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Policy and Advocacy Director

 

Policy and Advocacy Director

The Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) envisions a just and joyful future where all Minnesotans, regardless of background, have the power to shape decisions that affect us and can live with dignity in thriving and caring communities. CAAL is a network of Asian American leaders whose mission is to harness our collective power across ethnicities, age groups, and sectors to improve the lives of communities by connecting, learning, and acting together. We believe our democracy thrives when all communities are visible, included, and fully engaged in key systemic decisions that impact our lives. We embrace the diversity of our community and believe that if we can work together, moving beyond silos, we help ensure a more prosperous future for all Minnesotans.

We are seeking a Policy and Advocacy Director to develop and oversee CAAL’s policy and advocacy work.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

As a member of the Executive Team, the Policy Director will report to and closely work with the Executive and Network Director on policy advocacy and strategy implementation. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who flourishes in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment and can effectively manage multiple issues and projects simultaneously. They will enjoy mentoring staff and cultivating advocacy and leadership skills within the team while also building cross-sector and intergovernmental relationships. They will have a demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity, advocating for public policy, and working with local, state, and national government, nonprofit, and community partners.

The Policy and Advocacy Director will:

  • Provide leadership, strategic vision, and development to the Policy Team in partnership with the Executive and Network Director
  • Develop and assess public policy advocacy, legislative engagement, and lobbying efforts in alignment with CAAL’s policy priorities in: education, economics, immigrantion, anti-Asian hate, community safety, voter engagement,, and other campaign initiatives as necessary
  • Develop all policy and lobbying strategies, incorporating best practices in anticipation of the fast-pace changes in the political, electoral, and public policy environment
  • Develop a communications strategy to advance our public policy initiatives; communicate effectively with our external and internal stakeholders
  • Monitor federal, state, and local policy initiatives in alignment with the outcomes and priorities of CAAL’s mission
  • Work with the Director of Programs and other staff to incorporate and collaborate with the growing civic leadership of CAAL’s network in order to build power for Asian Minnesotans
  • Collaborate with program staff across the organization to advance engagement, mobilization, and communications to achieve goals
  • Work closely with CAAL’s Network Leaders, local coalitions and community partners with lived experience to support legislative advocacy, public policy advocacy, and organizing efforts
  • Advise and coordinate with national and affiliate partners on policy, organizing, and lobbying efforts as needed
  • Ensure compliance with laws and guidelines established by federal, state, and local legislative bodies, and regulatory agencies, including lobbyist registration and reporting

RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Policy and Legislative Agenda 

  • Lead the policy team in visioning and implementing innovative advocacy efforts
  • Develop and execute strategic advocacy plans, including communications, organizing, legislative and other policy efforts with internal and external partners
  • Identify, track, and advise on introduced and proposed legislation and other local legislative bodies
  • Advocate for CAAL’s position on pending legislation at the State Legislature through lobbying, written, and verbal testimony
  • Engage, develop, and execute a public policy agenda that supports the organization’s mission

Community Advocacy

  • Develop relationships and coordinate advocacy efforts with CAAL’s network leaders, local coalitions and community partners with lived experience
  • Cultivate relationships with key elected and appointed officials, policy makers, and related governmental bodies and leaders
  • Assist with development and support of cross-racial, cross-sector, and cross-governmental coalitions
  • Engage with policy-makers at the U.S. and State Capitol and be present at the legislature. Additionally, work with local units of government, such at the county, city, and school boards
  • Advocate for the organization’s position through meetings with lawmakers, position papers, public testimony, grassroots efforts, and other effective advocacy methods
  • Develop and lead Policy Team members to implement consistent models, structures and methods of community organizing and base building across priority issue areas 

Communications and Research

  • Lead the communications strategy to effectively advance CAAL’s federal, state, and local policy initiatives and campaigns
  • Lead research and analysis on policy issues and regulations to inform policy positions and trends
  • Prepare, review, and edit research memos, briefs, reports, projects, and presentations in a variety of formats to engage a diverse range of constituents
  • Advise, prepare and edit policy and advocacy materials, including action alerts, talking points, issue briefs, letters, press statements, opinion editorials, website updates, and legislative and policy reports
  • Support Policy Team to build social media presence as thought-leaders and policy experts

Supervisory Responsibilities

  • Manage the policy team including personnel work assignments; recommend training; solicit and respond to employee feedback and concerns; evaluate performance and discipline as necessary
  • Provide team members with regular feedback on performance, including frequent informal feedback, annual performance reviews, advising on professional development, and making recommendations for promotions or special assignments
  • Oversee compliance with annual lobbying reporting requirements including completion and filing of semi-annual lobbyist registration and reporting

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum 5 years policy or legislative experience
  • Minimum 3 years organizing experience on political or issue campaigns
  • Minimum 3 years experience management and supervisory experience
  • Experience in the following policy areas: education, economics, immigration, anti-Asian hate, community safety, and other policy issues impacting Asian Americans
  • Knowledge of Asian American history and Asian American cultures with demonstrated experience working with the Asian Minnesotan community
  • Demonstrated experience navigating a multi-partisan and highly political government system with emphasis on the Minnesota legislative process
  • Strong communication skills, with emphasis on written communication 
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate with many stakeholders, and meet deadlines with attention to detail 
  • Proficiency with office technology and information systems, including Microsoft Excel, Word with an ability and willingness to learn new software tools
  • Proficiency with online forms of communications and ability to independently manage workload
  • Willingness and availability during heavy periods of work at the Minnesota Legislature which will require evenings and some weekend commitments
  • Access to reliable daily transportation to the State Capitol, other local units of government, and a variety of meetings in the Metro Area
  • This position will require some state-wide and national travel
  • Experience leading or supporting multi-agency coalitions

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Law Degree or a Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, advocacy and political leadership, or related field
  • Research writing experience
  • Experience with project management tools and facilitation
  • Event planning experience
  • Fundraising experience

REPORTS TO: Executive and Network Director

SALARY & BENEFITS: This is an exempt position with a salary range of $90,000-$100,000. CAAL offers all employees full health, vision, and dental coverage, workers comp, long-term disability, basic life insurance, a 401K retirement plan, 10 days of holiday, and generous paid time off.

LOCATION: Saint Paul, MN

HOW TO APPLY: Please email 1) cover letter highlighting your interest and fit for the position, 2) resume to hr@caalmn.org. Please include “Policy and Advocacy Director” in the subject line. 

Applications accepted on a rolling basis until Friday, June 17, 2022. Priority will be given to those who submit early.

CAAL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate our rich diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.