Policy Coordinator
Position: Policy Coordinator
Department: National Program
Position Type: Full-Time ─ Exempt
Location: Remote, based in Washington, D.C. or Baltimore, MD
Reports to: National Director
Salary Range: $62,000-88,000 based on relevant experience and location
At this critical time for lower-income frontline communities and people of color, Jobs to Move America (JMA) is advancing a powerful agenda to create high-quality, equitable careers in advanced manufacturing. Here is information about our organization.
JMA’s national program is seeking a talented and passionate policy coordinator who will help drive policy development across JMA by (1) cultivating a deep knowledge of JMA’s policy strategy and policy areas (including labor, procurement, economic development, and environmental), (2) supporting regional teams in developing well-crafted policies at the state and municipal levels and (3) leading on analyzing, drafting, and advocating for federal policy proposals, and state and municipal policies outside of JMA’s active regions. The policy coordinator will also play a central role in collaborating with our national allies and coalitions to build relationships and advance mutual goals.
The National Policy Coordinator reports to the National Program Director and additionally will receive support from the Policy Director. This position is remote and will require frequent meetings in Washington, D.C. (and potentially other locations in the region); it is strongly preferred that the National Policy Coordinator live within commuting distance of Washington, D.C., and all candidates must live within a 3 hour drive or train ride from D.C.
Who we are ─ About Jobs to Move America:
Jobs to Move America is a national and multi-regional strategic policy center that works to transform public spending and corporate behavior using a comprehensive approach that is rooted in racial and economic justice and community organizing. We seek to advance a fair and prosperous economy with good jobs and healthier communities for all. To learn more, visit our website: www.jobstomoveamerica.org.
What You’ll Do ─ Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Policy analysis and development: Track relevant federal policies and develop good jobs policies at the federal, state, and municipal levels that incorporate racial and environmental justice and support community and worker organizing.
Develop and apply expertise in JMA policy areas, with a focus on labor, economic development, and procurement policy at the federal, state, and municipal levels
Craft policy recommendations and proposals, including comments, testimony, and draft rules and legislation for federal agencies and Congress
In collaboration with the policy director, assist regional teams in crafting, analyzing, and advocating for state and municipal policy recommendations and proposals
Write internal and external reports, fact sheets, and op-eds; draft policy and briefing documents
Advocacy: Collaborate with allies and advocate for passage and implementation of JMA’s policy priorities.
Advocate for adoption of JMA policies, including leading on policy campaign strategy, communications, and educating and informing policymakers
Grow relationships with JMA’s partners in the labor movement, environmental movement, and in our national coalitions to advance mutual goals and strengthen policy positions; support the coordination and management of national coalitions
Represent JMA at events and conferences (approximately twice per year) and present JMA’s work on panels and webinars (approximately once per quarter)
Contribute to the development of comprehensive campaign strategy through regular power mapping, analysis of the political landscape and identification of opportunities to build the power we need in order to win
Effective collaboration and teamwork:
Develop project plans including SMARTIE goals, POPs, and MOCHAs, and hold yourself and team members accountable to meeting the goals and timelines and adjusting as necessary.
Help contribute to JMA’s organizational development, for example assisting with grants efforts, and participating in JMA staff committees (not to exceed 15% of time)
About you ─ Required Qualifications:
At least three years of policy experience, including experience in drafting policy. Direct lobbying for a union or advocacy organization or experience on Capitol Hill, a state legislature, or city council is a plus but not required.
Demonstrated commitment to economic, racial, gender, and social justice movements. Experience working with unions or advocacy campaigns preferred.
Proven ability to deeply understand and craft nuanced policies, including interpreting statutes, regulations, and contracts, and drafting soundly constructed legislative and regulatory text, with a strong attention to detail
Excellent writing skills, including a demonstrated ability to write clearly for a wide range of audiences and succinctly and accurately report research findings and analysis
Ability to perform research rigorously, accurately, efficiently, and objectively
Ability to clearly, honestly, and compellingly communicate policy positions with a wide range of stakeholders
Ability to work independently and to take initiative
Ability to effectively manage a workload with competing priorities and collaborate as part of a team
Strategic thinking and initiative in identifying key stakeholders that are critical to a campaign’s success and thoughtfulness in engaging them in campaign efforts
Ability to approach complex challenges thoughtfully and diplomatically
Strong interpersonal and coordination skills; ability to build and sustain authentic and productive working relationships with colleagues across race and other group identities, including JMA employees as well as external partners; demonstrated self-awareness, empathy, and social skills in work and interpersonal interactions
Interest in working across teams and taking part in JMA committees
Ability to travel to Washington, DC on a regular basis to participate in meetings; ability to travel occasionally within the U.S. (up six times per year)
Other Physical Requirements:
Communicate clearly over the phone with reasonable accommodations
Routinely operate a laptop or computer
Applicants are not required to have a driver’s license or own a vehicle.
What Else You Should Know ─ Compensation/Benefits:
Salary Range $62,000-88,000 with annual salary increases
100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for the employee and dependents
Generous paid time off including 12 personal days, 12 federal holidays, and 2 floating holidays each year. JMA has a paid, two week winter break at the end of each year. Employees can accrue up to 20 vacation days and 20 sick days. After 5 years of work, all staff are eligible to apply for 3 months of sabbatical leave.
401(k) plan with 5% employer contribution after 6 months of employment
Flexible spending account (FSA)
Cell phone reimbursement
Utility/Internet monthly stipend for those working from home
Work from home office set up provided if needed
Training and professional development opportunities are available upon completion of the probationary period
A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and practices
Qualifying Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer
JMA is a unionized workplace. This position is included in the collective bargaining agreement.
How to Apply:
Complete the form at the following link and upload a cover letter & resume, and three work references by January 21, 2025.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Only applications submitted via the above link will be considered. No phone calls, please. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications may not receive a reply. Candidates who advance in the interview process will be asked to complete a writing assessment.
JMA Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
We are an EEO/affirmative action employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. We work to ensure fair treatment of applicants and employees and actively enforce zero-tolerance policies against discrimination and sexual harassment. Those who identify as persons of color, women, veterans, or formerly incarcerated persons, and/or have had experience working with one or more of those groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
JMA Diversity and Inclusion Statement
JMA believes that diverse, engaged, and motivated employees are essential to achieving our goals of economic, racial, and social justice. JMA believes that each employee's voice is valuable and that when all employees contribute ideas to the organization’s operation, it enhances the success of the organization overall.
In order to assist us in achieving our goals as a diverse and inclusive workforce, we ask optional self-identification questions in the job application.