RESEARCH & POLICY ANALYST II EQUITY IN COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS

*(This is a remote position work-from-home until further notice, at which point the employee will report to work in the office.)

Position Summary:

The primary goal of the Equity in Community Investments program is to support campaigns, led by community-based organizations, for more equitable policies and investments in high-need communities of color. We accomplish this through policy and budget analysis, advocacy, narrative development, and capacity-building efforts for our partners.  

Examples of our budget and policy work include:

• A COVID-19 Budget Playbook for Advocates and Policymakers
• The Case for Justice Reinvestment in Los Angeles County
• Reshaping Justice Through Equitable Services and Community Power in Los Angeles County

The Analyst will report to the Associate Director of Equity in Community Investments.  The Analyst will work in partnership with community-based organizations to support local advocacy campaigns across the state that aim to provide equitable policies and investments of public resources to support community priorities.  

 This work will include: 

• A strong focus on criminal justice reinvestment efforts, and their connections to community health;
• Analyzing policies and budget proposals through a racial equity lens;
• Developing campaign strategies and recognizing political opportunities;
• Making a case for change by identifying persuasive facts and crafting compelling messages; and,
• Developing the capacity of partners by preparing and conducting budget advocacy trainings.

The successful applicant must have a strong, demonstrated commitment to social and racial justice, documented project management skills and experience overseeing multiple streams of work at the same time, a record of involvement on racial justice/systems change campaigns, and be self-motivated, flexible, and skilled at fostering creative and collaborative spaces.

 Specific Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• In collaboration with partner organizations, analyze political opportunities, and develop winning campaign plans and strategies.
• Develop and conduct rigorous and accessible training curricula for a wide range of stakeholders (including staff of community-based organizations, community members, funders, and media) on how to understand the policy development to the implementation process and engage in effective advocacy campaigns.
• Serve as primary liaison with community-based organizations and coalitions.
• Perform analysis of government reports and budgets and stay apprised of local government activities and developments.
• Identify, initiate, and deepen relationships with community stakeholders, relevant government staff, and political leadership.
• Travel, at least twice a month, to meetings in the Central Valley, Inland Empire, and/or Orange County.
• Participate in organization-wide planning, development, and communication activities, as needed, and ensure adherence to Advancement Project California goals and policies within the project area.
• Experience working with advocates, litigators, and people who are directly impacted by the criminal justice system as with government officials, criminal justice system personnel, practitioners, and policymakers.
• Other duties as assigned, dependent on organizational needs and employee skills.

 Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function assigned to satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sincere and demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity and economic justice issues for the highest-need communities.

• 2-4 years of experience in racial justice, public policy, community-based policy advocacy, and/or organizing (beyond summer or short-term internships).
• Have firsthand and extensive experience with the criminal justice system as an advocate, practitioner, policymaker, lawyer, researcher, or as someone who is directly impacted.
• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree in public policy, law, or the social sciences preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential job duties will be considered.
• Must be familiar with services and programs for persons impacted by the criminal justice system and their families or significant others.
• Experience building and working in coalitions, including managing partnerships with residents and community organizations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and presentation skills – experience translating technical analyses into accessible advocacy messages are especially preferred.
• Ability to conduct policy analysis, research (qualitative/quantitative), and synthesize complex information/data for policy and planning. Experience with criminal justice and public budget issues preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects that are strategic in nature & scope.
• Proven ability to work with diverse communities, leaders, and staff.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision and in small team settings.
• Flexibility to adjust and contribute to continually evolving work situations and changing priorities.
• Good computer skills, proficient with MS Office applications.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to execute projects on-time and on-budget.
• Bilingual English-Spanish a plus.
• Must be able to travel locally and statewide.

Physical Demands:

Occasionally must be able to move office supplies and equipment weighing up to 10 pounds across the office or during events.

Salary:

Competitive compensation depending on experience. Includes full health, dental, and retirement benefits.

To Apply:

Please send an email with subject "ECI Application" and a cover letter, resume, and work sample in one PDF attachment titled last_name_first_name_eci.pdf (e.g., Jimenez_Jorge_eci.pdf) to: 

Jorge Jimenez

Director of Human Resources, Finance and Administration hr@advanceproj.org

Advancement Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other category protected by local, state, or federal laws. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive staff team. We strongly encourage applicants who are people of color, LGBTQ, women, people with disabilities; and/or formerly incarcerated people.