Policy Advocate

Job Title: Policy Advocate

Location: Based in Sacramento, CA. All candidates for this position must be able to report

in-person to a CWC office at least two days per week. Staff are expected to report in-person for work more than two days a week if needed based on job responsibilities.

The Community Water Center (CWC) acts as a catalyst for community-driven water solutions through organizing, education, and advocacy in California. CWC has offices in Visalia, Watsonville and Sacramento, CA. The Center employs four primary strategies to accomplish our goals:

• Educate, organize, and build the capacity of low-income communities and communities of color to address local drinking water challenges.

• Support low-income communities and communities of color in the development of drinking water solutions through technical assistance projects.

• Advocate for systemic change to address the root causes of unsafe drinking water in California.

• Serve as a resource for information and center of expertise on community water challenges.

CWC’s team is passionate, dynamic, and believes in the cause of water justice and making real change that is driven directly by impacted communities themselves. Our organizing and advocacy work, community collaborations, and organizational culture all reflect a concern for equity, mutual respect, appreciation for diversity, and environmental and social justice.

Position Description Options

The Policy Advocate is primarily responsible for assisting CWC’s Sacramento team with sustainable groundwater campaigns, such as drought response and land transition.

The Policy Advocate is a regular, exempt, full-time, salary position based out of our Sacramento office and will report to the Policy Manager. All employees at CWC are “at will.” This position will work closely with CWC’s communications team, community solutions team, as well as other CWC staff, community members, ally organizations and agencies, and various interns.

Ideal Candidate

The candidate must be a strong researcher and writer and have enthusiasm for shaping policy for safe water access in California. They have a strong passion for ensuring that historically

marginalized voices and communities are visible, powerful, and influencing regulatory programs on drinking water issues. While expertise in California drinking water issues is not required, a willingness and passion to learn from staff and community experts is key.

Major Responsibilities

• Supports CWC’s efforts to support the development of, and community participation in, effective and equitable sustainable groundwater management efforts.

• Develop and present advocacy materials, academic research, and best practices related to sustainable groundwater management.

• Assist with agenda preparation, note taking, and facilitation of key meetings with organizational partners.

• Advocate for equitable implementation of the Department of Water Resources’ SB552 drought program in Tulare County and Monterey County.

• Advocate for equitable implementation of the Department of Conservation’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing program (MLRP).

• Represent CWC and coordinate community representation at public hearings, legislative and regulatory meetings, and other key external meetings and events as needed.

• Assist the Policy Manager and other key staff with CWC participation, leadership in advocacy coalitions.

General Duties

• Foster an environment that promotes trust and cooperation amongst CWC staff, community members, and affiliate organizations.

• Attend and actively participate in team meetings, strategy development sessions and staff retreats.

• Support and contribute to internal reporting processes; fundraising efforts and staff retreats.

• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, your Supervisor and other Directors.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Required Qualifications

• Strong research, policy analysis, policy advocacy, and writing skills.

• Interest in regulatory and administrative advocacy.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills with sensitivity to audience.

• Strong passion for and commitment to social and environmental justice.

• Experience in public relations and/or media relations.

• Awareness of how differences in class, race, privilege and lived experience shape how individuals and institutions think and act.

• Proven ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced office environment and meet deadlines.

• Ability to accept and provide critical feedback – the ideal candidate would value accountability across the organization.

• Valid CA drivers license and the ability to drive on highways.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the San Joaquin Valley and/or Salinas Valley or familiarity with key environmental justice issues facing these regions.

• Prior California state and local policy experience with familiarity with advocacy before state and local agencies.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) with working conversational or professional fluency.

• Knowledge of water policy in California, particularly where it interacts with environmental justice communities.

• A.A or B.A in any related field/subject matter (Political Science, Pre-Law, Ethnic Studies, Sociology, Environmental Science, or other relevant experience).

Starting date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Salary scale: $70,000- $85,000; based on experience and qualifications.

To apply: Email your resume and cover letter to careers@communitywatercenter.org and note “Policy Advocate Position - [your name]” in the subject line.

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement contributions; generous vacation, family and sick leave and holiday policies; hybrid (remote and in-person) work location policy; work from home reimbursements; flex-time; professional development opportunities and more. (Benefits guidelines and eligibility vary based on tenure and employment status, among other factors.)

Community Water Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. As such employees may be able to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Community Water Center is committed to providing equal opportunity to qualified job applicants and employees and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability (including pregnancy), mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

To learn more about the Community Water Center, visit our website at www.communitywatercenter.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000