State Policy Advocate

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1981, Isles is a nationally recognized nonprofit community development and environmental organization with the mission to foster self-reliant families in healthy, sustainable communities.  Each year, Isles reaches thousands of central New Jersey residents with opportunities for at-risk youth job training, affordable housing development, financial literacy training, homeownership counseling, community gardening, environmental health and education, community organizing, and regional planning.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO WORK FOR ISLES:  Isles strives to provide impactful programs, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance and a positive, team-oriented atmosphere.  Our team consists of 100 employees, plus a corps of volunteers and an engaged Board of Directors.

POSITION OVERVIEW:  The State Policy Advocate will coordinate public policy initiatives primarily in Environmental Health and other similar Isles’ service areas and create community and governmental partnerships to realize community-based solutions. The State Policy Advocate will primarily focus on the New Jersey Legislature, N.J. State Departmental Agencies, and the Office of the Governor, and will also work on complementary Federal policy.

In collaboration with staff across all Isles service areas, the State Policy Advocate will support the growth of the Johnson Center’s public policy, advocacy, communications and public education priorities for New Jersey. This position will work closely with the Director of Policy and Partnerships and the Director of the Johnson Center, as well as with the Senior Policy Advocate focused on Trenton and Mercer County. The State Policy Advocate will also work with all Isles’ Managing Directors to advance both Isles and the Johnson Center’s policy and advocacy goals, as well as educate policymakers, educators, and non-profit leaders to achieve our goals.

The State Policy Advocate will help expand on Isles’ existing relationships with colleges and universities, community-based organizations, policy think tanks and public opinion leaders to implement public policy with community/grassroots leadership.

WHO WILL BE SUCCESSFUL:  The people who thrive on our team are passionate, visionary, curious, creative, open-minded, flexible, self-directed, and willing to learn from mistakes. They are also results-driven, detail-oriented, and responsible. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

•        Implementation of a comprehensive framework for state, local, and federal advocacy and policy change efforts within Isles’ Environmental Health service areas and policy scope. 
• Creates communications content across all of media with relevant content to engage nonprofits, funders and others on policy developments and actions affecting the Isles and the Johnson Center.
• Participates in other policy projects that impact Johnson Center and/or Isles’ mission.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required

• Strong commitment to our vision, mission, and values.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and work autonomously.
• Ability to assess organization and community-wide needs within the scope of all Isles’ service areas, prioritize and resource viable solutions, and organize community/grassroots leaders to affect real-world policy change.
• Superior writing skills with the ability to translate complex issues into a level appropriate for the general population, policymakers, academic institutions, and media/press.
• Excellent publication skills that include proofreading and knowledge of design/layout.
• Ability to represent Isles in a professional and personable manner and build relationships with a wide-range of people through public speaking and networking.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with a variety of audiences, including community advocates, service providers, members of the public, press and local officials.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in web-based communications, social media, and some basic design software knowledge.
• Ability to work with diverse people, communities, and cultures, with an understanding of cultural awareness practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred

• Knowledge and/or experience of policy-making process at a local (county) and State level
• Knowledge and/or experience of policy-making process at the Federal level
• Experience working with local decision makers (mayors, board of supervisors, etc.) and State Agency decision makers (commissioners, deputies, managers, etc) 

Education and/or Experience 

• Master’s degree in related field and/or five or more years of relevant work experience.
• High level of knowledge and passion for issues related to Public Policy, sustainable Community Development, and Climate Change.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience with online data collection systems and ability to enter data accurately
• Ability to learn new software quickly and effectively; experience with SalesForce preferred

Position Details: Exempt, 40 hour/week position, flexible schedule.  Salary range: $55,000-$65,000 depending on training and experience.

 Please apply below:

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