Policy Associate
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Policy Associate
Division: Policy Department
FLSA: Non-Exempt – Full Time
Supervisor: Manager of Policy & Community Engagement
Location: Los Angeles, CA – This is not a remote position.
Rate: $24.00 per hour
Revised: October 2023
SUMMARY
The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC), a nonprofit organization, has been growing steadily and seeks to continue growth and sustainability. Reporting to the Manager of Policy and Community Engagement and serving as an integral member of the policy and communications team, the Policy Associate assists the organization to work towards our goal of being a catalyst for social and structural change for transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGI) people by utilizing a transformative policy platform. The Policy Associate is responsible for advocating for and implementing TLC’s legislative and public policy strategies at the state, city, and county levels related to specific priority issues. The Policy Associate will research, analyze, and track TGI-specific policy, primarily at the state and local levels; helps to implement TransLatin@ Coalition’s #TransPolicyAgenda; presents at hearings, workshops, and conferences; and engages staff, program, and partner organizations in our advocacy work. The ideal candidate will be an outstanding advocate who can effectively convey the mission, policies, and advocacy efforts of The TransLatin@ Coalition to a variety of constituencies, ranging from policymakers to local community members. The work will center on California but will play a role in re-shaping the national discourse around ‘trans’ politics focusing on proactive, innovative, and strategic policies to proactively address issues including but not limited to immigration detention and deportation, employment, HIV and AIDS, healthcare access, violence prevention, sex work, criminalization and incarceration, housing, and poverty.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Work with the Manager of Policy and Community Engagement in their daily work activities and tasks, such as legislative research, notetaking, and participating in coalition calls, calls with partner organizations, and local and statewide government meetings and convenings.
Assisting in the coordination of California Trans Policy Alliance (CTPA) working toward policy change and participating regularly, lending expertise around strategy and implementation of legislation.
Monitoring and implementing the organizational #TransPolicyAgenda, regularly seeking opportunities for local and statewide policy change, and strategizing with organizational partners to coordinate legislative campaigns.
Planning and implementing legislative strategies, analyzing, and drafting legislation, working with state and local policymakers, preparing, and presenting testimony and supporting advocacy through public education and public policy campaigns, as well as engaging TransLatin@ Coalition members, community stakeholders, and leaders to advance TransLatin@’s strategic priorities.
Leading public education and community engagement efforts to increase the participation of transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGI) community members within the public policy process.
Working to increase the visibility of TLC’s local and statewide policy work in local, state, and national media outlets to increase public support of specific policy issues.
Participating in local and state government meetings and convenings, uplifting specific community issues and organizational policy priorities.
Exceptional initiative, vision, and ability to develop and implement short and long-term integrated legislative and advocacy strategies.
Exceptional strategic planning, analytical, research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
Ability to synthesize complex issues and communicate them effectively to diverse audiences, including elected officials’ attorneys, advocates, impacted communities, and in particular TransLatin@ and other immigrant groups, other supporters, and the public.
Able to communicate with elected officials and set up appointments to address issues related to Trans and gender-expansive people throughout the state of California.
Assist in implementing work plans for programs such as the Community Advisory Board (CAB), CTPA, and any county or federal initiatives.
Other duties as assigned by the Manager of Policy and Community Engagement.
Able to create and implement youth programming such as mentorship, scholarship, or cultural wellness programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Knowledge, Skills, and Ability
Bachelor’s Degree in public policy, Social Work, Psychology, or Public Health-related fields or a minimum of at least 5 years of working with people of trans and gender-expansive experience and understanding policy needs of trans and gender-expansive people.
Proof of employment eligibility, valid California Driver’s License and/or California Identification, and yearly automobile insurance.
Updated tuberculosis test (annual requirement) – read, reviewed, and dated by a clinician 6 months before employment.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects & tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.
Ability to master a wide range of information, take initiative and adapt to a team environment.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing both in English & Spanish preferred but not required.
Ability to work with diverse communities (e.g., multi-gender, ethnic, generation, monolingual
Spanish speakers, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, substance, homeless, etc.).
Experience and knowledge of PC hardware and software (Windows, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel a must).
Ability to competently conduct training, presentations, and workshops and coordinate policy-related activities.
Knowledgeable about Trans and gender-expansive culture.
NON-ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS - Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Relevant community policy-related training.
Experience and knowledge of MS Access and Outlook Software.
Bilingual in Spanish and English Preferred.
Knowledge of specific policy needs and issues of Trans and gender-expansive people.
Knowledge of how policy works & be able to articulate and draft written language for policy change
Excellent writing and reading skills.
Four (4) year college degree with an emphasis on Public Health, Public Policy, and/or related courses or a minimum of 5 years working with trans communities.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent in this position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities to any staff, volunteers, and/or interns
The incumbent in this position has a great responsibility ensuring the organization’s communications are accurate and timely.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Ergonomically safe office environment with desktop computer, desk, chair, natural light from windows
Occasional in the fieldwork including but not limited to rallies, community festivals, conferences, nightclubs, and other outreach venues that the target population frequents. Must be comfortable with environmental conditions at locations, such as noise level, aggressive patrons, substance use, etc.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing this job, the incumbent typically spends time sitting, standing, walking, frequently driving, carrying (max.20lbs), lifting (max. 20lbs), listening, and speaking.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The candidate in this position must be able to accommodate any or all the following: constant distractions, interruptions; uncontrollable changes in priorities/work schedules; and availability for on-call/duty after regular working hours, and exposure to inappropriate behavior and language of others.
BENEFITS
100% Employee Paid Medical
100% Employee Paid Dental
Vision Insurance
403 (b) Match by the organization
Personal Time
Vacation Time
How to apply
Please email your cover letter and resume to: matti@translatinacoalition.org using the subject line: Policy Associate.
The TransLatin@ Coalition is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. TransLatin@ encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender expression, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.