Fuse Washington

Public Policy and Communications Coordinator, Solid Ground (formerly Fremont Public Association)

Description:
Public Policy & Communications Coordinator

The Statewide Poverty Action Network is a coalition of over 5,000 individuals and organizations taking action to eliminate the root causes of poverty through influencing state public policy decisions.

The Public Policy and Communications Coordinator will meet with, educate and work to influence state elected officials to support Poverty Action’s public policies priorities. Provide testimony and public comment on proposed decisions on behalf of Poverty Action; conduct the media communications work on behalf of Poverty Action, including writing press statements and guest columns, developing press briefings and events, and setting up meetings with editorial staff. Build relationships with reporters and editors of papers around the State, and track their coverage on issues around poverty; develop and write legislation, as well as track, analyze and write briefs on state and federal public policies of interest. Provide comprehensive and in-depth analysis of public policies so that staff, advisory board and Poverty Action members can make informed decisions about policies to select as Poverty Action’s priorities; direct and develop efforts to mobilize Poverty Action’s 5,000 volunteers/members around the State to attend public forums, testify at hearings, write letters, and take direct action on public policy decisions; organize and conduct presentations to educate stakeholders and the public about Poverty Action’s policy priorities with the objective of recruiting volunteers and organizations to join and financially contribute to our work and coordinate and staff the Movement Building Committee of Poverty Action’s Advisory Board. Participate in program, Department and agency meetings and relevant trainings as required.

Additional Qualifications:
Requires one of the following:

A: Four years of experience in community organizing; OR

B: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years experience in community organizing; OR

C: Any combination of education, experience and measurable performance which demonstrates the capability to perform the duties of this position.

Also requires:

• One year experience lobbying and working directly with elected officials;
• One year experience with media communication;
• Experience coordinating campaigns or projects, including coordinating coalitions and facilitating committees, and recruiting and supervising large numbers of volunteers;
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the skill and ability to be persuasive and to advocate effectively with elected officials;
• Knowledge of the legislative process and the ability to help bills get passed or to block negative proposals;
• Knowledge of major social policies, state budget and fiscal issues;
• Excellent organizational abilities, initiative and attention to detail;
• Ability to work individually in a self-directed manner and as part of a team;
• Willingness and ability to work with people from a variety of racial, cultural and economic backgrounds, with various lifestyles, sexual orientations, and of all ages;
• Ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours to attend meetings, hearings;

• Access to reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance that meets Washington State’s minimum guidelines and the ability and willingness to travel throughout the State.

Benefits and Compensation:
Benefits include earning 16.3 paid personal leave hours per month to start, medical, dental, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays, 401 K employer contributed profit sharing plan and tax-sheltered health care and dependant care accounts. This is a full time union position paying $20.11 per hour.

How to Apply:
The Statewide Poverty Action Network is a project of Solid Ground. Applicants must complete a standard Solid Ground application form, which can be obtained at 1501 North 45th Street, Seattle, WA; by calling our job line at (206) 694-6840; or by applying on-line at www.solid-ground.org. Please return completed applications to: Solid Ground, Attn: Human Resources Department, 1501 North 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98103-6708. Please attach a cover letter and resume.

CLOSING DATE: Friday, July 11, 2008 at 5:00 pm or thereafter until filled