Senior Policy Campaigner

Position Type: Full-time, exempt

Location: Illinois, Chicago or Springfield preferred. Position will be hybrid and includes work from home, office, and in the field.

Reports to: Midwest Director

Who We Are ─ About Jobs to Move America (JMA):

Jobs to Move America (JMA) is a multi-regional strategic policy and organizing center that works to transform public spending and corporate behavior using a comprehensive approach that is rooted in racial and economic justice and community organizing. We seek to advance a fair and prosperous economy with good jobs and healthier communities for all.

In the Midwest, we are uniquely positioned to advance the creation of good, family-sustaining jobs and expanded and equitable access to training in the growing infrastructure and clean technology careers. Working with labor unions, environmental justice, community groups and other coalitions and stakeholders, we engage in substantive policy research and campaigns to ensure that we maximize the public benefits from public purchasing and public goods.

To learn more, visit our website: www.jobstomoveamerica.org

What You’ll Do - Overview

The Senior Policy Campaigner will:

• Lead JMA’s Midwest policy advocacy work to win equity-based good jobs, climate justice & corporate accountability in the emerging green economy in Chicago, Illinois, and throughout the Midwest
• Work alongside labor, climate, and community partners to advance our goal of public goods for the most public good
• Build relationships with and activate policy makers, including elected officials, public agency officials, and their staff to advance JMA’s policy priorities that build power for communities and workers

Your Role - Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive policy campaigns. This includes identifying policy opportunities, organizing partners, and regularly engaging state and local elected officials and their staff. The Senior Policy Campaigner should be able to plan and drive their work independently and will be supported by JMA’s Midwest team and legal director.
• Organize partner unions and organizations to support and pass good jobs policies that advance racial and environmental justice, boost corporate accountability, and promote government transparency.
• Recruit and activate new allies around shared policy priorities
• Draft memos, fact sheets, letters, white papers, and other policy advocacy materials to be used with a variety of audiences
• Assist agencies with implementation and enforcement of policy wins
• Represent JMA in coalition spaces and at events and conferences. Candidates should anticipate occasional travel for meetings including occasional overnight travel to Springfield and out of state events.
• Comply with all organizational policies and procedures, including timely attention to administrative responsibilities
• Contribute to JMA’s organizational development, for example assisting with fundraising, providing peer evaluations, and participating in JMA staff committees (not to exceed 15% of time).

About You ─ Desired Qualifications and Attributes:

• 3+ years of research, policy advocacy, organizing and/or issue campaign experience in the social, economic, and/or climate justice movements
• Experience navigating political dynamics of elected officials and community stakeholders in Illinois and/or Chicago
• Demonstrated commitment to racial, gender, social and economic justice and experience centering these issues within the context of policy and/or comprehensive campaigns
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Strong verbal, written, presentation and facilitation skills, including the ability to effectively communicate JMA’s work to a variety of stakeholders.
• Resilience in the face of challenges. Agile, thoughtful, and able to reflect for continuous learning and improvement.
• Ability to work independently and carry out assignments to completion and meet deadlines
• Commitment to healthy communication, mutual respect, and teamwork is essential
• Experience working with labor unions and/or environmental groups and comprehensive campaigns desirable
• Knowledge of Illinois, Chicago or other midwest city/state agencies and their operations is a plus.

What Else You Should Know ─ Overview of Compensation and Benefits:

• Role is based in Illinois, preferably Chicago or Springfield. Hybrid work option available.
• Salary for Illinois senior-level staff is $71,500-$84,500 with annual increases. More experienced applicants may be considered for a manager level position at a higher base salary.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for the employee and dependents
• PTO includes 12 personal days, 12 federal holidays, and 2 floating holidays each year. JMA has a paid, two week winter break at the end of each December. Staff can accrue up to 20 vacation days and 20 sick days. After 5 years of work, all staff are eligible for 3 months of sabbatical leave.
• JMA contributes 5% of salary towards 401k plans after 6 months of employment
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Cell phone and mileage reimbursement
• Utility/Internet monthly stipend for those working from home
• Annual professional development stipend
• A strong organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and practices
• JMA is a union workplace and this position is a member of the bargaining unit
• JMA is a qualifying Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

How to apply:

Use this link to upload your resume and answer application questions. Only applications submitted via this process will be considered. Interview process includes a short phone screen, 30 minute one on one conversation, and a final one hour panel interview. Applicants who advance in the interview process will be asked to submit a writing sample and complete a brief skills assessment.

JMA Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

We are an EEO/affirmative action employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. We work to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforce zero-tolerance policies against discrimination and sexual harassment. Those who identify as persons of color, women, veterans, or formerly incarcerated persons, and/or have had experience working with one or more of those groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

JMA Diversity and Inclusion Statement

JMA believes that diverse, engaged, and motivated employees are essential to achieving our goals of economic, racial, and social justice. JMA believes that each employee's voice is valuable and that when all employees contribute ideas to the organization’s operation, it enhances the success of the organization overall.