Policy Associate

Organizational Overview

At the California Black Power Network, we build Black political power and work to create deep, systemic change to impact the lived realities of Black people in California. The network is composed of local and regional grassroots, community-based organizations in key regions of the state. It aims to increase the power-building capacities of member organizations, encourage growth and collaboration within the ecosystem of Black-led organizations across the state, and make substantial, measurable progress on key issues. Whether it is homelessness and gentrification, mass incarceration and criminalization, deep educational inequities, rampant health disparities, the widening economic and wealth inequality gap, or tax policy inequities -- Black communities across California are disproportionately impacted. At the heart of these conditions is persistent and enduring systemic and anti-Black racism. A key question is what will make this moment different in addressing the longstanding issues of systemic and anti-Black racism.

Position Description

Reporting to the Policy and Campaigns Manager, the Policy Associate will serve as a critical member of the team, driving research, analysis, and policy and campaign development with our network partners across the state to achieve network goals. This position will be pivotal in developing policy analysis, solutions, and campaigns to impact systemic change in the material conditions, lived experience, and quality of life of Black people and communities. Applicants should have demonstrated experience in research, legislative tracking, policy analysis and development, electoral and advocacy campaign planning, and project management.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support the development and execution of a long-term Black policy agenda in coordination with staff, board, and network partners.
2. Conduct research, analysis, and support the tracking of policies related to the Network’s Black policy agenda, including pending legislation, the formulation of new bills, and ballot initiatives
3. Track the statewide political landscape and developments aligned with the Network’s issue area and policy priorities, identifying potential threats or opportunities to advance our policy agenda.
4. Collaborate with policy, communications, and organizing departments to develop and share policy recommendations with network partners, and support in the facilitation of network policy spaces (e.g., coalition calls and trainings)
5. Collaborate with other departments, including Communications, Organizing, and Operations, to develop, refine, and execute key projects.
6. Build and sustain relationships with key Network partners, allies, and policymakers, and participate in external coalition spaces to inform and advance the Network’s policy priorities.
7. Support legislative engagement and policy advocacy efforts (i.e, meetings with policymakers, ally meetings) through the development of materials, coordination with network partners, and outreach
8. Serve as a spokesperson for the Network’s policy priorities with public officials, policy makers, partner organizations, and allies

Qualifications and Skills

1. 2-3 years of experience in social justice, public policy, community-based policy advocacy, and/or organizing (beyond summer or short-term internships).
2. Experience in policy agenda development, conducting policy analysis, and research.
3. Experience working with community-based organizations, including experience building and working in coalitions.
4. Experience in implementing strategic and tactical campaigns.
5. Demonstrated experience in successfully executing electoral, advocacy, and lobbying campaigns.
6. Experience in developing research and analysis to inform policy and campaign priorities.
7. Prior knowledge and experience in public policy and local and state government legislative processes.
8. Experience in executing training and convenings in support of advocacy campaigns.
9. Previous experience in a project or program coordination role is preferred, but not required.
10. Experience in organizing and coalition-building is preferred but not required.
11. Commitment to social justice, and knowledge and experience in working with Black communities in California.
12. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
13. Excellent writing, verbal communications, presentation, and analytical skills.
14. Demonstrated expertise using digital tools and cloud-based systems in a fully remote setting. Strong proficiency with Google Workspace Applications, Zoom, Monday.com, or similar project management platforms, and a high level of comfort troubleshooting and navigating technology independently.

General Requirements

• No later than the first day of employment, you must provide acceptable documents for proof of identity and employment authorization in the United States for Form I-9.

Employee Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

• Salary range: $68,640 - $71,385
• Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance (estimated value of up to $24,700 annually).
• Full-time remote work with travel for in-person check-ins with assigned network partners, bi-monthly in-person staff meetings, and community events.
• Employer-provided laptop, technology tools, and home office equipment to ensure staff are fully supported in a remote setting.
• Eligibility to participate in 401(K) Plan with up to 6% employer match
• Paid vacation based on years of service; sick, family, and medical leaves in accordance with California laws
• 15 paid holidays in addition to the end-of-year office closure between Christmas and New Year's.
• Eligibility for a pre-tax flexible spending plan (FSA) for health care and or dependent care.
• Group term life insurance
• Staff development stipend and opportunities