Communications & Public Policy Specialist

Job Announcement
 

Organization Center for Community Change – California Partnership	Date March 2013
Position Title Communications & Public Policy Specialist	Location Los Angeles, CA

 
About the Center for Community Change
The Center for Community Change is a national social justice non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.  Founded in 1968 to honor the life and values of Robert F. Kennedy, our mission is to build the power and capacity of low-income people, especially low-income people of color, to have a significant impact in improving their communities and the policies and institutions that affect their lives.
The Center for Community Change is committed to help build powerful and dynamic movements in diverse communities across America that will be the impetus for creating a society in which everyone has enough to thrive and achieve their full potential.  Inspired by a belief in the dignity of all people, the Center has been instrumental in the fight for comprehensive and fair immigration reform, a push for a bold jobs agenda, and protecting essential retirement security programs. The Center played a major role in recent positive changes to immigration laws that will keep thousands of immigrant families together. Our Housing Trust Fund Project has helped bring affordable housing to millions of people. For further information please visit our website at: www.communitychange.org.
 
About California Partnership
 
California Partnership (CAP), a special project of the Center for Community Change is a statewide coalition of community-based groups, organizing and advocating at the local, state, and national levels for programs and policies that reduce and end poverty. Over the years, CAP has spear-headed exciting campaigns to develop electoral power in low-income communities, give voice to local communities in creating a more just state budget, and build a movement for health care for everyone. 
California Partnership has member organizations across the state and is organized in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, the Central Coast, portions of the Central Valley, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside.  For further information please visit our website at: www.california-partnership.org
 
 
 
Position Description
 
California Partnership is hiring a Communications and Public Policy Specialist, a vital part of the CAP team to assist with its policy and communications work.  The Communications and Public Policy Specialist will focus on mobilizing and informing our grassroots CBO member groups by crafting and disseminating key messages and policy pieces. The Communications and Policy Specialist would also work to promote the visibility of our campaigns, CAP member groups, and the movement of politically activated low-income people of color in both traditional print and television media, and also the rapidly advancing social and internet based new media outlets.  This position is based in our Los Angeles office.
 
This position reports to:   Director of California Partnership
 
Principal Responsibilities: 

• Assist in developing and implementing a communications strategy
• Maintain up-to-date media contact lists and assist with media outreach
• Establish media relationships in key regions
• Manage CAP’s website, Facebook page, and blog
• Create and distribute CAP’s e-newsletter
• Write and submit letters of support
• Keep in regular communication with and educate other staff and key leaders on CAP’s priority policy issues
• Assist with the development and distribution of public education and policy materials
• Help to create and distribute main factsheets pertaining to CAP’s priority issues
• Track legislation CAP supports in budget, health, electoral, and other related areas
• Track and research policy issues related to CAP’s priorities
• Alert members on bills currently in process with materials and factsheets as needed
• Support staff in campaigns and actions as necessary
• Represent CAP in a professional manner at meetings, actions, events, trainings, and the general public
• Collaborate and coordinate with allied organizations to increase the power of low-income people in California
• Additional duties as assigned by Director

 
Qualifications:

• Strong communication and writing skills
• Strong computer and technology skills
• Experience in maintaining effective new media
• Experience in policy research and writing
• Familiarity with policy issues impacting low-income communities such as health care and  the state budget
• Strong team player, familiar with team dynamics and willing to work in a team environment
• Strong commitment to social justice and social change.
• Self-motivated
• Willing to work flexible hours including nights and weekends
• Willingness to travel around the state and nationwide occasionally
• Spanish language skills a plus
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds

 
Salary & Benefits: CCC offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.
 
Closing Date of Position: Open Until Filled
 
How to apply: Please submit resume, a cover letter that includes salary expectations and at least two writing samples to: