Senior Associate, Puerto Rico Strategies

Department: Program

Reports to: Deepak Lamba-Nieves, Director of Puerto Rico Strategies

Status: Full Time / Time Bound

Location: Remote; Must reside and be authorized to work in Puerto Rico

About PolicyLink

PolicyLink is a national research and action institute working to build a future where all people in the United States of America can participate in a flourishing multiracial democracy, prosper in an equitable economy, and live in thriving communities of opportunity.

Our Disciplined Approach For Moving From Aspiration To Impact Is Reflected In An Organizational-wide Results-based Accountability Framework That Articulates The Future We Are Trying To Achieve In The Next 20 Years, The Root Causes, And How We Would Know If We Are Making Progress. This Strategy Includes Lanes Of Work To Advance a New Design, New Values, And Governing Power

• We are supporting a new design of the legal and regulatory framework of the nation so that it governs for all.
• We are advancing a values system and political philosophy that is grounded in love for, and the flourishing of, all .
• We are working to ensure that economically insecure people in our nation can build and exercise governing power at the scale necessary to change the rules.
  
  

Altogether, these fundamental changes in design, values, and power aim to help us collectively change the material reality for the nearly 100 million people living in or near poverty, so we can see all people flourishing.

Position Overview

PolicyLink is seeking a Senior Associate to join its Puerto Rico Strategies team. The Senior Associate will play a critical role in deepening and expanding PolicyLink’s engagement with on-the-ground, community-based groups and organizations, and lead the development and execution of advocacy strategies and campaigns that help define innovative and transformative solutions for Puerto Rico.

Please note that this is a termed position ending in April 2028 with the possibility of being renewed, dependent on funding and program needs.

Over the last two years, our burgeoning Puerto Rico portfolio has focused on addressing the systemic challenges that undermine the archipelago’s long term, equitable development. Through our work alongside an ecosystem of partners both in Puerto Rico and throughout the diaspora, PolicyLink is advancing advocacy and coalition building strategies, data and research methodologies, and storytelling and narrative solutions to historic and persistent challenges. We are growing our Puerto Rico-based presence, working to support NGOs, community-based groups and organizations that are reimagining approaches to development and shifting power and decision-making from central government to municipalities and communities. We are also devising and deploying new projects that help us conceive and deliver new opportunities and systemic solutions for Puerto Rico with the ultimate goal of self-determination for the people of the archipelago.

In this role, the Senior Associate will work collaboratively with allies and partners to design and implement advocacy initiatives, engage policymakers and stakeholders, and mobilize community voices to influence decision-making at local and national levels.

The Senior Associate reports to the Director of Puerto Rico Strategies and must be based in Puerto Rico.

Responsibilities

The Senior Associate will collaborate with the rest of the team on the program design, implementation, and coordination of our Puerto Rico strategies. A key component of this role will be leading campaigns in collaboration with a coalition of partners to advance solutions to the archipelago’s most persistent challenges. They will support policy, research, advocacy, communications, and coalition- and partnership-building work designed to accelerate PolicyLink’s strategic projects and goals. This person will also be responsible for sharing information and coordinating across all Puerto Rico-based partners.

Program Execution and External Partnership Management

• Drive the implementation of strategic programs in alignment with PolicyLink's broader place-based goals and in coordination with other PolicyLink programs
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with grassroots partners, coalitions, and other stakeholders
• Elevate Puerto Rico’s initiatives to national audiences and funding spaces, in support of collective progress and strengthening our local partnerships
  
  

Thought Leadership and Policy Advocacy

• Lead the development and execution of campaign plans to advance the policy objectives in support of our shared vision for Puerto Rico, in collaboration with our grassroots coalition partners
• Draft reports, policy briefs, memos, op-eds, and blog posts focused on public and private sector innovations, best practices, and federal and local policy initiatives that advance meaningful equity solutions in Puerto Rico
• Work alongside partners in Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican diaspora to develop and advocate for federal policy reforms in service of the 2.1 million residents of Puerto Rico living at or near 200% of the federal poverty level
  
  

Research, Data Analysis, and Communications

• Support the development of a data and research plan for the Puerto Rico program
• Collaborate with the Director and key local partners to develop a research plan to advance our Puerto Rico Strategies
• Support policy research on housing, governance, post-disaster recovery, and other policies
• Support the development of a narrative and communications strategy that builds a broader base of support for PolicyLink’s Puerto Rico work
• Work closely with narrative and communications team to develop and execute narrative strategies specific to Puerto Rico’s local context
  

Budget and Grant Management

• Develop and manage program budgets
• Routinely evaluate budgetary needs and goals to help manage, engage and develop programmatic fundraising goals and strategies to leverage philanthropic resources for the program
• Assist the Puerto Rico Strategies Director and PolicyLink Development Team with grants, fundraising, and donor cultivation
  
  

Impact Measurement and Evaluation

• Design tracking and measurement systems for specific projects in the portfolio
• Design and implement project evaluation methods using models of Results-Based Accountability, in accordance with PolicyLink’s institutional practice
• Review results of evaluation processes and adjust project models on a continuous basis to reflect emerging needs and trends
• Evaluate the effectiveness of PolicyLink’s Puerto Rico campaigns and adjust strategies for higher impact
  

Skills, Abilities, And Knowledge Required

• Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time
• Comfortable with results-based accountability and learning
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to inspire confidence and passion
  
  

with both internal and external audiences including movement leaders, government

officials, and corporate actors

• Strong budgeting and financial management skills applied to major grants and
  
  

advocacy campaigns across internal and external partners

• Strong research research and analytical skills, particularly in Puerto Rico-related topics.
• Exceptional cross-programmatic, cross issue strategic thinking and collaborative skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects at one time in ways that are impactful, adaptive, and persuasive
• Have a deep understanding of the social, political, and economic context that impacts Puerto Rico, and the U.S. This includes deep knowledge and issues expertise across housing and community development, inclusive economic development, climate justice and racial equity
• Possess excellent writing, speaking, and facilitation skills—in English and Spanish— and tact to communicate complex ideas across a variety of audiences
• Possess excellent time management skills, attention to detail, and a focus on results
• Ability to manage a constantly evolving landscape, and shift priorities accordingly
• Passionate about work at the intersection of decolonization, racial equity, and climate change, advancing approaches to community co-creation, and developing strategies to mitigate extraction and harm
• Working proficiency in Spanish and English
• Sense of humor and a passion for prioritizing joy
  
  

Qualifications

Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s degree or equivalent experience in political and government affairs, public policy, law, urban planning, public health, or similar area of study preferred
• Minimum 7 years of programmatic experience in social equity, public policy, community engagement, project management, non-profit sector, or similar field
• 3-5 years of experience developing, managing, and fundraising for field organizing or grassroots advocacy campaigns, with a significant amount of that experience within Puerto Rico
• Experience working closely with a variety of partners and stakeholders
• Strong background and/or foundation in public policy, economic development,
  
  

city government, political campaigns, or nonprofit management as an important

reference point for PolicyLink's work

• Experience working in coalition spaces, navigating coalition dynamics, and building organizational relationships in coalition spaces
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

PolicyLink offers competitive salaries commensurate with the experience and skills of our employees. The starting salary range for this position is $90,000-$130,000.

Additionally, PolicyLink Provides a Comprehensive Benefits Package That Includes

• 100% medical coverage for the employee and all dependents, including domestic partners.
• 6% of salary designated as a retirement allowance.
• Annual bonus in December.
• Three weeks of vacation (substituting for reset weeks) plus 18 paid holidays.
  
  

Work Environment

The position will involve leading and participating in frequent remote video and telephone conferences. It is a 100% remote position, though travel will be required.

To Apply

We accept online applications only. Please note that the application includes two written prompts that are required. Candidates should provide complete responses to the prompts; incomplete answers will not be considered.

No phone calls please. Only those selected to participate in our hiring process will be contacted.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

PolicyLink strongly values equity and believes in a just and fair society where all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. We work toward a more inclusive world and as such we are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. PolicyLink is committed to maintaining a diverse and multicultural working environment.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.

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