Policy and Political Director

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Policy and Political Director plans, organizes, and implements the organization’s legislative priorities, government relations, and political priorities. As a member of the Directors Team, the Policy and Political Director will report to the Co-Executive Directors and closely work with other directors on policy advocacy and political strategy implementation. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who flourishes in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment and can effectively manage multiple issues and projects simultaneously. They will enjoy mentoring staff and cultivating advocacy and leadership skills within the team while also building cross-sector and intergovernmental relationships. They will have a demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity, advocating for public policy, and working with local, state, and national government, nonprofit, and community partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

The following responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel classified in this manner. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Provide leadership, strategic vision, and development to the Policy Team in partnership with the Co-Executive Directors 
• Develop and implement Rising Voices’ political program as approved by the executive leadership including candidate recruitment, endorsements, and conducting election campaign activities.
• Develop and assess public policy advocacy, legislative engagement, and lobbying efforts in alignment with Rising Voices’ policy priorities in: education, economics, immigration, anti-Asian hate, community safety, voter engagement and other campaign initiatives as necessary
• In partnership with the Communications team develop a communications strategy to advance our public policy initiatives and communicate effectively with our external and internal stakeholders
• Work with the Organizing team to incorporate and collaborate with the growing civic leadership of Rising Voices' network and base in order to build power for Michigan Asian Americans
• Monitor and recommend actions on federal, state, and local policy initiatives in alignment with the outcomes and priorities of Rising Voices' mission
• Work closely with Rising Voices' network leaders, local coalitions and community partners with lived experience to support legislative advocacy, public policy advocacy, and organizing efforts
• Ensure compliance with laws and guidelines established by federal, state, and local legislative bodies, and regulatory agencies, including lobbyist registration and reporting

RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Policy and Legislative Agenda 

• Engage, develop, and execute a public policy agenda that supports the organization’s mission
• Develop and execute strategic advocacy plans, including communications, organizing, legislative, and other policy efforts with internal and external partners
• Monitor and research proposed legislation to determine possible impacts on Asian American communities and make appropriate recommendations.
• Advocate for the organization’s position through meetings with lawmakers, position papers, public testimony, grassroots efforts, and other effective advocacy methods
• Assist with development and support of cross-racial, cross-sector, and cross-governmental coalitions

Political Agenda

• Manage Rising Voices’ political action committee, candidate recruitment, and endorsement process
• Recommend spending allocations to support AAPI candidates, voters, and issue campaigns
• Cultivate relationships with key elected and appointed officials, policymakers, and related governmental bodies and leaders
• Track potential candidates as well as electoral and leadership opportunities for Asian Americans to serve in elected and appointed roles at the local, state and federal level 
• In partnership with the Organizing team, write and implement c4, coordinated and independent, campaign plans for electoral activities and issue campaigns
• Participate in the development of educational/ informational materials for Rising Voices’ political efforts for staff and base members
• In partnership with the Organizing team, train and inform volunteers and other Rising Voices base members to enable them to activate others in efforts to influence legislative and regulatory decisions and the political process

Communications 

• Work with the Communications team on communications strategy to effectively advance Rising Voices' federal, state, and local policy initiatives and campaigns
• Advise, draft and edit specific policy and advocacy materials, including action alerts, talking points, issue briefs, letters, press statements, opinion editorials, website updates, and legislative and policy reports
• Manage elected official political engagement with the organization, including leading requests for email sends, speaking requests at events, video appearances, etc

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage the policy team including hiring, onboarding, and delegating work assignments; recommend training; solicit and respond to employee feedback and concerns; evaluate performance and discipline as necessary
• Provide team members with regular feedback on performance, including frequent informal feedback, annual performance reviews, advising on professional development, and making recommendations for promotions or special assignments
• Prepare, manage, and track departmental budget and spending
• Oversee compliance with annual lobbying reporting requirements including completion and filing of semi-annual lobbyist registration and reporting

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 3 years of policy or legislative experience
• Minimum 3 years of organizing experience on political or issue campaigns
• Minimum 3 years experience in management and supervisory experience
• Experience in the following policy areas: education, economics, immigration, anti-Asian hate, community safety, and other policy issues impacting Asian Americans
• Knowledge of Asian American history and Asian American cultures with demonstrated experience working with the Michigan Asian American community
• Demonstrated experience navigating a multi-partisan and highly political government system with emphasis on the Michigan legislative process
• Strong communication skills, with emphasis on written communication 
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate with many stakeholders, and meet deadlines with attention to detail 
• Proficiency with office technology and information systems, including Microsoft Excel, Word with an ability and willingness to learn new software tools
• Proficiency with online forms of communications and ability to independently manage workload
• Willingness and availability during heavy periods of work at the Michigan Legislature which will require evenings and some weekend commitments
• Access to reliable daily transportation to the State Capitol, other local units of government, and a variety of meetings in the Metro Area
• This position will require some state-wide and national travel
• Experience leading or supporting multi-agency coalitions

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in public policy, public administration, advocacy and political leadership, or related field
• Research writing experience
• Experience with project management tools and facilitation
• Event planning experience
• Fundraising experience