Full-Time Senior Associate, Policy
Job Description
ABOUT HUMANITY UNITED:
Humanity United is a foundation dedicated to bringing new approaches to global problems that have long been considered intractable. We build, lead, and support efforts to change the systems that contribute to problems like human trafficking, mass atrocities, and violent conflict. HU is part of the Omidyar Group, which represents the philanthropic, personal and professional interests of the Omidyar family.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Policy Associate is a key member of Humanity United’s Washington, D.C. office whose responsibilities focus on supporting the Public Policy & Government Relations department, including support for the Alliance to End Slavery & Trafficking (ATEST). The Senior Policy Associate will report to the ATEST Director; the Senior Policy Associate and the ATEST Director are located within the Public Policy and Government Relations Department.
The Senior Policy Associate will be responsible for managing key elements of the Public Policy & Government Relations Department’s advocacy agenda. The Senior Policy Associate will support the ATEST Director with management of the coalition and with promoting member-driven leadership on policy initiatives and priorities. The Senior Policy Associate will also collaborate closely with the ATEST Director in coordinating with all functional areas of Humanity United, including Investments, Communications, Impact & Strategy, Operations, and Legal. The Senior Policy Associate will also work with the Managing Director and Director of Public Policy and Government Relations on specific Humanity United projects related to the foundation’s strategic initiatives and on the future direction of Humanity United and the Public Policy and Government Relations Department. The performance of duties outlined below may require the Senior Policy Associate to travel occasionally.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The Associate will be based in Washington, D.C. Responsibilities will include program support for the Public Policy and Government Relations department. Essential job functions include:
1. Support Federal Policy Advocacy
ATEST:
– Support promotion of member-driven leadership on agreed initiatives and manage specific initiatives. Collaborate with ATEST Director and key HU staff and consultants in supporting ATEST in development and implementation of the annual ATEST workplan, including priorities for policy, advocacy, and coalition strategic planning.
– As part of this work, provide direct support on initiatives directed toward Congress, the Administration, and other key targets, such as developing and distributing coalition and other sign-on letters to officials;
Public Policy & Government Relations:
– Develop a thorough understanding of persons-of-influence in the anti-human trafficking field and stay abreast of relevant news, legislative progress, legal developments and strategic issues;
– Network with relevant organizations and entities, as needed, to promote awareness of HU and its priorities. Cultivate relationships with stakeholders, including Hill staff, allied organizations and survivors.
– Engage in advocacy on HU’s Strategic Initiatives beyond ATEST, as requested.
– Attend conferences, meetings, and other events on behalf of Humanity United or ATEST.
2. Research Collection and Data Analysis
• Track new legislation and trends;
• Monitor and track implementation of ATEST and Public Policy & Government Relations workplans to assess and record impact;
• Develop, review and edit outreach materials;
• Research domestic and international anti-trafficking and peace building laws, policies, and issues relevant to HU’s areas of focus;
• Analyze anti-trafficking and peace building legislation and policy; and
• Perform additional research on the anti-trafficking and peace building fields, including with respect to the future direction of HU, as requested.
3. Communications
• Develop and distribute letters to and review letters from stakeholders, including allies/organizations and policymakers;
• Plan and coordinate conference calls/webinars with organizations/allies;
• Work directly with Communications staff to update the website, post Blog pieces, draft social media and develop content in support of advocacy goals;
• Distribute/promote reports and HU outreach materials;
• Manage internal communications practices and systems for Public Policy & Government Department, including key internal communication protocols, internal website, email distribution lists, and other communication tools, in coordination with IT staff; and,
• Engage survivors to inform the development and implementation of Public Policy & Government Department’s approach.
4. Management and Operations
• Collaborate in the development of strategy, workplans, and programs for Public Policy & Government Relations Department;
• Contribute to drafting agenda, scheduling, and facilitating meetings/calls and meetings with policymakers and outside groups;
• Assist Director with budget management;
• Manage consultant contracts within grant management system;
• Monitor and evaluate Public Policy & Government Relations Department outcomes;
• Support hiring and management of intern(s); and,
• As needed, work with the Director of Public Policy and Government Relations on other aspects of HU’s anti-trafficking agenda in coordination with other HU staff.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience with human rights, civil rights, anti-slavery and anti-trafficking, or labor related efforts and organizations;
• BA/BS degree in a related field, JD/MA preferred but not required;
• 3-5 years work experience preferred, ideally with non-profits, government, or private foundations;
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with proven ability to track detail on various projects;
• Demonstrated superior ability to build relationships with colleagues and proven ability to work successfully in a team setting;
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate up, down, across, and outside an employer’s organization to drive results while building credibility and long-term strategic relationships;
• Proven ability to respectfully collaborate with individuals with different personalities, philosophies, and cultural backgrounds;
• Coalition experience is a plus;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Functioning knowledge of word processing within Microsoft Word and literacy in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, PowerPoint, and Excel. Experience with WordPress preferred but not required.
• Strong research and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated experience, competence, and confidence working independently and as part of a team;
• Experiences or proven skills in one or more of the following areas is desirable:
• Policy and advocacy, especially with federal government;
• Program planning;
• Development or maintenance of webpages, including intranet or wiki spaces, and other online communication tools; and,
• Facilitation of meetings or group processes.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally. Travel is currently estimated to be quarterly trips to California, occasional other domestic and international travel.