California Policy Manager

Job Title:        California Policy Manager

Department:  Policy

Office:              California State Office         

Reports To:    California State Director

Who We Are:

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) addresses the harms of drug use and drug criminalization through policy solutions, organizing, and public education. We advocate for a holistic approach to drugs that prioritizes health, social supports, and community wellbeing. DPA opposes punitive approaches that destabilize people, block access to care, and drain communities of resources. We believe that the regulation of drugs should be grounded in evidence, health, equity, and human rights. In collaboration with other movements, we change laws, advance justice, and save lives.

DPA has 40 staff across the U.S. an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, and 200,000 members, activists, and supporters. The organization has a solid track record of success at the local, state, and federal levels and consistent visibility in prominent media and policy circles.

Recognizing the broad reach of the drug war, DPA works across issue areas to engage more deeply with organizations and leaders in immigration, family policing, education, reproductive justice, housing, and other aligned spaces. This commitment to building power across movements and building a base contributes to and works in tandem with DPA’s work on policy and legislative change.

Learn more about working at the Drug Policy Alliance here and learn about our work to end the drug war here.  

The Role:

The Policy Manager works with the California State Director in developing and shaping strategy, goals, and communications efforts for the California office. Responsibilities include developing and managing campaigns focused on (but not exclusive to) policy reform related to criminalization of drugs, substance use disorder treatment, overdose prevention, harm reduction, and other health- and addiction-related services, including strategy, partnerships, written materials and action plans; educating and lobbying elected officials, advocacy organizations, and community leaders; leading advocacy and communications work on their legislative campaigns; speaking publicly and representing DPA in the media; and more. The Policy Manager also works with the larger DPA policy department to contribute to the development of DPA’s national policy agenda. 

The successful candidate must be a self-starter and a risk taker, with a high degree of confidence and energy.  Excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for racial and social justice are essentials for success.

Key Responsibilities:

Broad responsibilities include:

• Managing state level legislative campaigns.
• Organizing community groups and advocacy organizations in support of DPA’s federal agenda.

• Meeting with and influencing legislators, advocates, and community groups.
• Educating the public and policymakers on the need to treat drug use as a health issue instead of a criminal issue.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Co-managing, with the other Policy Manager and Director, DPA’s legislative and advocacy agenda at the state level, including primary responsibility for independently managing campaigns focused on (but not exclusive to) policy reform related to criminal legal system reform, substance use disorder treatment, overdose prevention, harm reduction, and other health- and addiction-related services.
• Seeking out and identifying opportunities to promote DPA’s core priorities at the state level, including “push the envelope” discussions for drug policy reform and to implement strategies to achieve DPA’s goals and objectives, particularly with respect to implementing coordinated drug strategies.
• Supporting and strengthening team efforts across campaign areas.
• Building, managing, and/or working with coalitions in support of legislative campaigns and assisting with the development and management of the California office’s statewide “Health, Not Harm” partnership.
• Lobbying members of the state legislature, state agencies, and other policymakers and their staff on legislation, regulations, and other policy issues.
• Monitoring and tracking legislation in support of the goals of the California office.
• Drafting, editing and disseminating fact sheets, backgrounders, policy reports, and other materials.
• In coordination with DPA’s communications team, developing and implementing communications strategies and tactics to support California legislative and communications campaigns.
• Creating and maintaining solid relationships with diverse partners, including agency staff, community-based organizations, advocacy organizations, academics and researchers, businesspeople, elected officials, and local DPA members.
• Actively seeking to include people most impacted by the war on drugs in policy campaigns and decision-making, such as people who use drugs, people in recovery, formerly incarcerated individuals, and their families.
• Contributing to DPA fundraising activities.
• Serving as DPA’s representative at community events, conferences, and other forums, and in media interviews.
• Assisting with the recruitment, training, and supervision of consultants, student fellows, interns, and volunteers. 
• Planning policy forums, rallies, press conferences, and other events.
• Assisting the Director with annual budget and work plan development; and
• Performing other duties as required.

Skills and Experience:

To fulfill the responsibilities of the role, we are seeking candidates with the following qualifications and characteristics

• A minimum of five years of experience or equivalent in public policy advocacy, community organizing, legislative work, and/or government relations.

• Experience building and/or participating in coalitions in pursuit of an activist agenda with measurable results.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse partners, including community-based organizations and community members/constituents.
• Strong analytic ability and superior communication skills, including writing and public speaking to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial and social justice and equity.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, flexibility, creativity, curiosity, and a good sense of humor.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Deep familiarity with drug policy, particularly reforms focused on substance use disorder treatment, harm reduction, and other health- and addiction-related services
• Commitment to harm reduction, racial and social justice, and drug policy reform principles are essential.
• Familiarity with legislative process at the state or federal level, preferably in California.

• Advanced degree in public policy/administration, public health, law, or related field preferred.

• Enthusiasm and motivation to lead on cutting-edge issues.
• Availability to travel as may be required; and
• Entrepreneurial outlook.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, exempt position. The salary range for this position is $80,000-$88,000, depending on  experience. Benefits for DPA staff include comprehensive health insurance and coverage (including dental and vision), 403b retirement plan with 10% employer matching contribution after completion of one-year, paid time off including 20 days of vacation, plus national holidays, sick days, organizational closure at the end of December, and year-round early dismissal on Fridays.

Location

Applicants should reside in California (strong preference for candidates residing in Sacramento.) This position will work remotely on an ongoing basis. Some travel is required.

Hours:

Full-time, remote, and flexible schedule

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit the following: 

1. Your resume.

1.  A cover letter that includes brief responses to the following prompts:  

• Why do you want to work in drug policy/for the Drug Policy Alliance? 
• Briefly describe one previous work experience and how it has prepared you for this role. 
• Briefly describe your career goals; and 
• Your salary requirements.

Equal Opportunity

Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. DPA encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnicity, personal appearance, political affiliation, family responsibility, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction.  Drug Policy Alliance is particularly interested in hiring people who have been adversely affected by the war on drugs.