The Director of Policy and Advocacy (DPA) reports directly to the President/CEO and serves as an integral member of the senior leadership team. This senior leadership position offers an exceptional opportunity to impact the most pressing issues in criminal justice and civil rights policy today. The DPA drives JLUSA’s policy agenda, represents JLUSA before external audiences, and collaborates with JLUSA’s broad network of leaders and partners. We are seeking an experienced leader who possesses strong management and communications skills, deep familiarity with criminal and social justice policy issues, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing racial justice policies that protect civil rights. The DPA manages a department that includes a Special Projects Associate.
The DPA will be responsible for leading the creation and framing of a robust and ambitious national policy agenda that aligns with JLUSA’s mission. The DPA leads government relations to develop, monitor and maintain JLUSA relationships at the local, state and federal level. The Special Projects Associate and the Leadership Department Staff will assist with the day-to-day duties of this work (e.g., communicating with leaders, hosting advocacy training, organizing coalition meetings and event planning, etc.).
Candidate Profile
Strong candidates will bring policy experience, an understanding of grassroots organizing and campaigning, a working knowledge of the criminal justice system, a demonstrated commitment to social justice and passion for JLUSA’s mission, and exceptional interpersonal and communications skills.
Other desired skills, characteristics, and experiences include, but are not limited to, the following:
Work style that allows for both independent work and cross-team collaboration; comfort with changing priorities and ambiguity
Ability to maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures. Ability to thrive and learn in a fast-paced, growth-oriented, and changing environment
Ability to set high standards of performance for yourself and others, including assuming responsibility for assignments and tasks, taking initiative to accomplish objectives and being proactive, linking your policy objectives to the strategic goals of the organization, and communicating ideas successfully to direct reports, peers, supervisors, and constituents
Relationship-building skills, with experience working with or managing coalitions preferred
Superior writing skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into compelling written materials
Strong quantitative skills and ability to analyze and synthesize government and academic data and reports
At least 3 years of supervisory experience, with the ability to provide guidance, coaching, and feedback to policy team members and others across the organization
Flexibility and willingness for out-of-town travel and occasional events outside work hours once pandemic restrictions are lifted
Superior computer skills and willingness to learn and use new technology
Compensation
The salary range for this opportunity is $95,000-$110,000.
Contact
Molly Brennan and Amber Brown of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express your interest in this role please submit your materials here or email JLUSA@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
JustLeadershipUSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status. JustLeadershipUSA values diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system involvement. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission. For more information about JustLeadershipUSA, visit our website at www.jlusa.org.