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The Public Policy Associate supports and advances Jewish Family Service LA's public policy, advocacy, and government relations initiatives. The position is responsible for conducting policy research and analysis, monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, developing advocacy materials, coordinating stakeholder engagement activities, and representing the agency in public policy forums and coalitions. The Public Policy Associate exercises independent judgment and discretion in evaluating policy issues, developing recommendations, coordinating advocacy efforts, and supporting strategic initiatives that further the mission and priorities of JFSLA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Work, Communications, Law, or a related field preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations, community engagement, nonprofit administration, legislative affairs, or a related field preferred.
• Strong interest in social services, poverty, public policy, and social justice issues.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research, analyze complex information, and prepare concise written reports and recommendations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management abilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with diverse constituencies, including government officials, community partners, volunteers, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check (Live Scan fingerprinting) prior to employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Public Policy and Advocacy

• Under the direction of the Senior Director, advance JFSLA advocacy initiatives related to agency priorities, social services, and government partnerships.
• Conduct research and analysis on legislative, regulatory, and funding issues impacting JFSLA programs and clients.
• Monitor and report on federal, state, and local legislation, public policy developments, and government funding opportunities.
• Draft policy briefs, fact sheets, legislative summaries, advocacy materials, letters, reports, and presentations.
• Develop recommendations regarding policy positions, advocacy strategies, and stakeholder engagement opportunities.
• Assist in implementing advocacy campaigns and community engagement efforts that support agency priorities.

Government and Community Relations

• Maintain and cultivate effective working relationships with governmental agencies, elected officials, legislative staff, coalition partners, and community organizations.
• Represent JFSLA at coalition meetings, legislative briefings, community events, public forums, and other advocacy-related activities.
• Engage and mobilize community stakeholders, volunteers, and advocates on behalf of JFSLA clients and programs.
• Collaborate with internal departments to identify policy issues affecting programs, clients, and service delivery.

Communications and Strategic Support

• Assist in the development of public policy-related communications, including newsletters, action alerts, social media content, presentations, and external communications.
• Prepare briefing materials, research summaries, talking points, and presentations for agency leadership, committees, and external stakeholders.
• Support the Senior Director in developing and implementing strategic public policy initiatives and advocacy priorities.

Project Coordination and Operational Support

• Organize legislative briefings, stakeholder meetings, advocacy events, site visits, and community engagement activities.
• Manage logistics and preparations necessary to support advocacy initiatives, public policy events, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Develop and maintain legislative tracking systems, advocacy databases, stakeholder contact lists, and public policy records.
• Monitor advocacy activities and outcomes and prepare reports, summaries, and updates for agency leadership.
• Participate and represent JFSLA in coalition meetings as assigned by the Senior Director and follow up with strategic actions.
• Responsible for follow-up activities with governmental agencies, coalition partners, and community stakeholders to ensure timely completion of initiatives.
• Organize Public Policy Committee meetings, including agenda development, preparation and dissemination of materials, meeting coordination, documentation of key discussions, and tracking of action items.
• Assist with scheduling, travel coordination, correspondence, records management, and other operational activities that support the effective execution of the department's public policy and advocacy objectives.
• Exercise independent judgment in prioritizing assignments, identifying issues requiring attention, and recommending appropriate follow-up actions.
• Organize site visits, local briefings; travel arrangements, logistics and related administrative preparation as needed.
• Provide operational support to the Senior Director, including organizing public policy folders, preparing briefing materials, maintaining records and contact databases, tracking advocacy activities, processing correspondence and check requests, and other duties as assigned.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Jewish Family Service is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran

This position reports to the Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Relations.