[JOB] Policy and Organizing Manager for Forward Together (based in Oakland)
Gwen Emmons
Job Announcement: Policy and Organizing Manager
Hours: Full Time
Salary: $50-58K DOE, plus benefits and generous PTO
Deadline: December 18, 2015
Reports to: Policy Director
Location: Oakland, CA
Summary
Forward Together is seeking an energetic and effective organizer to join our team as the Policy and Organizing manager. The ideal candidate has experience building relationships with community leaders, organizations and policy makers that result in collaboration toward policy change. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who understands policy change as part of a larger vision of race and gender justice.
Who We Are
Forward Together is a leader in issue advocacy and movement building at the intersection of gender, race and sexuality. A multi-racial organization, Forward Together staffs and leads Strong Families, a national initiative to change policy and culture so that all families can thrive. Strong Families uplifts the voices and experiences of families most impacted by systemic exclusion and exploitation.
Based in Oakland, CA with offices in Portland, OR and Albuquerque, NM, Forward Together works with over 150 organizations and thousands of individuals across the country to build political power and achieve systemic change. With our partners, we are at the forefront of transforming communities so that all people have the economic, social and political power and resources to make decisions about their gender, bodies, families and sexuality.
You would be working with a team of committed, dynamic and smart people who work hard, laugh easily and are eager to attract, develop and support leaders like yourself in the movement. Find out more about us at www.forwardtogether.org and www.strongfamiliesmovement.org.
Position Description
The Policy and Organizing Manager leads state based policy change in California as well as working with partners across the country to advance policy change for race and gender equity.
You are perfect for this position if…
- You own campaign strategy. You've participated in leading or building campaigns for policy change or culture shift.
- Multi-tasker is your middle name. You love to own multiple projects and can track timelines and outcomes to get it done.
- You like people. They like you back. You are great at relationship building.
- You have a fanatical attention to detail. You pride yourself in not letting things fall through the cracks.
- You like to laugh. Change work can be hard, but you can laugh at yourself and with others in times of difficulty.
Responsibilities
- Builds strong and deep relationships with partner organizations in California and across the country, including supporting the Strong Families Policy Task Force.
- Develops and supports the leadership of community organizations leading policy change campaigns in California.
- Coordinates policy change strategies and direct advocacy targeted at administrative and legislative bodies.
- Supports engagement of our members and supporters in our campaign work in California.
- Develops collateral that contributes to policy analysis, field and capacity building, and public relations for Forward Together.
- Participates in implementing digital organizing strategies to advance the work.
- Actively participates in all staff team-building activities, including staff meetings and other activities such as Forward Stance learning and practice. Forward Stance is a mind/body approach to strategy and movement building—for more information, check out this video.
Qualifications
- Minimum of four years experience in campaign style community organizing and policy advocacy.
- Understanding of year round civic engagement strategies and tactics.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Commitment to social justice and Forward Together's mission.
- Flexible and comfortable in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- Strong ability to use systems, manage calendars and organize information.
- Careful attention to detail, including grammar and visual presentation of the written word.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Gmail, and Google calendars.
- Ability to hold confidential information, use good judgment and exercise keen awareness of other people's needs.
- Strong orientation toward growth and improvement, creative thinking and problem solving.
- Ability to travel required: 2-3 3‑day‑long trips per year.
- Experience working in partnership with diverse and underserved communities preferred.
How to apply
People of color, queer, transgender or gender non-conforming people are strongly encouraged to apply. EEO.
Please send cover letter and resume to: jo...@forwardtogether.org with the Subject line: Policy and Organizing Manager Search.
No phone calls, please. Due to the high volume of applications, only those selected for further discussion will be contacted.