Policy Director, Louisiana

The SPLC is seeking a Policy Director for Louisiana committed to racial justice and passionate about public policy advocacy.

The Policy Director is a results-driven and experienced advocate who is passionate about advancing civil rights for societys most vulnerable members and communities. The Policy Director works under the supervision of the Regional Policy Director to advance SPLCs policy objectives in Louisiana via multi-strategy campaigns. The Policy Director works with colleagues across the policy department advocates and members of the SPLC Legal Communications Learning for Justice and Intelligence Project departments. The Policy Director supervises the Policy Associate and Community Organizer directs state contract lobbyists and liaises directly with state and local elected and appointed officials agencies judges non-profit organizations and allies directly impacted individuals and communities.

Who You Are

Experienced. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing public policy advocacy campaigns specifically executing local and state strategies on issues related to securing democracy eradicating poverty reimagining the youth and adult criminal legal system and opposing hate and extremists ideologies that impact Black and Brown communities.

Supervisor. Demonstrated experience supervising a team.

Knowledgeable. Operational understanding of laws governing 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) permissible lobbying and electioneering activity.

Effective Communicator.Skilled in listening and persuasive communication to articulate ideas problems and solutions in both written and oral presentations to diverse audiences including elected officials across political ideologies directly impacted community members stakeholders and the media among others.

Strategic thoughtful and analytical. Ability to develop manage and execute strategic and effective advocacy initiatives that engage intra- and inter-departmental to achieve organizational priorities.

Efficient. Ability to effectively manage time while working in a fast-paced environment often with competing deadlines and adjusting deadlines. Must be able to pivot from one assignment to another to accomplish goals and timely complete assignments.

Collaborative. Demonstrated ability to work in partnership with people of diverse backgrounds including internal departments external organizations and stakeholders to execute specific policy strategies to advance the work of the policy department.

Mission Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLCs mission vision and values.

What Youll Do

Direct local- and state-level policy engagements in Louisiana.

Develop and execute a strategic workplan to achieve organizational objectives in Louisiana.

Manage the Louisiana Policy team providing mentoring and coaching as well as contract lobbyists.

Hire train establish and monitor staff performance and development goals assign duties and conduct performance reviews.

Develop and maintain relationships with elected legislators and their staff allied organizations and community partners and the media.

Serve as a spokesperson for Louisiana policy priorities.

Identify secure and prepare opportunities for SPLC to influence legislation and policy at the local and state levels including commenting on proposed ordinances legislation and rules submitting statements and letters preparing advocacy materials and organizing and conducting meetings with elected and administrative officials and their staff.

Secure draft and deliver or coordinate delivery of legislative testimony and model legislation at the local and state level.

Assist the Chief Policy Officer and Regional Policy Director with preparing the Policy Departments annual budget.

Research monitor review and summarize the constitutional and practical impact of proposed legislation and develop strategies to defeat or advance legislation.

Assume a strategic role in coalition campaigns ensuring diverse representation including the voices of directly impacted individuals on advocacy issues consistent with SPLCs priorities.

Manage SPLCs state-based lobbyists including annual contract renewals processing monthly retainer and expenses for payment and directing their engagements.

Represent the SPLC interests and cultivate relationships with partners to advance our policy priorities.

Prepare documentation and reporting to the Chief Policy Officer and Regional Policy Director as directed.

Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• At least five (5) years of policy advocacy experience including track record of developing managing and implementing campaigns to pass and oppose legislation as well as government agency rules and regulations; experience in a deeply partisan environment is a plus;
• At least two (2) years of experience in social justice/civil rights work;
• At least two (2) years of proven managerial experience of staff to include hiring training performance evaluation discipline and mentoring;
• Demonstrated leadership in building and maintain an innovative and positive working culture including commitment to JEDI principles within a policy department; and
• Highschool diploma or GED.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $148500.00 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where & How Youll Work

This role the following work designations options:

• Local Remote:Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
• This role reports to the Regional Policy Director.

Other Special Considerations

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are notintended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices we considerapplicants equally without regard to age caregiver status color disability ethnicity gender gender expression gender identity marital status national origin on the basis ofgenetic information political affiliation pregnancy or veteran status.