POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: California State Advocacy Strategist

OPEN:

August, 2015

LOCATION: Los Angeles or Sacramento, CA

CLOSING:

Until filled

CONTACT: Darcy Eischens

SALARY:

Commensurate
with experience

BACKGROUND
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR)the largest national Hispanic civil rights and
advocacy organization in the United Statesworks to improve opportunities for Hispanic
Americans. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations
(CBOs), NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the
District of Columbia. To achieve its mission, NCLR conducts applied research, policy analysis,
and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective in five key areasassets/investments, civil
rights/immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. In addition, it
provides capacity-building assistance to its Affiliates who work at the state and local level to
advance opportunities for individuals and families.
Founded in 1968, NCLR is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization
headquartered in Washington, DC, serving all Hispanic subgroups in all regions of the country. It
has state and regional offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, and San
Antonio.
JOB DESCRIPTION
NCLR is seeking a California State Advocacy Strategist to join its Civic Engagement Project,
which works to expand the power and influence of the Latino community to shape public policy
debates. This team is housed within NCLRs Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation
(ORAL), one of the most influential and visible national advocacy think tanks championing
public policy on behalf of Latinos. The Civic Engagement Project leverages policy and program
expertise, communications and polling, and community participation, linking eligible immigrants
to citizenship, citizens to registration and voting, and the NCLR Affiliate Network and the Latino
community to issue campaigns, to achieve transformational policy change.
The California State Advocacy Strategist will lead and manage efforts to advance NCLRs public
policy agenda in California. S/he will work with NCLRs Affiliate Network and partner
organizations to advance policy solutions by increasing advocacy on various issues including
criminal justice, health, education, and immigration, and by working on projects to expand voter
engagement. This position will work collaboratively with various NCLR teams and external
allies to advance integrated issue and electoral campaigns, maximize outcomes, and strengthen
an infrastructure conducive to greater Latino participation. The California State Advocacy
Strategist will report to the Associate Director of National Campaigns, set strategies in
collaboration with civic engagement and issue teams, and work in partnership with the California
regional staff and other NCLR components as appropriate.

This position can be based in Los Angeles or Sacramento, CA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and implement strategies to advance NCLRs public policy agenda in California,
building the participation of Latino community-based organizations in issue advocacy and
electoral campaigns, maximizing alignment between state and federal efforts and serve as
NCLRs state representative in those areas.
Work across teams and regional staff to define strategic priorities and shape highly aligned
field campaigns that leverage organizational assets and maximize outcomes.
Sustain and expand partnerships with the NCLR Affiliate Network, state coalitions and allies,
and elected officials to advance policy priorities and electoral participation.
Monitor state legislative and agency activity on selected issues, including tracking legislation
and hearings, preparing and delivering testimony, and carrying out legislative advocacy.
Collaborate with issue and communications teams to develop issue analyses, position
statements, talking points, and public information materials that energize Latino
participation, elevate Latino issue priorities, and educate partners and policymakers.
Enhance the advocacy capacity of the NCLR Affiliate Network and allied groups by
organizing policy/advocacy activities including roundtables, town halls, and legislative visits,
and developing spokespeople by providing them with technical assistance and issue support.
Identify/develop and disseminate updates on legislative and campaign developments and
advocacy materials including talking points, bill analyses, target lists, and similar tools.
Link Latino CBOs to broader legislative efforts, key players, and networks in various sectors.
Implement effective tracking and reporting mechanisms to measure progress and document
outcomes to be communicated to senior leadership, funders, and other stakeholders.
Work with the Civic Engagement team to assist in issue and electoral campaigns in other
states as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience developing and executing high-impact issue advocacy and/or electoral campaigns
at the state or federal levels, combining field, policy, legislative, and communications
elements
Experience working with CBOs and solid understanding of the Latino community, its
demographics, and its priority issues
Substantive knowledge of the legislative and policymaking process
Excellent writing skills and ability to synthesize information from different sources and
present it in a variety of written formats and styles (e.g., issue one-pagers, fact sheets, blog
posts, opinion editorials, talking points)
Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to represent NCLR effectively on selected
issues in various settings issues (e.g., trainings, presentations, press conferences, interviews,
and legislative testimony)

Ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders (coalition partners, legislative staff, the media,
foundations, and academics), work in coalition, and build high-impact partnerships
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and thrive in a complex environment with
multiple priorities, working both independently and as part of a team
Attention to detail and solid organizational, administrative, and computer skills
Ability to work extended hours, particularly during peak campaign periods
Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally and out of town
Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
Bachelors or advanced degree preferred

Please note: Only those applicants who submit a cover letter and writing sample along with a
rsum will be considered for this opportunity. Please include Civic Engagement Project,
California State Advocacy Strategist in the subject line of any email submissions.
SEND COVER LETTER, WRITING SAMPLE, AND RSUM TO:
National Council of La Raza
Raul Yzaguirre Building
Attn: Darcy Eischens
1126 16th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036-4845
Fax: (202) 776-1794
oral-admin@nclr.org
No phone calls please.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified applicants will receive consideration
without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities,
political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.