Policy Coordinator

Urban Peace Institute creates community safety and dismantles harmful systems to transform justice and ensure freedom from violence. The organization works to end injustice, violence, and oppression of people who have been historically criminalized and marginalized. By expanding evidence and place-based community violence interventions, building power, and assisting new regions, Urban Peace Institute advances solutions that lead to urban peace across the country.

Position Description:

This is a high responsibility, fast-paced position that requires initiative, independent decision making, project and relationship management, policy analysis, legislative advocacy, and research and writing abilities.

The position is Los Angeles, CA-based and hybrid, with minimum of 2 days a week in office, with remote capability as well as required in-person/in-field meetings/events.

This position is a Fixed-Term position with an end date of May 31st, 2026, with a potential of extension based on funding.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support the development and implementation of UPI’s policy platform to strengthen the organization’s presence within the justice reform, community safety, and violence prevention and intervention fields;
• Draft and create published materials, advocacy letters, policy briefs, presentations, and other written materials;
• Effectively coordinate outreach, scheduling, and follow up with all partners as needed, and prepare meeting agendas for facilitation;
• Conduct literature reviews and analysis on national best practices, program evaluations, and legislation to strengthen UPI’s analysis and support advocacy efforts in areas such as justice reform and violence prevention and intervention;
• Identify, track, and help to analyze public data sources in areas such as crime and violence, incarceration rates, and public budgets;
• Track national, state and local policy developments in policy forums including legislative activity and relevant news articles related to UPI issues;
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholders involved in justice reform and community safety efforts, including elected officials, coalition partners, practitioners, community-based organizations, community leaders, academics, and other subject matter experts locally and nationally, as needed;
• Independently identify new opportunities to expand UPI partnerships, with both community partners and within the public sector;
• Actively participate and represent UPI in forums, meetings, and strategy sessions with community members, public officials, coalitions and other subject matter experts;
• Work in alignment with organization-wide initiatives to strengthen the overall UPI agenda; actively engage and collaborate with staff across program areas to strengthen and implement policy platform
• Participate in agency-wide planning, meetings, and development and communication activities as needed; and ensure adherence to agency wide goals and policies within the project area.

Policy/research duties include but are not limited to:

• Research and drafting of UPI policy position papers, advocacy letters, and original content in support of the organization’s policy agenda;
• Policy analysis and legislative advocacy to improve community health and safety through systems change and public investment;
• Literature reviews, data tracking and analysis, and online research on various policy topics;
• Relationship management with elected officials and community-based partners.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required:

• A graduate degree, or equivalent work experience, in a relevant field of study including public policy, criminology, sociology, political science, and/or public health is required;
• At least 3 years of work experience in relevant areas required for coordinator position;
• Ability to work effectively with diverse people across the spectrum of socio-economic status, race, ethnicity and gender orientation;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and a disposition to work in an organization focused on civil rights and equity;
• Ability to take on responsibilities independently and work as a team with only general supervision;
• Background in coalition-building, community organizing and/or policy advocacy is highly desired;
• Specific experience in issues such as criminal and juvenile justice reform, and/or community-based safety is highly desired;
• General background in community-based non-profit work, social work, or other related field;
• Experience in research, data analysis, and policy development is highly desired;
• Ability to multi-task under high pressure while remaining highly organized;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, i.e. report writing, outreach, facilitation and message delivery;
• Strong analytical abilities, self-starter, organized, and detail oriented;
• Strong internet research skills and very high computer proficiency;
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Annual Salary: $65,000 – $75,000. The Urban Peace Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a fully paid medical plan. Additional benefits include dental, vision, life insurance, disability options, a flexible spending account, and 401k.

Urban Peace Institute is an “at will” and equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We highly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those in underrepresented groups, to apply and join our organization. In addition, the organization will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

To Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter stating interest in the position specifically detailing: 1) policy experience, 2) experience working with governmental and/or community stakeholder and 3) commitment to Urban Peace issues and/or social justice to:

E-mail to: careers@urbanpeaceinstitute.org

Subject Line: Policy Coordinator Position

Attention to: Nicole Brown, Policy Director

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled