Legislative Advocacy Coordinator - Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition, MD, USA

[Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition]

Legislative Advocacy Coordinator

The Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition (BHRC), a program of Fusion Partnerships, Inc., advocates for harm reduction principles and practices through advocacy, education, and service. BHRC is hiring a part-time Legislative Advocacy Coordinator who will support BHRC in developing and coordinating a statewide coalition focused on harm reduction policy advocacy through a racial justice lens. The coordinator will work closely with local advocates to advance legislation in the Maryland General Assembly, coordinate a statewide coalition, develop educational materials for legislators, and support planning for advocacy events in Annapolis. This eight-month position begins November 1, 2017 and will continue until June 30, 2017; working approximately 15 hours per week. This position reports to the BHRC Executive Director.

Qualifications: 

A successful candidate for this position will be highly organized, detail oriented, and comfortable working independently.  They must be skilled at collaboration with a variety of stakeholders and collective decision-making. Additionally, they must be outgoing and feel comfortable convening a coalition of diverse individuals (including people who have been targeted by the war on drugs and anti-sex work policy, law enforcement, family advocates, treatment providers, etc.) about potentially sensitive issues (drug use, overdose, sex work, etc.).

• Travel throughout Maryland is required.

• Candidates should have knowledge of and commitment to harm reduction and racial justice; as well as demonstrated knowledge of the Maryland legislative process.

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Powerpoint (or their equivalents) required.

Expectations:

• Identify and contact new coalition members, focusing on groups and individuals directly impacted by the war on drugs and anti-sex worker policies.

• Provide leadership to the statewide coalition, including scheduling regular calls, planning agendas, and documenting meeting action items.

• Interpret, analyze, and draft statutory language and legislation based on coalition consensus. • Track progress of relevant legislation in the MD General Assembly, and communicate this progress and advocacy opportunities with coalition members.

• Coordinate with the BRIDGES Coalition and other stakeholders to develop harm reduction advocacy/educational strategy (including materials) for legislators and other advocates.

• Work collaboratively with and assist in providing a meaningful learning experience to a Peer Advocacy Intern.

• Coordinate an advocacy training in Baltimore for BHRC members.

• Coordinate an advocacy event in Annapolis with coalition members.

• Participate in regular meetings with supervisor (Executive Director) and other project leadership (BHRC Advisory Board and BHRC Policy Committee Chair).

• Prepare reports to fulfill grant requirements.

To apply please submit cover letter and resume to Harriet Smith via email (bmor...@gmail.com).