Policy Analyst/Compliance Specialist

Who We Are

Hispanic Federation (HF) is the nation's premier Latino nonprofit membership organization. Founded in 1990, HF supports Latino families and strengthens Latino institutions through grantmaking, capacity building assistance to Latino nonprofits, advocacy, disaster relief, and direct services. The values that drive our work include a commitment to excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, fairness and justice, and respect, empathy, and compassion. 

HF has a staff of over 100 at its New York headquarters and field offices in Los Angeles, CA; Hartford, CT; Washington, DC; Orlando, FL; Chicago, IL; Charlotte and Mount Olive, NC; and San Juan, PR. It serves 133 member organizations and a national network of 700 Latino nonprofits in 42 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. 

Who We Seek

Hispanic Federation seeks a Policy Analyst & Compliance Specialist to advance HF’s New York State policy priorities and campaigns, carry out public policy analysis and prepare issue briefs and other materials to support the organization’s advocacy efforts – especially Albany-based efforts - and manage tracking and compliance for all HF's lobbying activities. The Policy Analyst will focus on Education public policy and focus on the impacts of education in communities of color. The Policy Analyst will work with staff in multiple offices . The Policy Analyst/Compliance Specialist must have both direct public policy and advocacy experience and will be trained in regard to both federal and New York State lobbying rules and reporting requirements.

The successful candidate will have the ability to prepare concise and effective public policy and advocacy materials, sound oral communications skills, and the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with public officials and other advocates. The Policy Analyst & Compliance Specialist smust be well organized, results oriented, and effective at multi-tasking. The position provides an excellent opportunity for gaining broad experience in public policy and advocacy work for a highly respected, growing Latino organization.

Position Location: Albany, NY 

Reports to: Director for Policy and Social Impact  

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Public policy and advocacy:

• Advance HF’s New York State Policy Priorities and Campaigns through: 

  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge about state policies affecting Latino communities, primarily in education, but also in economic empowerment, immigration, and health.

  • Creating and maintaining an advocacy network to further the initiatives of HF in New York.

  • Working with HF’s New York-based Policy Directors and to inform advocacy efforts.  

• Carry out policy and data analysis and related research:

  • Monitor and evaluate New York State policies and legislation.

  • Develop a plan for evaluating and analyzing relevant public and social policies in New York State that affect the Latino community.

  • Do substantial writing, including but not limited to preparation of issue briefs, talking points, advocacy letters, and written testimony.

  • Perform data analysis and research related to identified policy areas to inform decision making.

  • Prepare portions of policy reports in support of Policy Directors in various issue areas.

  • Draft rapid response policy statements as needed.  

• Serve as a representative of HF:

  • Schedule and attend meetings with legislative staff, policymakers, experts, and issue stakeholders to effectively communicate HF policy priorities.

  • Serve as an advocate and representative of HF in meetings, policy forums, coalitions, and networks.
• Compliance with lobbying rules and reporting requirements:
  • Support HF’s lobbying time tracking system.
  • Ensure full HF compliance with federal and state lobbying rules and reporting.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, preferrable with a focus on government, public policy, and/or research, minimum three (3) years of professional experience in policy research, analysis, writing, and advocacy required  

• Demonstrated ability to carry out applied research and analysis to assess policy needs and evaluate current and proposed public policies  

• Willingness to gain knowledge of federal and New York State requirements and limitations on legislative advocacy by nonprofit organizations  

• Familiarity with one or more of HF’s public policy issue priorities  

• Demonstrated skills in writing effective, concise policy-focused materials  

• Strong verbal communications skills  

• Strong ability to develop work plans, synthesize complex policy information, meet deadlines, and manage multiple policy projects simultaneously  

• Strong commitment to the Latino community and to HF’s mission and values  

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a flexible and collaborative spirit  

• Computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)  

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Training in law or a graduate degree in Public Administration, Political Science or Public Policy  

• Experience working with the New York State Legislature and managing relationships between advocacy groups, government officials, and Latino and immigrant communities. 

• Public policy and advocacy experience focusing on the Latino community  

• Familiarity with federal reporting requirements for entities electing 501(h) and with requirements under the New York State Lobbying Act  

• An understanding of HF’s priority issue areas, especially immigration, education, economic empowerment, and health  

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)  

• A high-energy self-starter who is curious and a quick learner  

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $70k-$75k and is commensurate with experience. Compensation includes fully subsidized medical, dental, vision insurance, access to flexible spending for medical and transportation, and a 403 (B) retirement plan with a match of up to 6% after 6 months of service.

To Apply

Please submit a résumé, cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications, and two relevant writing samples via e-mail to careers@hispanicfederation.org. No telephone calls. For more information about the Hispanic Federation, go to www.hispanicfederation.org.

Hispanic Federation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation and/or other protected categories.