years of work or volunteer experience in political campaigns or organizations
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders
• Understanding of Georgia and local politics
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and coalitions
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize projects
• Must have reliable access to transportation
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and coalitions
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm
• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Chat, etc.)

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Build collaboration across teams
• Participate in organizational committees to support the organizational development
• Occasionally required to sit, stand, and lift materials
• Frequently required to work weekends and evenings for community or organization events
• Required to work in the AAAF Office on a regular basis, unless otherwise agreed upon
• Frequently required to drive to out-of office events and meetings
• Frequently required to drive to external meetings and events
• Occasionally required to travel for meetings and conferences

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.