Government and Strategic Relations Specialist II

Job Description: Job Title: Government and Strategic Relations Specialist II CBA Classification: Exempt Category 3 Reports To: Housing & Community Development Manager FLSA: Exempt Department/Program: PAC/Housing & Community Development Union Position: Yes Hours: Mon-Fri, may include weekend and evening hours. Employee Type: Full-Time CASA Location: CASA Multicultural Center in Langley Park CASA & CASA IN ACTION SYNOPSIS: CASA’s mission is to create a more just society by building power and improving the quality of life in working class and immigrant communities. Our vision is a future where we stand in our own power, our families live free from discrimination and fear, and our diverse communities thrive as we work with our partners to achieve full human rights for all. CASA has a sister organization, CASA in Action, a separate, but related, nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although CASA and CASA in Action share a common goal of supporting immigrants and low-income people in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, they are separate organizations with their own board of directors. A set of employees at the two organizations, including the person filling this position, shares their time between the two organizations. This has no effect on salary or benefits. DEPARTMENT SYNOPSIS: The Housing and Community Development Department spearheads the integration of progressive place-based and evidence-based initiatives, and promotes policies grounded in equality, sustainability, and inclusiveness, that advances the lives of working families and low-income immigrants. Our strategies focus on systemic change within housing, transportation, public safety, small business, and community development on the local, state, and national level. The HCD facilitates the Fair Development Coalition, a grassroots partnership; housing advocacy & development; the Langley Park Crime Prevention Collaborative, a public safety coalition; Langley Park Family Learning Zone; and the Housing Matters Campaign. Our goal is to achieve transformational change through strategic planning, research and development, coalition building, effective advocacy, and implementation. POSITION SUMMARY: The Government & Strategic Relations Specialist II will cultivate and foster external relationships that support the organizations outreach and community initiatives. Specifically, in this role the selected candidate will, develop and contribute to written documentation including issue briefs, blogs, fact sheets and memos. Prepare background information on organizations and key agencies and government officials to include monitoring the press, and related public hearings. Organize key coalition meetings, develope agendas, take notes, and coordinate appropriate follow-up. Support CASA’s local legislative campaigns and initiatives through identifing and developing, relationships with local, county and state governmental agencies and elected officials. Support full-team projects, including interdepartmental projects, by providing support for outreach, legislative, advocacy and communication activities. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Researching and Analysis:Research and analyze best practices, white papers, and data trends in the areas of affordable housing, community and economic development, mass transit, immigration, public safety and criminal justice.Develop and contribute to project work including formal reports, white papers, issue briefs, blogs, fact sheets, memos and analytical analysis.Aid in collection of specific data focused on performance measures and evaluation framework. Coalition Building:Build and facilitate external coalitions and partnerships to achieve CASA’s mission.Facilitate and strengthen CASA’s coalitions to include the Housing Matters Coalition, the Fair development Coalition and the Regional International Coalition.Represent CASA in local on boards, commissions and with community stakeholders.Prepare background information on organizations and key agencies and government officials to aid in coalition work; including monitoring of press, and public hearings.Identify, develop, maintain and strengthen organizational relationships.Using internal database management system, track partner organizations, update and maintain coalition information, and merge information from former organizational systems into the new system. Advocacy & Legislative CampaignsFacilitate CASA’s local legislative campaigns and initiates.Identify, develop, maintain and strengthen relationships with local, county and state governmental agencies and elected officials.Develop and track pending legislative and regulatory actions that affect disadvantaged residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.Facilitate advocacy related duties such as drafting letters, coordinating local engagement activities, preparing petitions, and assisting with coalition activities.Assist with advocacy issues related to CASA’s interests at the local, state or federal level of government.Draft fact sheets, member profiles, and research reports on agenda priorities. Remain current on related advances in other regions.Support full-team projects, including interdepartmental projects, by providing support for outreach, legislative, advocacy and communication activities. Administrative WorkSupport internal administrative workAssist in campaign election duties EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSUREBachelor’s Degree or equivalent job experience in community development, urban planning, real estate, public policy, public relations, transportation, criminal justice or a related field.Valid US Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:Bilingual English/Spanish, French is a plus.Experience working with immigrant or low-income communities; commitment to progressive issuesAt least two years of experience creating partnerships and coalitions.At least two years of experience with advocacy and lobbying experience.Excellent writing and speaking skills.Deep commitment to social change and to growing CASA de Maryland and CASA in Action as membership organizations in which members have decision-making authority.Strong interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Ability to connect with a wide variety of administrative, organizational, and grassroots leaders.Outgoing and highly charismatic personality a must.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Ability to work at a fast pace with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.Highly organized and able to manage multiple ongoing projects. Position requires strong attention to detail and relentless follow-up.Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends. Early morning, late evening, and weekend hours are common. CASA, Inc. and CASA in Action do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender identity (if known), age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, marital status, national origin. This is a union position, represented in collective bargaining by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Communication Workers of America, Local WBNG 32035 - Communication Workers of America (CWA). If you are offered and accept this position, you will be invited to become a member of the union. All bargaining unit positions require membership or agency fee payer status. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Company Description: CASA works to create a more just society by building power and improving the quality of life in working class and immigrant communities. We are a group of passionate, community-conscious people working to organize, advocate for, and expand opportunities for Latino and immigrant people in the state of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. We do this by providing employment placement; workforce development and training; health education; citizenship and legal services; and financial, language, and literacy training to Latino and immigrant communities throughout the state. Since our humble beginnings in 1985 assisting Central American refugees fleeing wars and civil strife at home, we have worked tirelessly to bring immigrant communities in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania out of the shadows and into greater power, dignity, and legitimacy. CASA's VALUES SOLIDARITY We believe that working in solidarity strengthens us in the struggle DIVERSITY We believe we are stronger when we enhance, recognize and celebrate our diversity. SOCIAL JUSTICE We believe in social justice and our ability to change our own lives. RACIAL EQUITY We believe in demonstrating and fighting for racial equity. POWERFUL VOICE We believe in having a powerful voice in the decisions that affect our lives. EXCELLENCE We believe we achieve excellence when we collaborate, innovate, evaluate, and take pride in our work.