Policy Manager

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000
About Empower DC

Join one of DC’s most fierce and effective community organizing groups! Empower DC is a citywide grassroots organization that builds the political power of low/moderate-income, Black and brown DC residents to advance systemic change and social justice. Founded in 2003, Empower DC is known for taking on tough issues and engaging in long-term battles in support of some of the lowest income communities in DC. Our multi-generational and multi-ethnic base has secured wins in neighborhood-specific and citywide campaigns addressing a range of important issues. Our work currently centers on advancing equitable development, environmental justice and racial equity through efforts that center directly impacted grassroots leaders who inform the goals and strategies we employ in our efforts.

Position Summary

The Policy Manager will play a critical role in advancing our campaigns, working alongside Organizers to support our grassroots leaders as they shape policy solutions and weigh-in on policy debates.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Policy Development

• Shape and implement the organization’s strategy for advancing systemic policy change.

• Collaborate with program staff to integrate policy related work into campaigns.

• Monitor and track policies of interest upon introduction, through implementation, funding and enforcement.

• Research policies of interest in other jurisdictions which serve as a model for our efforts.

Member Engagement and Advocacy Support

• Work with members to develop policy solutions designed by people with lived experience.

• Facilitate and support policy advocacy of our members by coordinating meetings with decision makers, providing training and support for their delivery of testimonies, etc.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of policy interventions and adjust strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

Relationship Building and Communication

• Cultivate relationships with key elected and appointed officials, policy makers, and related governmental bodies and leaders.

• Represent the organization in Coalitions as necessary.

• Support communications with our membership and the general public through the development of articles and other media tools.

• Attend conferences and other networking events relative to the organization's mission and public policy.

Representation

• Draft and deliver statements at key hearings and events.

• Serve as a media contact and participate in interviews to uplift our policy work in the media.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who can effectively manage multiple issues and projects simultaneously and independently. They will enjoy cultivating advocacy and leadership skills within the team.

Education and Experience

• Hold a Juris Doctorate Degree and at least one year of experience in a similar position, or equivalent master’s level, plus three years of experience.

Skills and Attributes

• Negotiation, leadership, performance management, and computer skills preferred.

• Ability to cultivate relationships with diplomacy.

• Strong public speaking abilities.

• Ability to think strategically and conceptually with an unbiased approach to solutions using an equity and justice lens.

Additional Experience and Skills

• Experience with statutory and legislative analysis, legal research and writing, and legislative processes.

• Working knowledge of relevant current and proposed local laws, regulations, and other legal directives.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse communities.

• Familiarity with DC communities, local government, racial equity, and social injustice issues.

Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt level position, eligible for full benefits. Empower DC covers 100% of the costs of health, dental and vision insurance. Empower DC annually contributes 2.5% of each full-time employee’s salary to a retirement benefit plan. Employees accrue 10 days of vacation leave, 10 days sick leave, two personal days and all federal holidays. Our office is also closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day. After each five-year anniversary with Empower DC, an employee is entitled to one month of paid leave as a thank you for long-time service, and as a time to refresh and rejuvenate. During the pandemic employees also receive a monthly $100 telework stipend.

Applicants must have US citizenship or an authorization to work in the US. Empower DC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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