Appleseed is Hiring a Policy Associate!

About Alabama Appleseed: Alabama Appleseed is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1999 whose mission is to achieve justice and equity for all Alabamians. As Alabama’s only research and advocacy organization focused solely on reforming Alabama’s criminal justice system, Alabama Appleseed conducts integrated culture and policy change campaigns to confront laws and policies that harm the poor and to remedy the root causes of poverty and injustice. Our campaigns use policy analysis, research and documentation, legislative action, public education, community organizing, pro bono engagement, coalition building, and litigation. Alabama Appleseed is a vibrant, growing organization that prides itself on creating strategic, evidence-based solutions to some of the most pressing problems in Alabama, and allowing the ingenuity of our staff to lead the way.

Alabama Appleseed is a member of the national Appleseed Network, which includes 17 Appleseed centers across the U.S. and in Mexico City.

Position Summary: Alabama Appleseed seeks a Policy Associate to aid in: developing and implementing campaign goals; building and maintaining relationships with state legislators, administration officials, and other key elected officials; drafting, monitoring, and developing support for state legislation; and working closely with allies and coalition  partners around shared initiatives. The Policy Associate will work alongside the Policy Director to promote Appleseed’s research and reports among decision makers and serve as one of Appleseed’s strategists and contacts with the Alabama Legislature. The Policy Associate will have a strong voice in developing organizational campaigns and tools and must have a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges of social justice and civil rights advocacy in Alabama. The Policy Associate reports to the Policy Director, and works closely with Appleseed’s Research Director and Organizer. This is a full-time position based in Appleseed’s Montgomery office, and will require some statewide travel. Candidates based in Birmingham yet able to be in Montgomery during legislative sessions (typically February – May) may also be considered. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop deep understanding of Appleseed’s research and policy goals and communicate Appleseed’s work persuasively to a variety of audiences;
• Work with Policy Director to develop legislative priorities and strategies;
• Research and analyze laws and policies affecting Alabama communities, conduct comparative state analyses as needed. Develop advocacy tools, including fact sheets, talking points, public education materials, position letters and policy briefs. Produce high-standard written products for internal and external audiences, based on original research and analysis; 
• Work alongside Policy Director to represent Appleseed at the Alabama Legislature. Lobby full-time during legislative session and any special sessions including: track and analyze legislative proposals, prepare and deliver testimony and supporting material; 
• Work with lawmakers to draft and pass legislation supporting Appleseed’s policy goals. Attend legislative committee meetings, monitor the progress of legislation, develop speakers to support legislation, and effectively communicate legislative developments with community members, coalition partners, and other allies;
• Help develop and implement strategies to lobby the Alabama Legislature and other stakeholders to support bills and policies that advance Appleseed’s legislative priorities. Develop relationships with elected officials, both at the state and local level;
• Conduct district visits with key legislators during the legislature’s off season;
• Work with Organizer and Policy Director to build and grow diverse coalitions of other statewide and national organizations to support shared goals;
• Speak publicly on behalf of Alabama Appleseed at community meetings, coalition events, and lobby days.;
• Cultivate bi-partisan allies and partners in multiple sectors including state and local government, direct service, the legal community, faith groups, advocacy nonprofits, and national groups to promote Appleseed’s legislative and policy goals;
• Work within the Appleseed network by attending network convenings and contributing to shared projects;

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to Alabama Appleseed’s mission, vision, and approach to advocacy;
• One or more years of experience highly preferred, especially around legislative and policy advocacy campaigns or governmental affairs;
• Bachelor’s degree preferred;
• J.D. or other advanced degree helpful but not required if suitable candidate has demonstrated, relevant work experience;
• Strong initiative and ability to manage and complete projects with minimal supervision;
• Valid automobile driver’s license – this position will involve extensive travel throughout Alabama;
• Ability to get along and work collaboratively with diverse personalities;
• Ability to multi-task effectively and occasionally embrace administrative duties;
• Willingness to work long hours during the legislative session;
• Willingness to travel throughout the state, as needed, when the legislature is not in session;
• Strong research and writing skills; experience drafting legislation a plus;
• Skilled in Excel, Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Google Docs.

Salary and Benefits: This position offers a competitive non-profit salary range of $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, along with a benefits package including health insurance, generous paid leave, and 401(k) after one year; reimbursement of travel-related expenses.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references, to Alabama Appleseed’s Executive Director Carla Crowder, at carla.crowder@alabamaappleseed.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. Please write “Policy Associate” in the subject line.

The injustices that we are fighting in Alabama today are directly connected to long histories of inequality and oppression in this state. As we build our team to fight for a better Alabama, we know that people who have historically been overlooked need to lead. For this reason, we welcome and strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, people with criminal histories, people from working class backgrounds, and LGBTQ people.

Alabama Appleseed values an inclusive culture and diverse workforce. Alabama Appleseed encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and record of arrest or conviction.