JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Policy Analyst and Communications

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Policy Analyst and Communications Associate POSITION OPEN UNTIL4/30/2015
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: FRESC: Good Jobs Strong Communities is a 501(c)(3) non­profit that builds power to ensure that our economy and political system work for all Colorado residents, especially low income people, communities of color and immigrants. We create this change by engaging unions, workers, faith communities and neighborhoods to advance innovative policy solutions. The FRESC office is made up of 11 committed individuals who work both individually and in teams in our modest Wheat Ridge location—we work hard but also have a fun office environment (we eat lunch together most days). FRESC is a vibrant and financially stable organization. Since 2002, FRESC has worked to build an economically just Denver Metro region with equal opportunity for all of our residents. FRESC has a track record of success and is well known by elected leaders and many allies in the non­profit and labor communities. FRESC’s current main campaigns include affordable housing, and ending wage theft. See ​
www.fresc.org​
for more information. MORE ABOUT WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: FRESC seeks a full time Policy Analyst/Communications Associate. The Policy Analyst/Communications Associate will advocate and conduct outreach for FRESC campaigns, work with strategic partner organizations and coalitions, communicate with individual workers, local residents, decision­makers, and allies, develop and support individual leadership skills, facilitate group and committee work, and plan and execute an overall communications strategy to forward and externally represent FRESC’s work. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to work with diverse array of individuals and communities. The successful candidate must have a solid commitment to strengthening our labor unions and social, racial, and economic justice movements. We are seeking an individual with previous experience in communications and/or policy research in the in the labor movement, non­profit or public sector, or comparable experience who is passionate, enthusiastic and visionary. The successful candidate will serve as a key external representative of FRESC as spokesperson, and in­house communications associate. This person will also lead priority policy research projects for FRESC in collaboration with other staff including organizing, policy and development staff. Qualified applicants should be interested in working with FRESC’s talented staff to build upon previous programmatic successes and grow the capacity of the organization. The successful candidate will have strong verbal and written communication skills, and enjoy building and maintaining relationships with staff and stakeholders. RESPONSIBILITIES​
: Policy o Work with Director team to plan and execute policy research, determine policy positions and create publications within overall campaign strategies. o Analyze public policy, city ordinances, and state bills for FRESC initiatives. o
Prepare written reports, analyses, briefings, media communications and memoranda for FRESC staff, leadership, and partner organizations. o Work in inter­disciplinary teams with FRESC staff and outside organizers, organizational leaders, attorneys and other advocates to plan and advance policy change initiatives. o Produce well­written and persuasive materials and media communications. o Monitor and/or participate in appropriate governmental and public meetings and processes consistent with FRESC campaigns, including lobbying, testifying before committee, etc. o Track and evaluate progress and effectiveness of relevant research and campaign goals. o Identify new target policies and practices for potential campaigns. External Relationships/ Communications o Plan, organize, facilitate and debrief project related meetings. o Engage in non­litigation advocacy, such as public speaking and education, working with community organizations, meeting with public officials, giving media interviews, and writing blogs, media advisories and articles. o Develop and cultivate relationships to increase allies’ organizational capacity and campaign participation. o Communicate and build relationships with partner organizations, including labor unions, progressive community organizations, social service organizations, environmental groups, academics, think­tanks, religious institutions and others to advance FRESC campaigns. o Identify new partners, consistent with FRESC’s existing and future work. o Monitor trends in progressive and social media tools and applications and appropriately apply that knowledge to complement FRESC’s organizing and public policy advocacy. o In consultation with Director team, lead FRESC’s overall media strategy. Create and maintain social media. Other responsibilities o Support FRESC’s fundraising activities. o Supervise interns when appropriate. o Perform other duties as assigned. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: o Interest in issues including affordable housing, quality jobs, environmental justice/sustainability, health and safety, and/or immigrant rights. o At least two years of program and/or policy experience working in labor, environment, and/or social justice community, or comparable transferable experience. o Experience designing, coordinating, and leading communications strategies desired. o Ability both to lead and to work well in teams. o Excellent analytical, writing and verbal communication skills, including presenting to large groups of people. o Self­directed and able to manage and drive multiple projects and complex relationships. o Ability to think big and be creative and proactive. o Excellent planning and problem solving skills. o Outstanding political strategy skills. o Ability to navigate complex systems and relationships, and inspire others to act. o
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Excellent relationship and coalition building skills. Good facilitation skills. Willingness and flexibility to work “campaign hours” when necessary (nights and weekends); ability to work well under stress and deadlines. Commitment to understand race, class, gender, and other equity issues as part of your work. Belief in and commitment to progressive social and economic justice. Degree in relevant field a plus. Experience working with low income communities, communities of color, and/or the labor movement helpful. Ability to travel locally; and have reliable transportation. Ability to occasionally travel within the state. Computer competency. Experience working with social media tools. Experience managing web­site content as part of an overall communications strategy. SALARY AND BENEFITS: This is a full­time, salaried position and part of a staff union contract. Salary depends on experience and qualifications. ● Great benefits: family health, dental, vision, holidays, vacation, employer­matched retirement HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should send (1) cover letter/email including salary requirements, (2) resume, and (3) three work­related references to: Desiree Westlund, Deputy Director at ​
[email protected]​
. An Equal Opportunity Employer: Women and Individuals of Color Strongly Encouraged to Apply