Policy Associate

NAPABA is seeking a passionate and skilled advocate to advance NAPABA’s standing as the national

voice for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) legal and broader

community. The ideal candidate will have the ability to execute programs and initiatives from start

to finish, a passion for civil rights, and experience working with local, state, and national

stakeholders.

The ideal candidate should have knowledge of, and a demonstrated commitment to, AANHPI issues

relevant to the community (e.g., hate crimes, immigration, voting rights, language justice) and be a

proponent of achieving meaningful representation and influence of AANHPI attorneys in every facet

and at every level of the legal profession and beyond. The ideal candidate also must be able to work

in a fast-paced environment, communicate effectively, exercise judgment, and be responsive to

breaking events affecting the AANHPI community.

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

The Policy Associate will work under the supervision of NAPABA’s Deputy Executive Director to

advance NAPABA’s advocacy, policy, and other strategic initiatives. Some examples include

protecting the rights and interests of the AANHPI community, promoting the advancement of our

community members to positions of leadership and influence, and advancing public policy issues

important to our community. Responsibilities include program management and execution,

tracking relevant legislation and government actions, conducting outreach and advocacy to

congressional offices and policymakers, policy analysis, research and writing, and the maintenance

and strengthening of external relationships with local and national bar associations, community

allies, coalition partners, and legislators.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

POLICY AND ADVOCACY

• Respond to fast-breaking developments in the civil rights and other legal arenas.
• Develop recommendations on policy positions, an advocacy agenda, and programs (e.g., hate crimes, immigration, voting rights, and language justice) that support the organization’s strategic goals.
• Write and edit letters, press releases, action alerts, congressional testimony, briefing memos, op-ed pieces, blog posts, and other materials necessary to advance NAPABA’s legislative and policy priorities.
• Support NAPABA’s participation as amicus curiae in legal cases involving important legal issues and issues of concern to the AANHPI community.
• Coordinate the development and adoption of new resolutions proposed by the membership to the Board.
• Research and analyze issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

• Represent NAPABA at meetings with congressional staffers, advocacy groups, coalition partners, and other stakeholders.
• Cultivate relationships with elected and appointed officials, policy makers, and government leaders.
• Work with NAPABA committees and affiliated bar associations to deepen engagement and involvement in substantive issue areas.

PROGRAMS

• Plan and execute advocacy programs such as NAPABA Lobby Day, which involves issue-specific training and meetings with Congressional offices for NAPABA members from around the country.
• Execute policy and advocacy deliverables outlined in NAPABA grant commitments.
• Responsibilities also include grant proposal research, development, application submission and monitoring, and oversight of grant awards to include record-keeping, deliverable, and deadline tracking
• Provide input related to the substantive content of webinars, presentations, and other continuing education programs, including at the NAPABA Convention and other meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are a fast-paced, high-energy organization with a staff that is highly motivated to deliver quality

member service. This position may experience high level work demands under tight timelines. The

ideal candidate has a degree in public policy, political science, business, nonprofit, or a related field

and two or more years of project management and customer service experience. An undergraduate

degree is a plus, but not required.

• Strong project management skills, organizational skills, time management skills, and the ability to work independently are all required.
• Excellent member-oriented ethic and ability to interact positively and effectively with a variety of audiences (including internal and external stakeholders) using written, verbal, and nonverbal communications.
• Experience on Capitol Hill is preferred, but other legislative experience (such as experience at a statehouse or city council) will also be considered.
• Experience working on issues affecting the AANHPI community is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and research skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to think critically and strategically.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure and with multiple deadlines.
• Strict attention to detail.
• Capacity to adapt to new issues and deadlines as they emerge.
• Ability to use good judgment and work independently in a multi-task position.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with staff, membership, the public, the board of governors, and volunteers.
• Fluency or ability to develop fluency with work process tools used by the staff, including Microsoft Office, Slack, Asana, Box, and others.

LOGISTICAL REQUIREMENTS

• NAPABA operates on a 37 ½ work week with flexible hours and remote workdays.
• Ideally, the candidate should reside in the DC metro area. But regardless of residency, the candidate must commit to work in-person in NAPABA’s DC office regularly and as needed. The candidate will be required to be present and available throughout the NAPABA Convention and during other NAPABA events.
• Periodic travel is required, estimated at two to three weeks in a 12-month period.

SALARY

$65,000-$70,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

BENEFITS

Full-time employees are entitled to participate in our employee benefits program in accordance with

our policies and after meeting any applicable eligibility requirements. NAPABA provides exceptional

benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short- and long-term disability, health

reimbursement account, 401(k) retirement plan with a matching program up to 6%, generous leave

time, and observance of all federal holidays.

TO APPLY

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Writing Exercise: Please submit a sample, one-page organizational statement on a current issue of importance to the AANHPI community using one of NAPABA’s policy resolutions as a foundation for NAPABA’s position in communicating our stance to the NAPABA membership.
• Please submit your resume, cover letter, three references, and writing exercise (see above) in a singular PDF to admin@napaba.org.

About NAPABA

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than

80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as

over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice,

equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and

Pacific Islander communities. We foster professional development, advocacy, and community

involvement.

Full-time employees are entitled to participate in our employee benefits program in accordance with

our policies and after meeting any applicable eligibility requirements. NAPABA provides exceptional

benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, short- and long-term disability, health

reimbursement account, 401(k) retirement plan with a matching program up to 6%, generous leave

time, and observance of all federal holidays.