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The Mountain Association for Community Economic Development is now hiring a Policy Associate! (11875 hits)


Overview
The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KCEP) seeks to hire a Policy Associate. The position will work collaboratively to support public policy that addresses issues of hunger and nutrition in Kentucky. Successful applicants will demonstrate an ability to build coalitions, conduct advocacy and produce research and communications, as well as a commitment to social, economic and racial justice.

Background
KCEP seeks to improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians through research, education and advocacy on important policy issues facing the commonwealth. KCEP is a non-profit, non-partisan organization and a respected provider of solid information on the impact of policies on Kentucky communities. It strives for strategic, timely and analytically rigorous research as well as compelling, clear and accessible communications. KCEP seeks to influence public understanding and debate about state fiscal and economic issues and contribute to real, lasting improvements in policy. Founded in 2011, KCEP is an initiative of the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED).

In a state where 17 percent of households are considered food insecure, KCEP is ramping up our focus on policy issues affecting hunger and nutrition in Kentucky, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). KCEP seeks to build a thriving and equitable commonwealth.

Position Description
The duties and responsibilities of the Policy Associate include the following.

Coalition Building and Advocacy
  • Help build and manage a new state-wide coalition on hunger-related issues in cooperation with the Kentucky Equal Justice Center and other key partners.
  • Conduct outreach and relationship building with a wide variety of organizations and grassroots and grasstops leaders on hunger-related issues.
  • Participate in developing and implementing campaign strategies to change policy, including legislative and administrative advocacy.
  • Build relationships with decision makers.
  • Participate in national networks on hunger-related policy issues.


Communications and Public Education
  • Work with the Communications Director to produce compelling communications materials for various audiences on SNAP and other hunger-related issues including fact sheets, op-eds, press releases, tweets and Facebook posts.
  • Prepare and deliver clear public presentations that help everyday Kentuckians understand and support better policy on SNAP and other hunger-related issues.
  • As requested, represent KCEP effectively and compellingly in the media through interviews, quotes and appearances.


Policy Analysis
  • Work with KCEP research staff to analyze relevant data around SNAP-related issues.
  • Analyze administrative and legislative proposals for their positive and negative impacts and strategic importance.
  • Identify, research and frame key issues and author blog posts, briefs/reports, public comments and other publications.


Administration and Organizational Support
  • Carry out administrative tasks as needed, including related to KCEP mailings, events and other activities.
  • Assist with keeping KCEP systems, such as our contact database, up to date.
  • Support other staff work through peer review and feedback on draft reports and assistance with analysis and advocacy as appropriate.
  • Take a leadership role as appropriate in team projects.
  • Assist with fundraising activities as needed including grant reports and proposals as well as individual donor work.
  • Practice safety in all aspects of the job.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Minimum Requirements
  • Strongly articulated interest in and commitment to social, economic and racial justice.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  • Existing knowledge of the public policy process.
  • Three years of experience in policy, advocacy or related work.
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to work constructively in teams and build trusting relationships.
  • Ability to conduct policy analysis and build policy expertise.
  • Strong writing skills and the ability to write clearly for a general audience.
  • Self-motivated, creative thinker with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Computer skills, including the ability to use spreadsheets to analyze data sets and word processing.
  • Close vision with or without corrective lenses necessary for computer work.
  • Manual dexterity needed to operate computer.
  • Able to perform assigned duties in a time-efficient manner.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to drive.
  • Either insurability on MACED’s group vehicle policy or access to a reliable vehicle for regular trips.


Preferred Qualifications and Characteristics
  • Master’s degree in a related field.
  • Experience in writing and creating compelling communication materials.
  • An understanding of hunger-related policies and the safety net.
  • Knowledge of and experience in Kentucky and awareness of Kentucky policy and politics.


Additional Information

The position offers a competitive salary based on experience, with a generous benefits package. The position is located in Berea with regular travel within Kentucky. MACED/KCEP is an equal opportunity employer. People of color and women are especially encouraged to apply.

Please e-mail your resume, contact information for three professional references and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position to policy.associate@kypolicy.org. Application review will be on-going and continue until the position is filled.


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Posted By: Cheer Leader
Friday, June 28th 2019 at 10:47AM
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