Policy and Advocacy Manager

Department: Advocacy

Reports to: Advocacy Director

The Ideal Policy Manager:

The Policy and Advocacy Manager will be responsible for advancing AZ AANHPI’s legislative, policy, and advocacy priorities. This includes coordinating and managing policy advocacy efforts, engaging with key stakeholders, drafting policies and briefs, tracking legislation, and mobilizing coalition partners to amplify our advocacy efforts. The ideal candidate will have experience in legislative affairs, coalition building, and public policy strategy, with a deep understanding of the intersections of civil rights, social justice, and the needs of diverse communities.

Our Org Mission and Background

AZ AANHPI for Equity 501(c3) is a statewide organization striving for equity and justice by building power through direct community organizing, increasing civic engagement, and developing young leaders. We envision an Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community that is working together to shape its future as a part of the broader racial justice movement and advance our community towards a common purpose of well-being for all.

In 2019, our organization was created by solidarity work amongst a coalition of AANHPI organizations and leaders that came together to take on the extensive work of Census 2020. From our beginnings to now, our collaborative work reflects our dedication to ensure all AANHPI communities are fought for and represented accurately in the most important issues that affect us today - guaranteeing that we always have a voice at the table. By pioneering the growth and strength of AANHPI political power, we were then able to establish the first and only AANHPI-led political c(4) organization in Arizona during a time of epidemic anti-Asian hate - specifically in a state that also witnessed the first murder of someone of AAPI descent immediately after the events of 9/11 in Mesa. As a first of its kind, we are able to amplify the faces of those we represent at a scale that has no boundaries.

As the fastest growing demographic in the state of Arizona and the United States, it is imperative accurate and holistic representation is advocated for and our greatest pride is the very fact we are pioneering and succeeding this movement. Moving forward, our commitment to intersectional organizing and mobilization has now expanded into a multi-issue organization that allows us to be a central resource hub and advocate that is adaptable to any situations affecting our communities.

AZ AANHPI Advocates 501(c4) is our sister organization. Our mission is to empower and engage the Arizona AANHPI community, encourage civic engagement and educate the community on relevant public policies to facilitate the creation of an equitable society and inclusive democracy.

Responsibilities:

• Legislative Advocacy: Track, analyze, and develop strategic positions on key bills impacting the AZ AANHPI community, including those related to criminal justice, immigration, reproductive rights, voting rights, environmental justice.
• Electoral Support: Support Advocacy Director in executing C4 strategy and support implementation of AZ AANHPI Advocates’ political campaigns.
• Coalition Building: Maintain and strengthen coalition relationships with local and statewide advocacy organizations, community groups, and policymakers to create a unified voice on issues of mutual concern.
• Policy Analysis: Conduct research and analysis on proposed and existing policies, providing strategic insights and recommendations to director leadership, partners, and allies and AZAANHPI members..
• Legislative Tracking: Manage and maintain a comprehensive bill tracker for relevant legislative areas, ensuring accurate updates on bills impacting criminal justice, immigration, reproductive rights, environmental justice..
• Engagement with Legislators: Regularly meet with legislators, community stakeholders, and other decision-makers to advocate for AZ AANHPI priorities and to advance policy solutions. Create a tracker to record meetings with legislators, including the purpose and time of each meeting.
• Drafting and Testimony: Prepare testimony, fact sheets, and policy briefs articulating AZ AANHPI’s positions on key issues. Provide written and oral testimony during legislative hearings.
• Public Education: Develop public education campaigns and materials to raise awareness about key policy issues and mobilize grassroots support for advocacy efforts.
• Media and Public Relations: Act as a spokesperson for AZ AANHPI, providing media outreach and participating in public educational events to highlight the organization’s advocacy efforts.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Experience: At least 1-3 years of experience in advocacy, policy analysis, or a related field, with a proven track record of successful advocacy on key issues affecting marginalized communities.
• Policy Expertise: In-depth knowledge of legislative processes, as well as experience with issue-based campaigns and coalition-building.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling policy briefs, fact sheets, and public statements.
• Coalition Building: Proven ability to build, manage, and nurture relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community organizations, advocacy groups, legislators, and public officials.
• Strategic Mindset: Ability to think strategically and creatively to develop policy solutions, manage multiple projects, and effectively advocate for AZ AANHPI’s priorities.
• Cultural Competency: A demonstrated commitment to working with and advocating for historically marginalized communities, with sensitivity to cultural, racial, and socioeconomic factors.
• Self-Starter: Ability to take initiative, work independently, and prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about racial equity and social justice.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a results-oriented approach.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Commitment to AZ AANHPI’s mission of advancing justice and advocacy for marginalized communities.

How to Apply: Submit a resume and cover letter with this application, we will reach out to you to schedule interviews.

• COVID vaccination

required. Exemption requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. **

We value our staff’s health greatly, therefore we kindly ask that everyone is vaccinated as some of our staff have compromised immune systems. Exemption requests can be made with proper documentation provided upon hiring.

Our organizational values include equity, which we define as being driven by true fairness for all people, especially people who have been impacted by and historically marginalized by systems of oppression, including white supremacy. Our team is a diverse group of individuals including people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, gender nonconforming, disabled, neurodivergent, and more. We strongly encourage LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, and gender nonconforming people to apply.

Offers a competitive benefits package covering 100% of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums, professional and personal development opportunities, and a generous and flexible paid time off policy.